Independence Day – Get Your Green Grill On!

It is your natural and unalienable right to char something this 4th of July, by gum! But before you make a sacrifice to the grilling gods, check out these quick tips from the Sierra Club to help reduce your grilling carbon impact and eat a healthier meal.

* Opt for a cleaner-burning propane or electric grill over one powered by charcoal, which contributes more to poor air quality. If you've got time to spare, a solar oven or stove avoids emissions altogether.

* If you do use charcoal, look for lump brands (briquettes may contain coal dust or other additives as binders) made from invasive tree species or harvested from sustainably managed forests, and switch from lighter fluid, which releases smog-forming VOCs, to a chimney starter.

* Grill organic, hormone-free meat and mix it up with fish, veggies, even fruit.
* Minimize health risks (from carcinogenic substances that can form when meats are grilled or broiled at high temperature) by choosing lean meats and trimming fat before cooking.

* Set your picnic table with reusable dishware and silverware and cloth napkins. If that's not feasible, look for biodegradable or recycled-paper dinnerware, unbleached cups, and recycled-paper napkins.

* Clean up green with a natural cleaner like Orange Plus (made with orange oil) or SoyClean.