Last Updated on January 23, 2024
It is summer time. In my family that means swimming and BBQ. How many of you have a cookout or two planned this year?
We’ve always been big grillers; so, I want to talk about some of my favorite Eco friendly swaps.
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make veggies the focus:
You get the same sweetness as roasting them with the added bonus of a smoky kick.
Mmmmm. Also, mega bonus points for killer char marks.
invest in some good reusable tools:
We have a couple of grilling baskets and metal skewers that we can use over and over again.
Just make sure to oil them before using.
use reusables:
Use real plates, forks, knives, and yes – cloth napkins too! Keep a bucket outside. We have a large tin bucket that we fill with a little bit of water.
Everyone can put their plates, utensils and napkins in when done. We rinse everything at the same time outside.
It makes it super easy to clean up. I also like to put a full load of laundry in before the party.
After the party is over, throw in the napkins and run the whole thing.
the veg:
- 1 eggplant
- 1 Tomato
- 1 Summer Squash
- 1 Zucchini
- 1 Small Red Onion
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
the spread:
- 1/2 Cup of Olive Oil
- 3-4 Cloves Minced Garlic
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- 1/2 of the Lemon’s Juice
- 2 Tablespoons of Fresh Parsely
- Salt and Pepper
dessert:
- 2 Peaches
- Ice Cream
Make sure to talk to your vendor. You don’t want clingers.
Clingers will hold on to the pit making it impossible for you to separate them in half evenly.
Oil the peaches, place them on the grill. Remove and top with ice cream!
I’m really fond of the minimalist baker’s recipe. Only thing missing is a balsamic drizzle! Mmmmm.
the challenge:
Throw a veggie focused bbq full of reusables this summer. Don’t forget to tag me in your photos! #ZeroWasteChallenge
What are some of your favorite summer grillin’ recipes?
Question – any solution for zero waste charcoal? I see natural bricks in paper bags at my local Mom’s Organic Market, which is not bad. Just curious if there was any other solution! š
That’s what we use! We burn the paper bag as kindling to start the fire. So, there’s nothing left when we’re finished.
FYI – for cleaning up the grill – you should use something like half an onion or lemon or a balled up piece of (used) aluminum foil (that a guest brought to cover their bowl, obviously!) to scrape cooked on bits off the grill grate before the grill cools. hold the onion/lemon/foil ball in some tongs and use a bit of elbow grease!
I’ve also seen wooden grill scrapers like this that can be used over and over.
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Scrape-Woody-Paddle-Natural/dp/B013S1SM4I
Both of these options (except for the foil, which you reused) are compostable after final use.
Avoid using metal scraping brushes. I have had friends that have had the metal bristles end up in their food if a bristle was left behind in a previous cleaning, even get stuck in their throat and cause infection.
What type of grill do you use or recommend? I’m shopping for a grill and would like to be mindful!