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Earth-Friendly Grilling Tips

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August 23, 2014
MAKE YOUR NEXT COOKOUT MORE ENVIRONMENTAL WITH THIS HANDY CHECKLIST

CUT DOWN ON TRASH
  • Save paper by sending party invitations online.
  • Disposable plates and cups, plastic cutlery and paper napkins often are the bulk of the trash from a cookout or picnic. Use real dishes (choose reusable plastic ones if you’re worried about breakage), cups and utensils. If you must have disposables, opt for recycled paper or bamboo.
  • Use an inexpensive tablecloth or an old sheet instead of a paper or plastic table cover.
  • Decorate with flowers, plants and fresh fruit.
  • Limit single-serve containers by mixing beverages by the pitcher. (Try this recipe for Pomegranate Green Tea Punch.)
  • Provide a recycling bin for cans and bottles.
SAVE ENERGY
  • Buy your fruits and vegetables locally, from a farmers’ market. It takes less fuel to transport produce when it’s grown nearby. 
  • Continue your shindig into the night with solar-powered lawn lights.
  • Keep the hood down on your grill to save fuel.
AVOID AIR POLLUTION
  • Opt for a cleaner-burning electric or gas grill. If you must use a traditional grill, all-natural lump charcoal has fewer additives than conventional charcoal does.
  • Clean your grill properly after each use to cut down on smoke. Scrape away grease and grime with a wire brush while the grill is still hot.
  • Keep insects away with bug-repellent soy candles instead of bug spray.
REDUCE FOOD WASTE
  • Ask guests to RSVP so you can buy the correct amount of food.
  • Use slightly smaller plates. One study found that people tend to fill bigger plates with more food—which often ends up in the trash. 
  • Send your guests home with doggie bags, or use the night’s leftovers to create new dishes, such as Grilled Eggplant & Tomato Sandwiches with Romano Black Pepper Mayonnaise.
For more Beauty and Food Tips from Unilever and your favorite brands, visit www.MakingLifeBetter.com.