Does Your BBQ Contribute to Climate Change?

It is estimated that between 50 and 100 grams of carbon dioxide are emitted during barbequing.  This seems like an insignificant amount of greenhouse gases but none-the-less is an often overlooked contributor to climate change.

When you consider the 4th of July alone, enough greenhouse gas is released as a result of 60 million barbeques to power 20,000 homes for one year.   Assuming that giving up your barbeque is not “on the table” then what are the greenest options?

Experts estimate that a charcoal grill gives off twice the CO2 as a gas barbeque.  In addition gas burns much cleaner than charcoal.  When charcoal is burnt it gives off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides.  These ingredients contribute to smog.  Charcoal also emits carbon monoxide and particulate matter, aggravating heart and lung problems and can potentially damage the liver, kidney and nervous system.  If you insist on using a charcoal barbeque then avoid charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid.  The greenest alternatives are lump coal and a chimney starter.

For the gas alternatives, natural gas burns cleaner than propane.  This may be the best all around choice.  Although this is debatable since methane is the primary component of natural gas.  Methane is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.  (Gas leaks never happen right?)

The best choice of all is to use a solar cooker.