Natural, organic, and pasture-raised foods are the best way to make your barbecue green. Applegate Farms and Organic Prairie provide certified natural and organic meat products that are both delicious and environmentally conscious. Organic vegetables from your local Farmers Market or home garden are another way to enrich taste, while the reuse of ingredients in multiple dishes will reduce waste.

Before you buy a case of plastic water, consider the pitchers in your cabinets at home. Fill them up with cucumber water or homemade iced tea and lemonade to add a touch of home style to your cookout. This greatly reduces the waste caused by individual beverage containers that often are thrown out half full at barbecues.

There is much debate over which grill is greener: gas or charcoal? The argument hinges on the fuel used to power each. Gas grills use petroleum or natural gas, which are non-renewable fossil fuels. Yet gas grills produce less smoke and fewer carbon emissions than their charcoal counterparts. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the Department of Energy conducted a study, which found that gas grills generate 5.6 pounds of carbon dioxide per hour, while charcoal grills produce 11 pounds per hour. However, before charcoal grills are discounted, consider chunk or lump coal. This type of coal is greener than the conventional charcoal briquettes and contains no chemical additives. It is carbon neutral to burn and it is sold in most health food and home improvement stores.

Ditch disposable paper and plastic ware. Instead, bring your plates, cups, and silverware from home. These are cute and easy to clean. Once everyone is done, scrape off the plates over a trashcan and rinse them with water or place them in a grocery tote to wash at home. Another affordable option is to use compostable plates and utensils made of potato or cornstarch.

However you and your family decide to green your barbecues this summer, Remyndr wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day!

Recycle Tips for Summer Trips

It’s easy to be green on the go. Here are three easy vacation tips: First, bring a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, or grocery tote. This cuts down on waste and doubles as a cute fashion statement. Second, when you shop for snacks, buy family-sized rather than individual packages. This saves money and reduces the amount of wrapping that ends up in the trash. Third, designate a shopping bag to be used for recycling throughout your trip. Collect cans, bottles, brochures, and other recyclables. Throw the bag away when you see a recycle bin at the next rest stop, gas station, or vacation destination. These steps are simple and an easy way to teach your kids how to care for their environment.

Reduce Trash Smell

No one likes to come home to a kitchen that smells like trash. Luckily, there are simple home remedies you can use to reduce trash smells after you take out the trash: First, sprinkle the bottom of your trash bin with baking soda. It will absorb offensive odors the same way it does in the refrigerator. If your trash bin is metal, pour the baking soda into a coffee filter and tie it with a rubber band or a piece of tape. This will prevent corrosion. Second, take one or two dryer sheets that you use for laundry and place them at the bottom of your trash bin. This will mask offensive odors and keep your trash bin fresh. Third, daub cotton balls with mint or vanilla extract, place them at the bottom of your bin, and let them sit overnight. This will fill your trash bin with the sweet smell of extract. These DIY tips are simple and will help make your house smell like home.