Labor Day is less than a week away! For many of us, that will be our last barbecue of the season (although plenty of people barbecue year-round too). For those that want to do their part in helping the environment, consider these four ways to have a green barbecue, whether your last will be on Labor Day or not.

Use Reusable Plates, Cups and Utensils

Do not buy or use disposable plates, cups, and utensils. While this is the norm for barbecues, it just adds to the trash at landfills. You can find many nice reusable plates, cups, and utensils in the store, so you don’t have to use your fancy china. Try looking for Recycline’s Preserve Tableware.

Serve Less Meat

Did you know that one pound of beef is made with 1,915 gallons of water? How about that cattle produce large amounts of methane, which is worse than carbon dioxide? You can cut down on these harmful environmental effects by using less meat at your barbecue (although this really wouldn’t cut down on the number of cows producing methane as they graze). Serve a lot of vegetarian side dishes to fill people up, and then just have a limited amount of meat.

For the meat you do use, choose organic and pasture-raised. They are much healthier and easier on the environment.

Buy Seasonal & Local Produce

When you purchase veggies and other produce that are in season and local, you’re cutting down on the need for farmers to overproduce with chemicals. You are also helping with the transportation of the produce. If it’s locally grown, it doesn’t have to be transported as far, which means less travel-time pollution and less gas used.

Choose a Gas Grill

Charcoal grilling may make your hamburgers taste yummy, but gas grills are better for the environment. Natural and propane gas are much cleaner and don’t leave behind much waste. Charcoal releases carbon monoxide and leaves behind a lot of waste.

Get Ready to Celebrate

Keep these tips in mind as you plan for your next get together. We hope you have a fun, healthy, eco-friendly barbecue. Happy Labor Day!