While researching this (I am no scientist) article on Greener Grilling. I was very surprised to find that there is no clear-cut winner in the charcoal verses propane environmental impact debate.
The good news for grillers is that grills are only responsible for .001% of the greenhouse gasses emitted by the U.S.A. You can still grill with your preference without to much guilt. You can improve your impact on the environment by changing what fuel you cook with.
Greener Grilling with Charcoal
Charcoal releases about twice the co2 that propane does. The pro-charcoal people will point to the fact that this is the same co2 that tree absorbed during its lifetime. This point is now under debate.
Charcoal Not Good
Briquettes: While all charcoal is made with scrap wood or sawdust. Briquettes are also made with different binders. That means it does not burn as clean as it could. Because charcoal is almost pure carbon, all of its heat comes from converting carbon to carbon dioxide.
Charcoal Better
Natural Lump: While some people consider this carbon neutral they are wrong. Because we need to take into consideration how it is made. All charcoal has to be burned in a low oxygen environment, so most likely natural gas is used. On the grill it burns much cleaner then briquettes.
Charcoal Best for Greener Grilling:
Natural Wood: This is truly carbon neutral. Assuming you are not chopping down a tree specifically for cooking and stick to scrap wood. It also gives your food an excellent smoke flavor.
Stainless Wood Chip Smoker Box for Gas Grills Outset
Brushed Stainless Finish
9x4x1.75 inches
Gas
Gas: Not Good
Propane: Is not a renewable resource. It does only release about half of the CO2 that burning charcoal will.
Gas: Better
Natural Gas: Burns much cleaner then propane, because it burns hydrogen. Most grill manufacturers have natural gas conversions for their grills. The only drawback would be getting a plumber to run the gas line. This also means you can not move your grill around.
Greener Grilling Electric
Let’s throw electric grills into this debate. You would have to know where the electricity used comes from. This would be the clear winner of all greener grilling options providing that the energy used came from wind turbines or solar cells.
Mike
aka Sultan of Sizzle
I have been blogging about and selling grilling tool for over 12 years. A Certified Food Safety Professional, KCBS member, award winning writer and have over 10 years experience in the food service industry.
“I have experienced some of the best food this country has to offer and nothing is better than the food that comes off my own grill!”
This page contains links to 4thegrill’s products and ads from Amazon. 4theGrill is not responsible for the content of the off site links we provide.
