Nothing says summer more than a barbecue! It is important that you be kind to the environment when you go outside to fire up the grill. Read on for some eco-friendly tips for your next barbecued feast!

-Charcoal briquettes give off plenty of carbon monoxide that is bad for the environment. Combine that with lighter fluid, and you are now affecting the ozone at ground level. Try lump coal instead. It is better for the environment but still gives you the smoky barbecue taste you love. Another option is hardwood charcoals. In this case, make use of an electric fire starter that you can bury as far into the coals as possible. One brand that contains no pollutants whatsoever is called “Wicked Good Charcoal”.

-If you must use charcoal, then buy lump brands that derive from sustainable managed forests or invasive tree species. Be aware that briquettes are choked full of coal dust and/or other types of additives such as binder.

-Stop using lighter fluid to start your barbecue. Instead switch to a chimney starter.

-Gas grills are more eco-friendly than charcoal grills because there are fewer fumes dispelled into the environment. You also might want to consider purchasing an electric grill.

-To be as eco-friendly and as green as you can be, buy a solar oven or stove so emissions stop being a problem altogether.

-If you must cook meat, choose lean meats and always trim the fat off of the meat before placing it on the barbecue. Barbecue organic, hormone-free meat (and preferably local) as well as fish. For added variety, grill a selection of fruits and vegetables.

-Veggie burgers are greener than hamburgers or hot dogs. Veggie burgers do not produce the same carcinogens as meat burgers, and they are better for the environment.

-Make your veggie burgers from scratch instead of buying them prepackaged. Make them out of soy, chick peas, black beans, lentils and other types of legumes.

-Better yet, grill veggie burgers in a sun oven. Barbecuing in this manner uses 10 times less energy, and it uses 100 times less water than cooking burgers made of meat.

-When you are choosing items for the picnic table, it is best to go with reusable dishware and silverware, as well as cloth napkins. Another excellent option if this one is not available to you is to use biodegradable or recycled-paper dinnerware, as well as recycled paper napkins and unbleached cups.

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