One of the best parts of summer is family cookouts, picnics and BBQ’s. Millions of people in North America participate and the numbers really add up when it comes to creating waste. Here are some easy steps that you can take to make your fun time healthier for you and the planet. 

• Choose recycled paper products if using disposables, and avoid plastic unless they are washable and reusable containers.
• Use utensils from home if possible, otherwise, seek out bamboo, wood or biodegradable ones made from starch (available at most health food stores now).
• Recycle everything you can, tin foil (food residue removed), plastic, paper, glass, beverage containers and so on.
• Opt for cleaner burning propane vs. briquettes, which can contain coal dust and other binding agents. If using briquettes, choose the wooden ones made from invasive species or sustainably harvested forests.
• Choose organic, hormone-free meat, cutting down on red meat whenever possible. Trim extra fat and choose leaner cuts of meat, cooking over high heat and flame can produce carcinogens from the charring of the fats.
• Compost leftover food, excluding dairy and meat.
• The only thing left behind should be your footprints.