Nothing says summer like a proper British BBQ. But, while grilling is a brilliant way to make the most of summer, it can produce a lot of waste. Looking to make your barbecue more eco-friendly this year? From cutting back on meat to making your own drinks, take a look at some of our simple tips below...
1. Less, better quality meat
One of the best ways to make your barbecue eco-friendly is to swap meat for vegetarian alternatives. Making the move to veggie-heavy can help to drastically cut your carbon and water footprint, so it's definitely one to consider.
Some tasty treats to consider include cheese and vegetable skewers, mushroom burgers, or smoky grilled aubergine. However, if you do have meat-eaters attending, ensure you purchase local, organic meat.
2. Keep the lid on your grill
When your food is cooking, place the lid down on the grill. This helps it cook faster and reduce your CO2 output, too. If it's still warm but not being used, always turn the gas off.
Top tip: why not place bananas on the grill once you've finished cooking for a sweet treat. Leave for a few minutes and then scoop out the soft honey-like insides. It's a great way to use the extra heat.
3. Shop locally
When hosting a barbecue, it can be tempting to head to the nearest supermarket for seasonal offers. If you can, make the decision to shop locally. This includes buying cheese, meat (if you're having it), bread and vegetables from your local farmer's market. Don't forget to take your own bags and containers.
4. Only cook what you will eat
Over-cooking can result in a lot of wasted food. Before preparing the barbecue, ask people to write down what they'd like to eat. This will give you an idea of how much to make and will stop food being thrown away afterwards. If you do find yourself with additional food left over, consider giving it to guests in reusable containers to take home.
5. Choose a sustainable fire
It's time to ditch that single-use foil barbecue. You'll want to get your hands on one that you can reuse every summer. According to previous research, charcoal grills generate about three times the amount of greenhouse gas than popular gas grills. While charcoal grills might provide that summer smell, they're not kind to the planet.
One of the best eco-friendly options is to get your hands on an outdoor electric grill (preferably powered by renewable energy, if you can).
"Single-use barbecues bring with them a whole host of safety and environmental issues," a spokesperson from Campingaz UK tells Country Living.
"They perpetuate the harmful single-use culture which threatens the environment and, as we have seen in recent weeks, the fact that they are designed to sit on the ground and you can't control the heat they emit means there's always the risk that you could start a fire unintentionally. This has the ability to be devastating to the local flora and fauna, but also poses a risk to the your own safety."
John Lewis & Partners Bamboo Wood-Effect Side Plates, Set of 4, 20cm, Natural
John Lewis & Partners Bamboo Wood-Effect Side Plates, Set of 4, 20cm, Natural
6. Say goodbye to single-use items
Much like picnics, ensure you ditch the single-use plastic items when hosting a barbecue. Use cutlery and plates which can be reused each time: this could be metal cutlery from your kitchen drawer, or, alternatively, bamboo sets specifically designed for on-the-go dinners. It might mean more washing-up, but the planet will thank you for it.
Likewise, reusable linen napkins are good to get your hands on. These can simply be popped in the washing machine once you get home.
7. Choose 'green' drinks
Impress your guests with a homemade tasty tipple this summer instead of buying plastic bottles from the supermarket. From lemonade to Pimm's, there are plenty of drinks you can easily make yourself. Best of all, you'll save some money too.
Why not make your own elderflower cordial with our helpful recipe?
The Vintage Company 7.6L Jumbo Clear Glass Drinks Dispenser with Air Tight Lid and Tap, 22x22x35 cm
The Vintage Company 7.6L Jumbo Clear Glass Drinks Dispenser with Air Tight Lid and Tap, 22x22x35 cm
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11 pretty picnic blankets for outdoor dining in style
This M&S foldaway picnic rug leans into the popular 1970s interior trend with its punchy colour combination and retro-inspired chequered print.
Pair it with the matching serving tray and snack bowls for a coordinated dining scheme.
This blanket’s tropical print makes it a fitting choice for summer — mainly as it’s reminiscent of sunny holidays relaxing on the beach.
Earthy tones will complement the green motif, so style it with a woven picnic basket and wooden dinnerware for a rustic look.
This blanket, part of Dunelm’s ongoing collaboration with the National History Museum, is designed to celebrate the wonders of the natural world.
Its vibrant print will create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere for garden gatherings and family picnics. Style it with simple, minimalist tableware so that the eye-catching pattern remains the focal point.
From Irish fashion designer Orla Kiely, this blanket is typical of her signature style: striking colours and distinctive, retro-inspired prints. The monochrome palette is easy to coordinate with different colours, whether you prefer vibrant primary hues or neutral tones.
Its brushed fabric base is soft but breathable, so it won’t overheat on warm days.
This blanket’s rainbow stripes add a modern twist to the classic Herringbone pattern, making for a stand-out piece.
Mismatched dinnerware in various colours will add to the fun, or stick to neutral accessories to make the multi-coloured print pop.
Mountain Warehouse’s patterned picnic blanket is ideal for camping or hiking — it's lightweight, easy to carry around and folds up compactly.
Its playful puppy print will appeal to dog lovers, whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a fellow pet owner.
Experts in teatime treats and alfresco dining, Fortnum & Mason knows how to make a quality picnic blanket.
In the luxury department store's signature Eau De Nil colourway, this one is crafted from pure new wool — a durable fabric that can withstand frequent use and is naturally resistant to odours, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Pair it with a famous Fortnum’s food hamper for a fancy picnic.
Beachwear brand BukawaSwim has meticulously considered every detail on this picnic blanket, from using upcycled materials and non-toxic dyes to its citrus design inspired by the French Riveria.
It's also reversible, so you can easily switch between the pretty orange design and a neutral green, while the tasselled border adds some extra texture and interest.
Oliver Bonas is one of our go-to retailers for eclectic, quirky homeware — so, naturally, we can’t resist the brand’s outdoor collection. This picnic rug, complete with a playful checked pattern and contrasting colours, will add a splash of colour to any alfresco setup.
For a fresh and modern look, style it with white or grey dinnerware — or embrace the colourful aesthetic by adding pops of pink and yellow to your picnic arrangement.
At two metres long, this extra large picnic blanket will allow you to spread out food, drinks and other picnic essentials without feeling cramped. Its sand-proof backing makes it suitable for beach days, making it easy to brush off excess sand once you pack up.
