Green Your Memorial Day Cookout

Holidays can be a great time to spread the word among friends and family about easy changes they can make to go green. Your annual Memorial Day cookout provides an opportunity to “walk the talk” by following some of the eco-tips below.

Use real cups, plates, and silverware for your cookout to reduce waste. Alternately, look into biodegradable options like:

• World Centric: Corn starch silverware, bagasse plates, and more eco-friendly alternatives in this biodegradable online mecca

• Gaiam: Ready-to-go bagasse dish set with 15 plates, 25 bowls, & 50 cups for just $18

• Eco-Wise: Plenty of options here too, all the way down to bagasse soup and condiment cups.

Slather on the sunscreen and bug spray to ward off burns and pests, but opt for natural eco-friendly options without harsh chemicals:

• The Daily Green: 11 Natural Sunscreens

• The Daily Green: 7 Natural Insect Repellents

• My personal favorite natural insect repellent didn’t make The Daily Green’s list: Buzz Away, containing only natural ingredients like soybean oil, lemograss, and peppermint. Smells great, works great, and doesn’t contain DEET.

Complete your eco-friendly backyard cookout with sustainable food, drink, and grilling options:

• Burning charcoal releases carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and soot, not to mention VOCs when you add lighter fluid. Switch to a cleaner-burning gas or electric grill like those found on this GreenYour.com list

• Provide vegetarian options like Not Dogs, Boca Burgers, or maybe even something fancier off About.com’s veggie bbq recipe list. Be sure to grill these first before the (organic) meat hits the grill.

• No cookout is complete without a frosty beverage. Discover some tasty organic beers reviewed by Grist.org. Their favorite was the North Coast Brewing Company’s Cru D’Or Belgian Style Ale.