The 24th of September is Heritage Day as well as National Braai Day, so in keeping with the theme of things and with Summer right around the corner, we thought we´d give you a few pointers on how to have an eco-friendly Braai Day.
Here are out top ´eco´ braai tips:
1. Use Natural Charcoal
If you are going to be having a charcoal braai, look for organic or natural brands that do not contain the quick lighting chemicals. You can also use wood briquettes which are all natural and will give your food that smokey taste. Either of these choices will leave your food without the burning of coal, petroleum products, sawdust, or limestone, which are all toxic. A gas braai is the ´greenest´ option although not really the same vibe, as liquid petroleum gas (LPS) emits 100 times less carbon dioxide than the average charcoal briquette.
Or, better yet… use a solar powered braai. The solar powered grill’s dish channels the sun’s rays onto a solar panel,creating enough energy to heat the grill and cook your meat to perfection. Not only reducing your carbon footprint, you reduce the amount of carbon in your boerewors roll too!
2. Avoid Toxic Materials
Avoid toxic materials by using cast iron or stainless steel grills. These remain non-toxic at any temperature. If you’re thinking about buying a new grill, you have a few eco-friendly options available to you. Ceramic grills attain and maintain temperatures more efficiently than metal grills, thereby reducing the total amount of energy consumed during the cooking process. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, a worthwhile and green investment is an infrared grill. Infrared grills use the least amount of energy. They heat up quickly, decrease smoke emissions by up to eighty percent and use fifty percent less gas, if you are using a gas braai.
3. Cut out the meat (or at least go organic)
Of course one of the easiest ways to green up your braai day is to cut the meat out of menu. There are plenty of great vegetarian and vegan options to braai. Including all sorts of veggie and soy meats like burgers, hot dogs, and ribs, but also marinated organic veggies and fruit!. And if you must have some meat, please purchase organic, free range light meats such as chicken or fish. Be sure and purchase all your veggies, fruit, and if you are using meat from local organic farms. And be sure it´s sustainable seafood you´re buying, only buy fish appearing on SASSI´s green list.
4. Organic and Local Refreshments
What is a good old South African braaivleis without a cold Castle? There are a number of great organic beers and wines out there such as Stellar Organics and Waverly Hills and if you can´t find an organic beverage, at least make it a local one.
5. Use Reusable Table Settings
If you are hosting your braai at home remember to use re-usable plates, silverware and washable cloths instead of paper napkins. There really is no reason to use disposable plastic or paper settings, as its just as easy to wash the dishes by hand or even better, stick them in the dishwasher. However, if you are hosting a large shindig and you are not the dish washing type, we suggest you use biodegradable or recyclable dishes, plates, and forks. Either of these items can be found at Greenhome.
6. Send out e-vites
Send out your Braai Day invites electronically instead of mailing out paper invitations.
And one last final tip: Be sure to compost all your left over veggies and fruits and recycle your bottles. When cleaning up be sure to use an all-natural grill cleaner green to scrub down your grill when the party is over.
Happy ´eco´ Braai Day!
The liveeco team
