How to Host an Eco-Friendly Outdoor Gathering
That’s Better for the You + the Planet
There’s nothing quite like the smell of something sizzling on the grill or the joy of sharing a picnic with friends under the sun. But outdoor gatherings can come with a hidden environmental cost—single-use plastics, food waste, and carbon-heavy food choices all add up. The good news? With a few simple swaps, your next BBQ or picnic can be just as fun and far more sustainable.
Here’s how to green your grilling and picnic game—without sacrificing good times or flavor.
🌱 Choose Plant-Based Burgers Over Beef
Want to make the biggest environmental impact? Start with what’s on your plate. Beef has one of the highest carbon footprints of any food:
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Producing 1 pound of beef emits up to 27 kg of CO₂, while a plant-based burger (like Beyond or Impossible) emits around 3.5 kg of CO₂.
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A 2021 study published in Nature Food found that switching from beef to plant-based alternatives could reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%.
- Not to mention, on average a single beef burger requires around 660 gallons of water. In contrast, a plant-based burger, like an Impossible Burger, uses about 4 gallons, and a Beyond Burger uses roughly 1 gallon.
Plus, modern plant-based burgers taste great and are crowd-pleasers—even for meat lovers.
🥦 Eat In-Season, Local Produce
One of the easiest (and tastiest!) ways to reduce your environmental impact is by choosing seasonal, locally grown produce. Foods that are in season require fewer resources to grow, don’t need to be shipped long distances, and are often fresher and more flavorful.
Here's what to look for at your local farmers' market:
Bonus Tip: Grilled seasonal veggies like corn, zucchini, and peaches can steal the show at any BBQ—just a little olive oil and a dash of salt goes a long way.
Eating with the seasons not only supports local farmers but also connects your gathering more deeply to nature’s rhythms. Don't forget your reusables!
You’ll support local farmers and lower your carbon footprint at the same time.
🔥 Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill: Which Is More Sustainable?
When it comes to outdoor cooking, the choice between gas and charcoal isn’t just about flavor—it’s also about environmental impact.
Gas grills (using propane or natural gas) are far more sustainable. They produce about 5.6 pounds of CO₂ per hour, compared to 11 pounds for charcoal. That’s nearly 50% fewer emissions, plus gas burns cleaner, with less air pollution and no leftover ash.
Charcoal grills, especially those using briquettes, release more carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter, all of which contribute to smog and poor air quality. Lighter fluid also adds toxic chemicals to the mix, making the impact even worse.
💡 Love that smoky flavor? You can still achieve it with a gas grill by using wood chips in a smoker box—you get the taste without the heavy carbon footprint.
If you prefer charcoal, go for natural lump charcoal made from sustainably harvested wood, and use a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid.
👉 Eco Tip: Gas is the more planet-friendly choice, but with thoughtful sourcing and setup, charcoal lovers can still reduce their impact.
🍽️ Ditch Disposables and Go Reusable
When it comes to outdoor gatherings, single-use items are one of the biggest sources of waste. Opt for reusables whenever possible—bamboo or stainless steel cutlery, real plates and cups, and cloth napkins add charm and reduce your environmental footprint.
Never use styrofoam coolers. They’re non-recyclable, break down into harmful microplastics, and linger in landfills forever. Instead, invest in a durable cooler or bring along a reusable insulated basket or bag—they’ll last you for years of future adventures.
But what if you can’t avoid disposables? Choose home compostable options instead. Look for products made from sugarcane fiber (bagasse) bamboo, or palm leaves. Last case scenario, choose cornstarch-based bioplastics (PLA) not home compostable but at least not made from petroleum products. These break down much more easily and safely than traditional plastic or foam.
And here’s a fun idea: ask your guests to bring their own reusable food container and cup/tumbler from home. Everyone eats with what they brought, and at the end of the day, they take it home to wash—zero waste and zero cleanup for you! Plus, you'll avoid confusion who's is who's!
♻️ Set Up a Recycling & Waste Station
One of the easiest ways to reduce your gathering’s environmental impact is by giving trash a second thought. Make it easy for guests to dispose of items responsibly by setting up a clearly labeled recycling, compost, and trash station.
Keep it straightforward:
Use signs to show what goes where—cans, bottles, and clean paper in the recycling, and any non-recyclables in the trash. Food waste, napkins, paper towels, and compostable cutlery in the compost bin.
💡 Pro Tip: Place all bins together in one visible area and include a quick sorting guide to prevent contamination.
And speaking of compost...
🍂 Compost Food Scraps & Save Leftovers the Sustainable Way
After the party winds down, don’t let good food—or food waste—go to waste.
Start by composting all your food scraps, like corn husks, veggie peels, watermelon rinds, and paper napkins. Composting keeps organic waste out of landfills, where it would otherwise produce methane—a powerful greenhouse gas. Instead, those scraps become nutrient-rich soil for gardens and plants.
Set up a labeled compost bin so guests can easily toss their scraps in the right place. If you don’t compost at home, check for a local drop-off or community composting program.
Got leftovers? Skip the plastic wrap! Store extras using:
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Vegan wax wraps to wrap up sandwiches or half-eaten snacks
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Silicone bowl covers to seal larger dishes and keep food fresh
They keep food fresh without creating trash—and they look great on your picnic table too.
🌱 Eco Bonus: Encourage guests to bring their own reusable containers to take home extra food—no waste, and everyone leaves happy (and full)!
🌎 Final Thoughts
Sustainable picnicking and grilling isn’t about perfection—it’s about making better choices when and where you can. And once you start, it becomes second nature.
So grab your plant-based patties, reusable containers, and compost bin—and host an outdoor gathering that’s good for your guests and great for the planet.
Happy Summer grilling!
