Sustainable Barbecues: Introduction
Sustainable barbecues are the best way to enjoy your grilled favourites without grilling the planet. As the May bank holiday approaches, it’s peak season for sausages, skewers, and smoky weekends in the garden. But behind the smoke and sizzle, traditional barbecues can come with a hefty environmental cost. From charcoal made in tropical forests to mountains of plastic and carbon-heavy meat.
But there is good news! With a few thoughtful swaps, you can host a barbecue that’s lighter on the planet and just as full of flavour. Read on to find out the interesting history, scary environmental impact and what to look for when it comes to sustainable barbecues!
A Short History of the Barbecue
Barbecues have been part of human culture for thousands of years. The Taino people of the Caribbean used a raised wooden structure, the “barbacoa,” to slowly cook meat over open flames. Spanish explorers brought the technique back to Europe, and as European livestock spread across the Americas, barbecue evolved into a popular way to cook large cuts of meat.
In the American South, African Americans helped shape barbecue traditions through their skills and slow-cooking methods, which gave rise to regional variations. Vinegar-based sauces in the Carolinas and mustard in parts of the South reflected different cultural influences.
Charcoal briquettes were invented in the late 19th century and popularised by Henry Ford, while George Stephen’s Weber grill, launched in 1952, made barbecuing a weekend staple. By the 20th century, gas and electric grills made barbecuing more accessible, though less smoky.
Today, barbecues range from South African braais to Korean bulgogi, reflecting global traditions. They remain a symbol of gathering, but as their popularity grows, so too does the need to grill more sustainably.
Environmental Impact
A typical barbecue for four can produce more CO₂ than an 80-mile car journey. Most of this comes from charcoal, often made from unsustainably harvested wood. Burning it not only emits CO₂ but also carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particles that affect human health.
Deforestation linked to charcoal production reduces the planet’s ability to absorb carbon, worsening climate change. Paraguay alone clears 402 km² of forest each year for charcoal — an area the size of Oxfordshire. Much of the UK’s charcoal is imported from South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Far East, with around 98% of what we burn in our gardens coming from overseas.
The UK imports 110,000 tonnes of barbecue charcoal each year, much of it from unknown sources. This means you don’t know what wood you’re burning, how it’ll perform, or what chemicals it might have been treated with. Charcoal is often doused in fire retardants for shipping and then treated with combustibles at port to make it light, hence that distinctive petrol smell.
Charcoal production is also linked to modern slavery. An estimated 10% of the world’s slavery is tied to charcoal making. In parts of Africa, women and children are forced to work, often under exploitative and dangerous conditions.
Cleaner fuels, better tools, and smarter food choices can significantly reduce the impact of your next cookout.
What to Look For
The first step to a greener barbecue is choosing the right equipment. Gas, electric, and pellet grills burn cleaner than standard charcoal. If you prefer charcoal, look for FSC-certified options made from British wood.
Food choices are key. Veg-based dishes like grilled mushrooms, skewered vegetables, and plant-based burgers deliver flavour without the footprint. If you do use meat, buy local, organic, and in moderation.
Single-use tableware is a major source of waste. Swap out plastic cutlery and polystyrene plates for reusable sets or compostable alternatives made from bamboo, palm leaf, or recycled paper.
Avoid cling film and foil where possible. Bring reusable containers for leftovers and store food with beeswax wraps or lidded tubs.
Energy efficiency counts, too. Keep your grill clean and use lids and vents to manage temperature without wasting fuel. Opt for natural firelighters over chemical ones.
With a bit of planning and a few swaps, you can host a barbecue that’s good for people, plates, and the planet.
Big Green Egg
This ceramic barbecue retains heat and reduces fuel use, making it one of the most efficient grills on the market. Built to last for decades, it avoids the waste of frequent replacements. It runs on natural lumpwood charcoal and is designed to maintain steady temperatures, ideal for both slow cooking and quick grilling. Its loyal fanbase swears by the flavour it imparts, proving sustainability can still mean serious performance.
Head to biggreenegg.co.uk.
Kindwood
House of Charcoal produces premium-quality FSC-certified lumpwood charcoal made from sustainable British hardwoods. Their charcoal is entirely additive-free and packaged in plastic-free, recyclable materials. It lights quickly, burns hot, and leaves minimal ash — perfect for grilling purists looking to reduce their footprint. By sourcing wood locally and supporting UK woodlands, House of Charcoal offers a clean burn and a cleaner conscience.
Click houseofcharcoal.co.uk and check out their amazing product – we spoke to Kindwood about a discount code, but they are so value led, they don’t make much margin, and they are amazing.
Eco Grill
The Eco Grill is a brilliant option for low-impact outdoor cooking. It’s a one-piece, fully compostable grill made from alder wood, pre-filled with FSC-certified charcoal. Ideal for picnics or travel, it lights easily without chemicals and burns cleanly. Once finished, it can be broken down and composted. No metal, no plastic — just an elegant, natural solution for spontaneous, sustainable grilling.
Go to ecogrill-uk.co.uk and use voucher code AUTUMN10 at checkout for 10% off your first order!
Sustainable Barbecues: Wrap-Up
Sustainable barbecues don’t mean boring food. They mean smarter choices, better ingredients, and less waste. So this summer, whether you’re in a garden, park, or patio – grill with purpose. You’ll be reducing emissions, supporting better brands, and showing that change really can taste great.
At Play It Green, we believe every small action adds up. And when it comes to barbecues, it starts with what you put on the grill.
Join The Community Making Change – Play It Green
By partnering with Play It Green, you can integrate sustainable action, education, tree planting, mangrove restoration, seaforestation and social impact into your life and business operations. Whether it’s adding nature repair to your life or sales process, engaging in sustainability education, or strengthening your environmental credentials, the tools and support are there to make it simple.
Want more info before deciding? Click here.
