Each grilling method has its own issues, but gas grills pollute less and are more energy efficient than charcoal grills. So whenever possible, choose this style or consider it when purchasing a new grill. If gas is already your go-to, propane is usually more efficient, as it burns faster and hotter than natural gas.

If you use a charcoal grill, avoid petroleum-based lighter fluids and self-lighting charcoal. Natural lighter fluids won't release petrochemicals into the atmosphere. While you're at it, natural charcoal and lump charcoal made from wood scraps without additives will create a cleaner fire.

While it takes less than 10 minutes for a gas grill to heat, charcoal can take twice as long. Rather than leaving the grill on for longer than needed (wasting energy and creating additional smoke), make a cooking game plan in advance so you can grill more efficiently. After you're done cooking, immediately clean your grill while it's still hot.

Grilled burgers may taste like summer to you, but beef has the highest greenhouse emissions and environmental impact of any meat. A pound of beef is responsible for ten times the greenhouse gas emissions as the exact weight of chicken or farmed fish, according to figures from Our World in Data, a research-backed scientific publication. The lesson? Add more chicken, fish, and vegetables to the menu wherever possible. Bonus: It’s healthier, too.

If it's just not a barbecue without hot dogs and ribs, opt for the most sustainably-minded meat you can find. Check out your local farmers' market or natural grocer for more ethical and earth-friendly products than most supermarkets. Regeneratively raised meats are another option. This ecological farming process is a step beyond sustainability, since it not only improves soil quality and adds nutrients to the vegetation, but also results in more nutritious meat from the animals that graze in these areas.

Plastic cups and paper plates may seem like a stress-free way to serve your guests, but the result is bags full of garbage. Use reusable or compostable plates, cups, and utensils instead. A few minutes washing dishes or separating the compost pile is better than creating a stack of paper plates and plastic forks destined for a landfill.

Think of it as an opportunity to show off your creative mixology skills or cool themed glassware. Rather than relying on single-serve bottles and cans, reduce waste by making pitchers of lemonade, signature cocktails, and cold water. Serve them in reusable glasses instead of throwaway cups and plastic bottles, and you’ll have less to sort and recycle.

If you made five pounds of your famous potato salad for just a handful of friends, why not offer them leftovers? Honor the time and effort you spent cooking by sharing the bounty from your barbecue. Ask guests to bring their own containers or have some of yours ready to fill. (Just be sure to keep some of those extras for yourself!)