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BY SHARON BEAULAURIER

a

Any questions? Ask me.

What About Charcoal?

Solar panels, is there a fuel-saving pill, finding
sustainably harvested lumber, and more.

I’m a barbecue purist. Are charcoal grills all that bad for the environment?

—HENRY WEISSMAN

A I appreciate that charcoal delivers a slightly superior taste, but burning charcoal pollutes the air as well as your lungs— especially if you use lighter fluid or easy-light charcoals, which release smog-forming volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic particulates. Factor in the manufacturing and transportation of charcoal and the residual ash (unless you compost it), and the pollution quickly builds. Though reliant on nonrenewable fuel, gas grills are cleaner burning, more efficient, and easier to use. I switched four years ago and haven’t missed that charcoal flavor,

8 green*light SUMMER 2006 PHOTO CREDIT