Is barbecuing in charcoal bad for the environment?

Question

We love to use charcoal because the meat/fish tastes better.

And I just want to know if it causes global warming.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

well it contributes to global warming because charcoal is a fossil fuel and a non renewable resource

Answer 2

Charcoal has zero carbon footprint, because it is a bio fuel.

(EDIT) Gee, 2 thumbs down already. You DO know that charcoal is made from wood and not coal, right?

Answer 3

How do you light your barbeque?

We use a chimney, and there's no lighter fluid involved.  Just some newspaper at the bottom, then the charcoal.  If you BBQ often, it pays for itself very quickly.

Unless your whole neighborhood is barbecuing 3 meals a day every day, the effects are not substantial.  Using the chimney will ensure that you're addressing your environmental concerns.

Answer 4

NO!!!!!! there is no such ting as global warming...scientists have noticed ice caps melting on Jupiter...are there motor vehicles on Jupiter? i dont think so...

Answer 5

I suppose so -- but consider the small fraction of pollutants it puts out compared to a natural forest fire.  Massive changes in how we commute and heat our homes might make a difference.  How you enjoy your steak will not.  In fact, my guess is that the little bit happier it makes you will help you solve problems and thereby have a net beneficial affect.

Answer 6

I'm guessing it's about like spitting in Kansas being ocean pollution.

Answer 7

Yes, it does cause global warming. it releases CO2. It doesn't release as much CO2 as gas, though.

Answer 8

well, its not earth friendsly because it releases carbon monoxide, but its okay compare to useing your car everyday its not of any concern and it will not cause global warming so many other things do like useing water bottles.

Answer 9

The lighter fluid is not great for the enviroment.  Start it with wood or a electric charcoal lighter to reduce air polution.

Answer 10

less than 1/3 of world scientists support the Global Warming theory

what an "Inconvenient Truth"

name a way to heat food that does not warm the environment

__________________________? (none)

Microwaving is bad for changing the molecular structure of the food - and how do you make electricity - ours is a coal plant - so dirty.

Isn't it surprising that Al Gore, the Father of the Internet, will not debate anyone on GW - that's because he knows he will get slaughtered on stage.

BUT - He HAS MADE over $100 MILLION off carbon credits.

********

now - that's an INCONVENIENT TRUTH for you

*********

love my Big Green Egg!

all the best (lemon pepper chicken tonight)

Answer 11

well global warming isnt caused just by firing up the grill. the situation goes way deeper than that but the emmissions from the coals are one of the primary chemical compounds thats responsible for the "global warming " situation

Answer 12

Well regardless of the means by which you cook your food CO2 is almost certainly being released. Charcoal means more particulate polutants but really you should be more concerned about the quantity of Benzo-a-pyrene and other carcinogens your scarfing down along with your protein. Carcinogen city.

Answer 13

Any coal smoke affects the environment, but you should also be concerned with the affect on your body.   Food that is chared, even slightly blackened around the edges, YUM!, is bad for you.   The char is carcinogenic.

Limit your use of your BBQ, as hard as that is.

Answer 14

I don't think so. This is once in a while, But we all use cars which spoil the air we breath. Do something to reduce that urgently. if you are a student use your cycle to reach school.

Read the article on 'Go Green' in http://nosle.com. it is in talk section.

nanu

http://nosle.com

Answer 15

no , and to every thing no

Answer 16

Since there is no human caused global warming you are safe.

Answer 17

What a sweet question.  Fear not, global warming is just a money making scam, it has nothing to do with reality.

Similarly, the idea that eating charcoaled food is harmful, is just silly.  If that were true mankind would have died out long before microwaves were invented.  You know, the radar ranges, that were supposed to kill us with radiation in our food.

Just some comments since "tom4bucs" already said, "name a way to heat food that does not warm the environment"

Answer 18

God help the human race  if we have people on this site expounding so many incorrect statements. ASIOCIA is right on track.

Answer 19

Kind of, yes. any carbon releasing heat (such as wood or coal sources) releases not only CO2 from mixture with oxygen in the air, but also a host of other nasty sooty particles. Probably not good for your lungs either.

Anyway, no need to be a total killjoy about it. Just reduce the amount of total bbqing and it should be ok.

Answer 20

Yes.  Contributes to global warming via the green house effect. Trees are cut down. Trees are burnt to make charcoal. Massive CO2 emissions. Charcoal is burnt to produce heat. Produces more CO2. In most instances sausages and steaks are burnt so more CO2 emissions. BBQ= food poisoning so more pollutant emissions

Answer 21

well if you believe in global warming or not do what ever you feel is right and not because someone told you not to because its bad for the environment. I am a skeptic so go ahead. This is what I hate about global warming: It tells people to change their lifestyles in a more uncomfortable and inefficiant way that we dont like and says its better for the environment, CONSIDER US!

Answer 22

Yes, but not to bother, it is organic origin, it is part of the carbon cycle.

Answer 23

Go ahead enjoy your barbecue! It's one of the few pleasures we humans have in this life, so don't let the AGW fanatics scare you into not cooking your food the way you like it in the Summer.

Answer 24

Yes, but breathing also contributes to global warming by releasing CO2.  You have to draw the line somewhere.