Using charcoal might not appear to be the most sustainable way to grill your food. However, you may be surprised to learn that charcoal can actually be an eco-friendly product. If you’re asking yourself, “How is charcoal an eco-friendly product?” we have you covered. Here’s your guide to how charcoal can be eco friendly.
Organic, All-Natural Charcoal Varieties Are Available
Traditional charcoal comes from sawdust and wood byproducts, often containing impurities that negatively affect the environment. However, some companies sustainably source organic charcoal as an all-natural alternative to traditional lump charcoal. Some businesses also produce additive- and chemical-free charcoal briquettes from coconut shells and bamboo so that the briquettes won’t release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.
Charcoal Is Carbon Neutral When Sourced Properly
Charcoal can also come from trees, and when businesses follow the correct procedures, the charcoal can be carbon neutral. What this means is that when companies harvest trees from an area they manage sustainably, they’ll replenish the area with new trees after producing the charcoal. Growing new trees offsets the carbon emissions that come from burning charcoal. Trees can absorb carbon dioxide from other sources as well, making this charcoal the most carbon-neutral option available.
Plant Soil Can Benefit From Charcoal
Charcoal benefits your soil in the long term just like compost does, except it has the added benefit of sequestering carbon. Soil with charcoal in it will retain nutrients more effectively due to the presence of burned organic materials. When you add charcoal to soil, the charcoal offers plants nutrients from the organic matter that helps it grow. Consequently, if you use charcoal for growing crops, you can expect a greater yield than if you decided to forgo it.
Overall, using charcoal has more environmental benefits than it seems to. Now that you know about these benefits, you won’t have to ask yourself, “How is charcoal an eco-friendly product?” ever again. Happy grilling!