Get your greener grill on.

Between gas and charcoal, gas is still a greener bet — it produces about half as much carbon dioxide as charcoal.

Waste not.

Trade plastic plates and utensils for reusable or biodegradable versions. Bonus points for using cloth napkins.

Drink up.

Provide guests with reusable, washable cups rather than disposable beverage containers. If you must use disposables, choose biodegradable brands and have markers on hand so people can write their names on their cups to prevent wasting extra ones. This works well with kids.

Make over your menu.

Consider grilling local fish, meat and vegetables to reduce your environmental impact and support local producers.

Sort it out.

Encourage recycling of cans or bottles by putting out easily identifiable bins.

Light up the night.

Keep your barbecue going with the right lighting. Outdoor LED lights look great and last. Citronella beeswax or soy candles provide extra ambient light and keep mosquitoes away.