Kirklees Together

That is the question! 

You’ve checked the forecast, invited your friends and family, checked the forecast again, bought all your BBQ favourites, checked the forecast for a third time, and you’re finally ready to brave whatever the good old British weather might throw at you and host a BBQ.

A BBQ is a great way to embrace the summer and the outdoors; make your BBQ extra green with these top tips.

Go reusable

Consider investing in a reusable BBQ. You can pick them up for under £20 from the high street or online, and you’ll always be prepared for the elusive British sunshine! 

While more convenient, food staining on disposable plates prevents them from being able to be recycled and during manufacturing, the chemicals and bleaches added to wood pulp are bad for the environment and can cause damage to living organisms. Paper plates may be compostable, however, paper cups often contain plastics, to make them waterproof. Reusable plates and cups, similar to those you might use for camping or picnics, are a great and low-cost investment, especially if you don’t want to risk your best plates in the great outdoors.

Keep it local

Shopping locally benefits the local economy, and we are spoilt for choice with fantastic markets, farm shops, and delis in Kirklees. You can often buy loose produce, meaning you only buy what you need and can get a great variety of veg, meats, and cheeses to make your BBQ stand out from the crowd.

The perfect BBQ should be freezing!

That’s according to Love Food Hate Waste – no, they don’t mean the weather, but using your freezer can help you to throw a waste-free BBQ. You could either keep extras in the freezer and safely defrost them before using them (either in the microwave or fridge) or use the freezer to save any leftovers for another day.

Keeping it clean

When it’s time to tidy up, don’t forget to compost any food waste you can, different composters can take different waste, make sure you check to see what you can compost at home. If you don’t have a compost bin, don’t worry, Kirklees residents can get a discount on some great kitchen composters with Original Organics.

Finally, don’t forget to let the ashes cool completely before securely bagging them (either double-bagged or using a heavy-duty liner) and putting them in your grey bin. Don’t be tempted to put your BBQ away dirty, your future-self will regret it!

Be Moor Aware

It’s important to remember that BBQs have the potential to start wildfires which can and have caused untold damage to local moorlands and wildlife. There have already been a number of wildfires this year which have killed animals, and destroyed moorland which helps in capturing carbon and improving water quality. This is why fires, barbecues, and other dangerous objects such as fireworks and sky lanterns are banned in all open public spaces in Kirklees. Public Space Protection Orders are in place to protect the environment and wildlife, and anyone breaching them could get fined. For more information on the Be Moor Aware campaign visit the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website.

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