Summer Fun DESTROYS the Environment!

Breathe! But not while you’re barbecuing! Backyard barbecues, driving to the beach, even tapping into a refreshing cold draft beer over the long 4th of July weekend and the sunlit days of summer wreak havoc on the air.

Backyard Barbecues? Grilling in the park? Basting on the beach? Delicious, traditional, and toxic. Fumes from starter fluids and charcoal grills contribute chemicals to the environment, smoke, airborne ash and particulate matter from barbecues are just as toxic as smoke from wildfires.

Even kicking back with a cold beer contributes to air pollution! That refreshing carbonation and foamy ‘head’ in canned and draft beers include nitrogen and carbon dioxide that ‘bubbles’ into the atmosphere when served. If that’s not bad enough, the trucks delivering beer to your local convenience store contribute to air pollution through vehicle particulate matter emissions.

What to do? Breathe California Los Angeles County ( BREATHE LA ) recommends that, instead of giving up the fun and relaxation of summer celebrations, Los Angeles residents simply consider consolidating the fun.

Seriously: Headed to the beach? Carpool or take the bus to ease congestion and cut back on vehicle fumes. Planning a backyard barbecue? Invite neighbors and friends who might otherwise barbecue on the other side of the fence to reduce toxins in your neighborhood. Thirsty for a cold beer? Well…there’s not much to do about that, except perhaps to follow the advice of Roman philosopher Cicero,

“Never go to excess, but let moderation be your guide."