not grilling a cow. The manner in which cows are produced for the purposes of grilling them is rather bad for the environment under the current conditions of petroleum based agriculture. One can grill vegetables, and even better, if one has access to land, grow them with wholesome compost and minimal pesticides.
Failing that, I would probably come down on the side of charcoal, since it is biologically obtained and thus doesn't under most circumstances require fossil fuels. Fossil fuels exacerbate the most serious environmental threat humanity has ever faced, global warming. On the other hand, from a health standpoint, the propane definitely burns cleaner, except when the immolated cow drips blood on the flame, giving oxidation products that are very dubious from a health standpoint. Of course, the cow does the same thing when it drips on charcoal.
Some advice from the authorities on how to reduce your cancer risk while making a burnt offering to god of your palate:
"Reduce Your Cancer Risk From Grilled Meat
Research suggests that grilled meat may increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Red meats, poultry and fish produce compounds called heterocyclic amines (known carcinogens) when cooked at high temperatures. Another type of carcinogen called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are formed when animal fat drips onto hot coals which then flame up and deposit the carcinogens on the meat. You can reduce your exposure to these carcinogens by following the following grilling tips:
"Choose lean cuts of meat to grill, instead of high-fat varieties such as ribs or sausages.
Trim fats from meats when possible and remove skin from poultry.
Use tongs or a spatula to turn foods instead of a fork. Piercing meat with a fork allows fats and juices to drip down onto the hot coals which causes flame-ups.
Removed charred areas from meat before eating.
Marinate meats in marinade that contains anti-oxidants (vinegar, citrus juice, herbs, spices and olive oil) as research suggests that this may help inhibit the formation of carcinogens on grilled meat."
http://ag.ansc.purdue.edu/meat_quality/grilling.htmlActually, my mean spirited sarcasm aside, on a serious vein (or seriously charred artery) I very much like this question. It makes an excellent point. Care for the environment involves lots of thinking about choices we make in ordinary everyday life. It is not a matter of wholesome good mannered caring people (or at least people who describe themselves as such) vs. evil money grubbing predatory corporations. There are many tiny things that people can do to give our planet a chance at survival. That you are asking this question at all is damned decent of you. Keep up the good thinking.
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