Which outdoor BBQ method is greener - Charcoal, or Propane?

Question

I am split. On one hand Propane comes from oil refining- a non-renewalable energy source, Charcoal comes from trees-Renewable, so it would seem easy.
But... Propane is a by product of oil refining so as long as we make gasoline we will have propane, so why not use it. But to make Charcoal we have to cut down trees, which seems very wasteful, plus trees are very important to keep the air clean.
It would seem to me that Propane would be the "greener" energy source. What do you think?

Answer 1

Both are carbon so it stands to reason they both emit carbon dioxide when burned. But I would have to agree that charcoal is "greener" because it is made from trees and trees are a (slowly) renewable resource.

Answer 2

Charcoal, because it is renewable. Propane can be used for other purposes, including fuels. If surplus propane were just burned off, your argument would be valid, but it isn't: the refiners use every part of the pig except the squeal.

Answer 3

I think it matters very very little compared to other ways of using energy. Heating and lighting your home, travel, and entertainment use so much more energy that you should be concerned with reducing these major contributers before worrying about the minor stuff. Also, you should consider the waste of throwing away a propane tank at the end.

Answer 4

Just cut down some trees and then keep that fire going for hours, then go to Al Gore's website and buy some carbon footprint indulgences to make yourself feel better.

Answer 5

Barbecues are all about taste. Use Charcoal or firewood for a real BBQ!