nmayer414 I haven't solved that problem yet, all local stores with wire mesh or expanded metal are galvanized, I guess I can order from a metal worker but the time and affordability is against me so the search continue for an ideal basket or something to jump out and catch my eye while out and about..
Posted another thread on zinc, but if you want to burn it off, you'll need to heat it to ~1700F for an extended period in such a way that nobody is exposed to the smoke. In theory, it will produce a very white smoke so you can tell when it's gone, but I wouldn't bank on it.