Just One Thing: Green Your Barbecue

July 15, 2010— -- 74 million households in the U.S. own at least one outdoor grill or smoker, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, but traditional charcoal grills produce smoke and soot particles that can pollute the air, irritate one's lungs, and aggravate heart problems.

Catherine Zandonella, author of "National Geographic Green Guide Families" shares some tips on "Good Morning America" on how to go green with your grilling and make your barbecue better for your health and the environment.

Web Extra: Green Guide magazine recommends Cowboy Charcoal Co. as one eco-friendly charcoal grill option.

But remember that nearly three-fourths of the electricity made in the U.S. comes from the burning of fossil fuels, according to the Department of Energy. Cooking on an electric grill for one hour creates about 15 pounds of CO2, because making electricity usually involves burning coal, gas or oil.

Click here to visit the National Geographic Green Guide website and click here to follow them on Facebook.