Linda Woodrum

The first thing designer Linda Woodrum wants to make clear is that you can use environmentally friendly decorating, whatever your personal style.

"If you're French country, if you're minimalist, if you're traditional, it doesn't impact your home at all," she says. "You don't have to throw out everything you own and start with a new look. We're going to help you sustain the environment with your own personal style."

Woodrum, who has created the interior designs of all the HGTV Dream Homes, says just doing a little research can help you make a difference in your home. "There are so many magazines now; everything you pick up has information on green homes, and you can read and read and read on the Internet."

Here are some of her suggestions for going green in your home.

Kitchens That Care
Woodrum says look for natural materials, such as natural stone countertops. "Think about things that won't end up in landfills and they're probably green. You don't see people pulling out granite counters and throwing them in the local landfills."

Look for cabinets made with sustainable woods such as eucalyptus or bamboo, or find cabinets made from salvaged or recycled wood. You can also save wood by just updating the fronts of your cabinets, instead of replacing everything. Shop for recycled hardware at flea markets or second-hand shops. There are also many manufacturers making tiles now using recycled glass. And make sure all the appliances carry Energy Star ratings.

Earth-Friendly Bathrooms
Woodrum says to follow the same guidelines used in the kitchen when choosing cabinetry, counters and tiles for your bath. Look for water-saving showerheads and toilets, and replace or repair any leaking faucets immediately. And look for energy efficient water heaters. Woodrum recommends an instant, tankless hot water heater rather than one large tank serving an entire house. Even if you're not home and no one's using a drop of hot water, a typical water heater can burn through $50 in electricity in one month just keeping the water in the tank hot.

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