HGTV Home Ideas
HGTV Home Ideas for Green Home Living. Carter Oosterhouse and Linda Woodrum discuss eco-friendly living-room furnishings. This video is part of HGTV Green Home 2009 show. Linda 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 HGTV Home 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. 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. Shop Locally If you're choosing products to put in your home, try to stay local and buy products manufactured within 500 miles or less. "If it has to come from China, you're using a lot more energy getting it to your house than if you chose something made just down the road, or 100 miles down the road." Pay Attention to Indoor Air Quality "There are a lot of things we bring into our homes that we're not aware of. Some things are obvious, but start questioning all the things that come into your home." Woodrum says look for natural alternatives to items such as cleaning products, paints, furniture materials and pesticides. Keep Landscaping Natural "Using plants that are native to your area — thus sustainable in your area — are easier to grow," she says. "Choose plants that work within the natural climate and soil conditions to your area." She also says to avoid having a lot of grass. "We don't want to be watering lawns all the time. It's a huge waste of water." For More On HGTV's Carter Oosterhouse For More On HGTV Home Design Tips Return Home To Home Staging Redesigns |
