Not all paints are equal. Some are "greener" than others because they have a lower impact on the environment and your family's health. Just keep in mind that though there are commercial paints that claim a zero VOC content, it may not be possible. Read those labels and certifications carefully.

Check the label and the product description of your bamboo towel, upholstery, wall covering, even your baby's crib linen, it may use terms like "organic", "environmentally-safe", "biodegradable", "natural", or "antimicrobial". Items made out of bamboo fiber and fabric may not live up to those claims.

Inexpensive storage units, shelves, desks and other home furnishings are often made from particleboard or compressed wood. While economical and versatile, particleboard isn't very green. Enter Way Basics - A modular system that uses individual boards called zBoards to custom-build everything from a storage cubby to a bed frame.

Recycling antique furniture, and restoring it to reproduce its original luster not only keeps furniture out of the landfill, it also saves trees from being used to produce new furniture.