You don't have to be an expert to make your house green. All you need to know are a few simple steps.

The experts at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute turned a disastrous 200-year-old brownstone in Harlem into a totally green home.

Rosemary Ellis, the magazine's editor in chief, says the project was a renovation from the ground up and from the inside out.

"We used denim insulation in all the walls, which are made from old, shredded blue jeans. The carpet is all recycled carpet, and in the baths, they used recycled glass for all the tile," she said.

You don't have to do a total renovation to make your home more green. The magazine's Amanda Lecky says there are lots of little things you can do.

"Probably the best way to start is with an architect or a contractor who has some experience in green renovation because it'll streamline the process," she said.

Lecky recommends choosing paint with no or low VOC content. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which contribute to indoor air pollution.

She also recommends installing waterless water heaters.

"They heat the water on demand so they use a lot less energy," she said.

And keep in mind some types of wood are more green than others.

"Keep an eye out for woods made from sustainable species like bamboo," said Lecky.

Remember, the easiest way to keep contaminants out of your home is to take off your shoes at the front door.

And when you buy furniture, ask if it has formaldehyde-based adhesives. If it does, look for an alternative piece with water-based glues or oil-based glues.

One more tip: metal window blinds installed before 1990 were cured with lead-based finishes, so you might want to replace them.