Masters of the House
The couple bought their organic mattress from Furnature, a Massachusetts-based company that uses no chemicals, dyes, vinyl, or formaldehyde, and ensures that each of its upholstered pieces is recyclable and biodegradable. Everything from the sheets to the curtains were "safe washed" (a combination of baking soda and white vinegar devised by Kearney) in an effort to remove some of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Inside and Out
Hidden behind the low-VOC-painted walls is Icynene, a soft foam insulation and air-barrier system that can reduce energy consumption by up to 50 percent compared to conventional counterparts. It also emits no harmful emissions and minimizes moisture, which encourages mold and mildew growth.

Functional Floors
Instead of the traditional hardwood floors found in many New England homes, Kearney decided on bamboo finished with a water-based stain for its sustainability and style. "I've lived with oak for 20 years, so these floors are refreshing," she says. To keep warm in the winter, they use radiant heating.

Other "Green" Rooms
Living Room
Entryway
Bathroom
Kitchen
Kids' Craft Room and Bedroom
Why the family that lives here had to go "green"