Finding ways to go green in the home does more than help the planet. It helps your home's environment, as well. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, levels of indoor air pollution can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. These pollutants - as well as chemicals found in many products today - can irritate allergy and asthma sufferers. "More people than ever are looking to make natural changes in their home to help improve their family's environmental health," said Dr. Shannon Thyne, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UCSF and Medical Director of the Pediatric Asthma and Allergy Clinic at San Francisco General Hospital. "It only takes a few extra steps to make a home healthier, cleaner and greener." To that end, the maker of Green Works(r) products, HGTV personality and green living expert Carter Oosterhouse, and Lowe's have teamed up to showcase ways to give your family a cleaner, greener home. Paint A fresh coat of paint is a great, low-cost way to bring new life to a room. But that new paint smell comes from Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which derive from vapors released from toxic compounds. Use non-VOC paint to create an inviting, comfortable and beautiful room. Check the back of the paint can for VOC levels - those with fewer than 150 grams per liter are often labeled "low-VOC" or "no-VOC." - Buy only the amount of paint you'll need for the project. If you wind up with leftover paint, store it safely or dispose of it according to local municipal regulations. - Open windows while painting and use fans to vent fumes. - When sanding or removing old paint, wear a dust mask or respirator to prevent particle inhalation. Keep the area well ventilated. Cleaning products It used to be that buying a natural cleaning product meant paying more money for worse performance. No longer. Natural cleaning products can provide great performance without leaving behind harsh chemical fumes or residues. Plus, they are increasingly cost effective. Green Works naturally derived cleaners offer a variety of products for the whole house, including naturally derived laundry detergent and bathroom cleaners that are priced very competitively. Flooring Carpets trap dirt, dust and other allergens. If possible, remove wall-to-wall carpeting and replace it with natural wood flooring, such as sustainable bamboo or cork flooring. - Sweep and vacuum floors regularly to control dust. - Wet mop with a microfiber mop to remove dust and dirt more efficiently. - Clean up spills right away. If the carpets and rugs must stay, vacuum frequently, using a vacuum cleaner with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter. Change the filter regularly to keep it working efficiently. Furniture and window coverings Curtains and upholstery can trap dust, dust mites and pollen. - Blinds are a good, contemporary-looking alternative to drapes, but must be dusted occasionally. - Vacuum upholstered furniture - under the cushions, too. For more tips on getting a cleaner, greener home, visit www.greenworks.com, and watch Oosterhouse's "Green It Yourself" web series at the Green Works Facebook page, www.facebook.com/greenworks.