While making our homes eco-friendly is important, we can't, as yet, all live in green houses. However, there are lots of ways in which all of us can clean up our interiors act without sacrificing style.

Black may be back and white may be hot but the only way to go this season is green.

Here are a few suggestions. . .

Play the reclaim game Salvage yards can be happy hunting grounds for reclaimed building materials such as old slates, bricks, structural beams, unusual windows, cast-iron radiators.

They can also be great sources of fireplaces, doors, kitchen sinks, sanitaryware, wooden flooring and quarry tiles, period lighting and ecclesiastical pieces such as pews, doors and garden furniture. Salvaged items can look striking in modern settings and can add real character and interest.

However, before investing in large pieces such as tubs, secure a tradesperson who has experience of working with salvage to check its compatibility with modern plumbing systems. Also be aware that some salvage items such as doors may not be the right size for modern homes. Take your time to source original pieces in good condition rather than reproductions. And be prepared to put in plenty of legwork.

Scour the streets We've all heard stories of fab skip finds and great giveaways. But while we live in a throwaway society, don't expect instant results. However, the serendipitous few may spot a fireplace left out with the rubbish or come across a farmer willing to part with a bath or basin that's previously been languishing in a field.

School and office clear outs can yield shelving systems, computer desks and tables that can be used in children's bedrooms. Even old dentists' chairs can make quirky features. With enough elbow grease, one man's thrash can become your treasure.

Wake up your walls Trish Fitzpatrick of Fitzmawn Interiors, Dublin, recommends the EarthBorn range of natural paints, awarded the Ecolabel Flower symbol. EarthBorn also does varnishes and flooring products. Cole and Son produce environmentally friendly wallpapers.

Get creative in the kitchen Rather than ripping out a perfectly good fitted kitchen, consider painting it or revamping it with sleek new doors or a winning worktop in hardwearing and reusable concrete.

Invest in energy-efficient kitchen appliances: Grohe is one company committed to protecting the environment (www. grohe. com). It recommends addressing water conservation by using its single-lever mixers with its SilkMove technology which ensures precise control of water flow and temperature, or using its electronic fittings on washbasins or thermostatic mixers in showers featuring Grohe TurboStat technology to reach the desired temperature 40% faster and using 20% less energy.

Its DreamSpray shower technology uses up to 30% less water to deliver efficient showering. Siemens recently launched four new freestanding washing machines finished in white, with double 'A' rating for energy and wash performance and an 'A+' rating for energy efficiency.

Cut down on air miles Commission a local furniture designer to make major pieces of furniture such as dining tables, chairs, hall tables and wardrobes using recycled or sustainable woods. As well as reflecting your taste, this can also address the problem of furnishing an awkward space such as a narrow kitchen or bedroom with a sloping roof.

It may be more expensive initially but carefully-crafted pieces will long outlive massproduced alternatives.

Make a splash If you want to combine a hot hue with strong eco credentials, sink into a block bath from Durat. A solid polyesterbased material, containing recycled plastics, it is completely recyclable. The Durat design collection also includes sinks and shower trays and the durable material can also be used for kitchen worktops.

Step out on the tiles The Natural Mosaic Company from Italy uses recycled materials such as old magazines, newspapers and found objects in its collection.

Do some savvy shopping Check out Habitat's new range of products devised to help us reduce our carbon footprint. It includes 'Potassium' soy hand-poured candles in a recyclable aluminium travel tin; 'Use UK' lampshades made from 100% recycled cardboard, printed with a limited-edition pattern; 'Habit' and 'Aster' dinner and serve ware, made from recycled glass; recycled aluminium and paper baking products; and funky stationery created from recycled plastic, car parts and juice cartons.

The Habitat range also includes 'Belize' outdoor furniture made from lightweight mixed material consisting of recycled PET and aluminium; a new organic cotton towel offering; the 'Plush' bath mat produced using bamboo and cotton fibres; 'Emiko' dishes for serving dry food; a 'Bush' wind-up radio; Danu' laundry baskets made from recycled plastic bags; 'Cargo' fibreboard storage boxes; and 'Primrose' picnic ware, made of biodegradable paper and wood.

French design company Roche-Bobois has also developed a new eco-friendly collection, inspired by natural elements. It features the oak 'Legend' console table by Christophe Delcourt, which is made from sustainable Bourguignon forest wood and assembled without using glue or stains. There's also a blissful bed by Michel Goineau, made of natural materials.

Play it safe Plastic toys can be an environmentalist's worst nightmare. Italian children's design company Nume presented a washing machine and oven in white cardboard at the recent Milan Furniture Fair.

Charity begins at home Oxfamhome on Francis St, Dublin 8 has an eclectic mix of homeware and furniture.

Also try other Oxfam stores stocking Fairtrade products, which give communities in developing countries a handup rather than a handout, and support traditional skills and materials.

Now that you can travel by bus to Australia, travel literally doesn't have to cost the earth. Once abroad, check out secondhand shops and flea markets for unusual pieces at bargain prices.

TAKE THREE