Yesterday, we talked about how home improvements can help increase the value of your home and maximize your savings. Today, we’re going green with a few eco-friendly home improvement projects.

Here are a few tips from ToolBarn.com to help you get started:

Interior Lighting

— Switch to energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs). They save energy, last longer and can help you save on your energy bills. Keep in mind that CFLs contain mercury, so check with the EPA website for how to dispose of them properly.

Exterior Lighting

Consider installing an outdoor motion detector. Lighting fixtures activated by the sensor will keep the area lit only when you need it.

Roof Improvements

If you are thinking about re-doing your roof, consider white tile. Lighter colors can help reduce heat gain to your attic.

Watch Your Water

Check for leaky faucets and repair them quickly to avoid wasting water. Also, use cold water for washing clothes. You can also install low flow showerheads to cut down on water use.

Clean Air Conditioner Filters

Dirty filters can hamper airflow and cause your A/C to use more energy. Keeping filters clean can help reduce your energy bill.

Use Power Strips

Power strips prevent energy from being wasted on appliances that you may not be using. They can be particularly useful for your home computer, printer and scanner.

Use More Fans

Ceiling fans can help keep rooms cool and air circulating. Try using them instead of air conditioning — even just on summer nights. This can help you reduce energy consumption and save money.

Insulate Your Home

Try using weather-stripping on doors and windows. By cutting down on air leaks you can help improve the efficiency of your home heating and cooling systems.

Try Composting

Cut down on your garbage by creating a compost pile in your backyard. You can throw away everyday staples like eggshells, coffee grounds and vegetables.

Consider Solar Panels

Solar panels can collect power naturally and cut down on overall energy costs.

We believe that making small changes can have a big impact on your ability to save. So even if you try one or two of these projects, you may be surprised how quickly the savings can add up.

Which eco-friendly home improvement do you plan to make? What are some other green tips you’ve discovered?