The Top Green Home Improvement Projects that Will Save Money and the Planet

Looking for quick green home improvement projects to start in the New Year? You don't have to make big changes to start green living. The top green home improvement projects save money and are easy to implement. Read on for a list of the best and easiest green home improvement projects of 2008 that will save the environment as well as your wallet.

Cut Down on Power Consumption

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) are energy efficient lighting options that make great green home improvement projects. Did you know that the light bulbs in your home account for 25% of your electricity bill? CFL's are four times more efficient than regular light bulbs and they produce 50-80% more energy. Plus, they reduce air and water pollution. Saving energy reduces CO2 emissions, sulfur oxide, and nuclear waste produced by electric plants.

Cut Down on Water Consumption

A great green home improvement project for your bathroom is to reduce your home's water consumption. Did you know that the average shower uses 2 gallons of water per minute? This New Year, consider green living by cutting down on your water consumption with Green Home's Water Conservation Kit. This powerful, turbo jet massage head gives you the benefit of green living without sacrificing any comfort. The Earth Massage Showerhead saves 40% more energy than regular showerhead and outperforms many other competitors. Plus, it makes a great green home improvement project because it's easily installed (no tools needed), maintenance-free and self-cleaning.

"Green" Paint

Most people don't consider paint an important part of green living. But, did you know that most paints contain chemicals that not only pollute the environment, but can be harmful to you and your family? If you are considering painting as part of your home improvement project, consider chemical free or low VOC, green paints instead of traditional commercial ones. VOD's are carbon based chemicals that household paints release over time. The American Lung Association has connected them to breathing problems, kidney damage, muscle weakness and eye and skin irritation. And green paint is cheaper as well. A 10,00 square foot room can be covered by $1,530 worth of low to no VOC paint, while a commercial brand will paint the room for nearly $500 more.

Start a Compost Pile

A compost pile is a great way to start green living in your garden. Compost piles turn your perishable garbage and yard waste into fertilizer for your lawn. But the best thing about this green home improvement project is that it helps you to keep track of your waste. The bigger percentage of your garbage that goes into the compost pile, the less waste you are dumping into landfills. For a great guide to building an efficient compost pile, check out this site. All you need is yard and perishable kitchen debris, and a little space in your back yard.