Of all the countries in the world, the one that most successfully reflects the phrase “going green” is Finland. As a nation, they consistently take steps towards improving eco-efficiency, creating more value with less environmental impact. In short, despite today’s challenging economy, Finland has turned ‘going green’ into a viable business model.

Citizens of other countries can take their own steps towards becoming greener. Here are 3 key ways you can join Translators Inc. by going green today:

1. Switch over to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).
Compared to a regular light bulb, CFLs use a third of the energy, produce more light, and last for 7 or more years. On average, five CFLs can save a household at least $150 over the course of a lifetime. Even more impressive are the environmental effects of changing to CFLs. Studies suggest that if every household in the U.S. changed over to CFLs, it would prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of nearly 800,000 cars!

2. Speaking of Cars: change the way you drive, or what you drive.
In the U.S., the average passenger car emits more CO2 each year (11,400 pounds) than a home (9,000 pounds). This is because automakers have been making highly inefficient vehicles for years. But, now that hybrids and other fuel-efficient cars are available, people can make smarter choices when purchasing. If this is not an option for you, simply drive less by carpooling or using public transportation. Studies show that leaving your car at home two days a week will reduce your CO2 emissions by 1,590 pounds a year. If you have to drive, get your car tuned up, slow down, and reduce your idling. Improving fuel economy from 20 miles-per-gallon to 25 miles-per-gallon prevents 10 tons of CO2 from being released over a vehicle's lifetime.

3. Maintain appropriate household temperatures.
About 42 percent of your household energy costs go toward heating and cooling it. Improving efficiency can save you money and cut down on emissions. Look at replacing your heating/cooling systems as an investment rather than an expense. If you can’t afford to replace these systems, then at least get them tuned up. Clean vents and filters will save money in the long run. Also, programmable thermostats are relatively inexpensive and can reduce energy use by 5-30 percent and save you $100-$150 in energy costs each year. One study suggests that if 1 in 10 households accomplished the above household efficiency steps, it would prevent the emissions of more than 17 billion pounds of greenhouse gases.

        These three tips for making life on Earth more efficient and environmentally friendly are just the tip of the iceberg. Going even greener, you can: restrict your use of home appliances such as dishwashers, washer/dryers, and hair dryers; lower your refrigerator’s temperature setting; insulate your hot water pipes; plant trees, but maintain them with less water; eat organic (pesticide-free), local foods; recycle everything you can; buy in bulk; and do without the things you don’t really need in life. These may seem like difficult changes to make, but remember that one small step here and there is still a step in the right direction. Collectively, if we each made good on just one the tips mentioned above, the world would be a much cleaner and more efficient place. This Earth Day, take a step outside and enjoy Mother Earth. And then take a step to thank her back.