NBC Universal kicks off its annual Earth Week today, as part of the company's ongoing environmental initiative, "Green is Universal." This marks the company's sixth green-themed week since the initiative's launch in 2007, when once again more than 40 different NBCU brands will produce over 100 hours of green-themed content. Complete programming details can be found at: http://www.greenisuniversal.com/grab-it.php.

In an effort to help to promote green in new and different ways, NBCU will be the official media partner for the inaugural Christie's "A Bid To Save The Earth" green auction, a first-of-its-kind collaboration to raise awareness and funds for four large environmental non-profits: Natural Resources Defense Council, Oceana, Conservation International, and Central Park Conservancy.

"NBC Universal's green-themed weeks continue to drive consumer awareness around the environment," said Beth Colleton, Vice President, Green is Universal. "On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, we are particularly honored to continue contributing to the green conversation, helping to activate both consumers and employees around this important issue."

NBCU Volunteers will participate in a multitude of Earth Week community projects -- such as tree plantings and park beautification -- in areas including San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Detroit, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Miami, London and Toronto.

Focusing on green behind the cameras, NBCU is making strides on green production efforts. Industry-leading green production guides for both our television and film production units are available to the entire industry, and crews have put knowledge into action on set. A recent example was on the set of "It's Complicated," starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. The production used biodiesel generators and vehicles, conducted on-set recycling, donated food daily to a local soup kitchen, and diverted over a ton of potential waste away from a landfill. The film's DVD, due out on April 27th, uses packaging with 20% less plastic and 100% recycled paper inserts.

For more Green is Universal "Earth Week" videos and photos, visit: http://nbcugreen.presslift.com/earth-week-2010.

About Green Is Universal:
Launched in May 2007, "Green is Universal" is NBC Universal's ongoing green initiative dedicated to raising Green awareness, affecting positive change to the environment, and greening its own operations. Throughout the year, NBC Universal uses it numerous media and entertainment platforms to educate the public on the environment, with over 200 hours of green-themed content airing across over 40 NBCU brands.

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