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When NBC viewers spy a green peacock in the lower left-hand corner of their screen, they know that Green Week has arrived! NBC launched its first official green week in November of 2007 and it has continued this tradition annually with a full week of NBC programs that focus on environmental issues. NBC also includes special segments on how viewers can green their homes, presented by some of the network's biggest stars. Even though November has come and gone, we can still use these green tips all year round.

Everyone who watches “The Biggest Loser” knows that the contestants are trying to reduce their weight. But Bob Harper, a trainer on the show, can also help you reduce your carbon footprint -- he urged viewers to buy their produce from local farmers.  This decreases carbon emissions by eliminating the need to transport and maintain fresh produce cross-country. The show also recommends reusable water containers instead of water bottles.

On “The Office”, Michael Scott is a boss known for wasting time -- but he doesn’t like to waste plastic! On their Green Week episode, Dwight set up a recycling program at Dunder Mifflin. On Earth Day, Dwight dressed as Recyclops, a superhero figure sent to enforce Dunder Mifflin's recycling policy.  Recyclopes taught NBC viewers to turn old milk cartons into planters by sawing it in half and cautioned individuals about over-watering their lawns.

NBC also used their “The More You Know” public service campaign, which the network developed more than 20 years ago, to broadcast tips about how to help the environment. Such tips included: turning off the lights before you leave the house, bringing your own shopping bag to the store, planting trees, turning off the faucet while you’re brushing your teeth, using the outdoors as a place for exercise, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and recycling or donating old electronics and cell phones.

NBC affiliate companies participated as well.

Financial guru Suze Orman discussed how being green can save us green: unplug all appliances as they still use energy, even when they are off; make sure your home is properly insulated so you do not raise the thermostat; get a low-flow shower head that reduces the amount of water you use; be aware of when you need to replace appliances and look for energy star versions that are more energy efficient. These are all tips that reduce your bills and save you money in the long run. Also, certain green improvements are eligible for Federal tax credits.

One of the highlights of Green Week was Former Vice President Al Gore's guest appearances on "30 Rock" and "Saturday Night Live." On "30 Rock," viewers saw him changing out the regular light bulbs for more energy efficient ones, and also urging viewers to contact their lawmakers to take action. “We have to change more than our light bulbs and windows. We need to change the laws.” On "Saturday Night Live," Al Gore discussed the need to develop renewable energy, stop deforestation, promote sustainable agriculture, and increase energy efficiency. Of course, there was some humor mixed in. He explains how he is going to get a “little crazy” by going to politicians’ homes, plant trees in the middle of the night and hang guns in the branches so they think that the forest is coming to get its revenge!

Even though Green Week is only seven days long, NBC’s 2009 Green Week had some excellent tips to help us be green all year long. Bring your own bags, when you shop and turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth.  Making small eco-friendly changes in your daily routine may not seem like much at the time, but they add up.  Let’s make every week a green week!