GlobalShift

NBC Primetime Goes Green

This week, NBC’s primetime hits will all be a little greener than usual as shows like “30 Rock,” “Community” and “The Office” attempt to educate as they entertain.

It’s all part of NBC /Universal’s annual Green Week, and this year they’ve out done themselves with a second guest appearance on “30 Rock” by former Vice President Al Gore.

In the November 19th episode of “30 Rock,” Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) tells the show’s staff to reduce its carbon footprint by 5%, per orders from the parent company. Though Donaghy is skeptical of this corporate mandate, he puts Kenneth The Page in charge of making sure the show achieves its goal.

According to NBC, “30 Rock” is one of the “greenest” shows on the network. In addition to basic recycling efforts, the show has removed water bottles and installed water filters. 30 Rock’s caterer uses compostable products, and the offices have switched to “green” chemical-free cleaning products. Additionally, 30 Rock rents hybrids for both talent and crew.

“These green episodes are a fun and entertaining way to raise environmental awareness,” said Beth Colleton, VP of “Green is Universal.” “We are also very committed to green production practices at NBC Universal. To further facilitate that goal, ‘Green Is Universal‘ has published comprehensive green production guides for both film and TV, which we hope will encourage eco-friendly practices across our company as well as the industry at large.”

Additional “green” highlights in primetime include:

On “Community,” “Greendale Community college” is renamed “Environ-Dale.” And in an effort to be green, the college students hire the famous “Green Day” band, but unfortunately discover it’s really a Celtic group with the similar-sounding moniker “Greene Daeye.”

Dwight Schrute from “The Office” gets into a green character, assuming the role of “Recyclops.”

The “The Biggest Loser” trainers will offer green tips, such as buying locally grown, organic produce and bringing a mug to your local coffee shop, instead of using a paper cup.

“Heroes” includes a scene with members of the carnival loading a pick up truck with recyclables. Robert Knepper’s character, Samuel, talks to Masi Oka’s character, Hiro, about giving back to the earth since it has given so much to them.

Launched in May 2007, “Green is Universal” is NBC Universal’s ongoing green initiative dedicated to raising Green awareness, effecting 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 250 hours of green-themed content airing across 42 NBCU brands.

Logo courtesy of NBC/Universal