April 22, 2010 marked not only the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, but the inaugural Christie's Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth. NBC Universal was proud to have been the official media partner of this event.

The live auction event was a huge success, raising over $1.3 million for the four leading conservation partners: NRDC, Oceana, Conservation International and The Central Park Conservancy.

Lots of eco-conscious stars showed up to support the auction. Among them were some of NBC Universal's top talent and executives. Take a look!

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In Los Angeles, more than 60 volunteers braved the rainy weather forecast to help further NBCU's commitment to restoring Aberdeen Canyon in Griffith Park. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa along with Universal Pictures Chairman, Adam Fogelson, and Co-Chairman, Donna Langley kicked off the event and NBCU announced a $10,000 grant to Los Angeles Conservation Corps to support year-round maintenance of the area. Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) and Danny Teeson (Dance Your Ass Off) dug holes and planted trees right alongside the experienced Los Angeles Conservation Corps members.

Click 'more' below to see more photos.

This year, NBCU's Earth Week was celebrated around the world, with activities in several locations, including London, Sweden, and Toronto. In the UK, hundreds of London-based employees got involved in Earth Week by recycling books, CDs, DVDs, and clothes at three Green Drop & Swap events. Colleagues swapped their unwanted personal items and many departments donated merchandise such as ET toys and Barbie bracelets. Surplus items were donated to local charities, including the local YMCA store, which funds youth workers who mentor under-privileged youths in the London area, and The Passage centre for the homeless, where London employees regularly volunteer their time. Facilities were also provided for employees to recycle old mobile phones, blackberries, and batteries.

A smaller group of employees spent Earth Day volunteering at the London Wetlands & Wildfowl Trust where they helped to beautify the bird sanctuary and clean-up the grounds.

On the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, more than 100 NBC Universal employees gathered to beautify an area of Central Park in partnership with the Central Park Conservancy. The volunteer project involved scraping and repainting over 300 feet of benches in an area off of 72nd Street and 5th Avenue.



Lauren Zalaznick, President of Women and Lifestyle Entertainment Networks, NBC Universal, kicked off the morning with welcoming remarks. A vast array of NBC Universal talent also lent a hand in the beautification process including Anne Thompson, Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent for NBC News, Sara Gore and Jane Hanson of LX New York, and even Bravo's Real Housewives of New York stars Kelly Killoren Bensimon and newest cast member Jennifer Gilbert. The adorable "minions" of Universal Pictures' upcoming film Despicable Me even made an appearance.

Last night, the premiere of the fourth installment of the MSNBC Future Earth Series: Addicted to Power. Sam Waterston narrates as Addicted to Power takes a look at our reliance on energy and how it's affecting our lives.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

"There's so much beauty surrounding us, I'd hate to be the cause of its extinction..." - Travis T.

"Each day this sweet Earth...feeds, clothes, houses and INSPIRES every one of us. Let's protect our home."-- Christina C.

"I found the love of my life on Earth Day 3 years ago, and this year we are having an eco-friendly wedding."--Mara A.

We all have our reasons for going green--for our family, our children, our pets. Maybe you want other generations to experience the crisp waterfall you swam under in Costa Rica or the calm waters you kayaked in Alaska?

Whatever your reason, share it with others and inspire them to join you in your mission.

iVillage teamed up with Cafepress to help you share why you're doing your part to save the planet in the Picture Your World photo contest. Celebrate Earth Day by submitting a photo, a caption why you're green and you'll receive a free eco tote bag (plus shipping and handling). You could also win an eco vacation to St. Thomas, USVI.

Submit your photo today and share the beauty our world has to offer.

Check out this collection of photos of your favorite stars going green behind the scenes on the set of NBC's 30 Rock.

NBC's 30 Rock set located at Silvercup Studios in Queens has a green roof, 30 ROCK -- Behind The Scenes at SilverCup Studios. Credit: Ali Goldstein, NBC Universal.

Check out this collection of photos from some of your favorite NBC TV shows.

NBC 30 Rock's Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy catch up with Al Gore, 30 ROCK -- "Greenzo" Episode 26 -- Pictured: (l-r) Tina Fey as Liz Lemon, Al Gore, Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy. Credit: Kent Eanes, NBC Universal.

Check out this collection of photos of some green content highlights on NBC's 30 Rock.

Al Gore and the cast of NBC 30 Rock, 30 ROCK-- "Greenzo"-- Pictured: (l-r) Judah Freidlander, Scott Adsit, Jane Krakowski, Al Gore, Tina Fey, Keith Powell. Credit: Ali Goldstein, NBC Universal.

Day to day your world is consumed with responsibility--whether it be traffic during a long commute to work, paying your bills online and on time, dropping your kids off at soccer practice then heading to a school board meeting.

When you picture your world and that endless to-do list, it's hard to take a minute, take a breath and really look at the beauty around you.

The earth is a gorgeous place if you just take a moment to appreciate it. That's why iVillage teamed up with Cafepress in an effort to celebrate Earth Day and all that our world has to offer.

Enter the Picture Your World photo contest, share why you're going green and you could win an eco vacation to St. Thomas, USVI. Plus, every entry gets a free eco tote bag (plus shipping and handling).

When scanning the current entries, it's hard not to want to pack your bags and travel the world in search of these sanctuaries and moments--like Mary R's photo kayaking in serene Homer, AK, George G's favorite escape Venice, Italy, and Denise H's captured passion for animals.

We all have our own reasons of going green and each is just as inspiring as the next. Share why you're saving the planet this Earth Day and help inspire others to join in the mission.