It look like 24 isn't the only Fox television show trying to minimize their environmental impact. American Idol decided to get into the Earth Day spirit and let fans know what the show is doing to be a friend to the environment.

Boringly enough, there really isn't anything hugely revolutionary on the list. In fact, a good number of offices and businesses in North America already do much of what the show brags about. Their efforts include:

- Purchasing and using paper and plastic kitchen items that are recycled such as paper towels, cups, bowls, plates and plastic utensils.

- Recycle bins divided into aluminum, plastic and paper categories are placed in the production office, as well as remote shoot locations.

- Printer cartridges are recycled

- The office is checked on a nightly basis to ensure all lights and equipment are properly shut down so they are not using unnecessary energy. Computers, printers and photocopiers are unplugged.

It's tempting to just write this off as a lame attempt by the show to exploit the fact that it's Earth Day, however they do have a few decent initiatives such as using a generator that runs on natural fuel, purchasing organic and local foods for craft services and using an all-organic caterer, as well as using hybrid vehicles to transport show contestants to events. The show will also give away a Ford Hybrid to the winner of the show. If you hit the jump, you can also see their Earth Day tips for going green.

Tune into American Idol on Fox tonight to see if maybe, just maybe, they give Earth Day a plug. Hint to producers: given the show's young audience and the fact that viewers have to tolerate Simon Cowell's crankiness for an entire hour, a whole show devoted to the topic would be better. Jack Bauer is hanging his head in shame.

» American Idol (Official Site)