NEW YORK ─ Today, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and The Hurt Locker’s Anthony Mackie joined local Harlem residents in Green For All’s Earth Day “Dig In.” The community service event, held at Riverside Valley Community Garden, celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

“Forty years ago, we introduced the concept of environmentalism to towns across America,” said Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, CEO of Green For All. “Today, we are redefining this movement. The newest incarnation of environmentalism is not just looking at how we can protect and preserve the Earth. It is looking at how the Earth, and caring for the planet, can protect and preserve us.”

Dozens of participants helped to plant vegetables on the site once considered too dangerous and too dirty to enter. Today, the garden is a thriving public green space, the community cleaner, and the streets safer. In addition to transforming the neighborhood, volunteers have been introduced to the opportunities of a clean-energy economy.

Today’s event raised further awareness about the benefits of going green, including access to green jobs, training programs and other pathways out of poverty.

“Today’s groundbreaking is keeping alive the grassroots spirit of the first Earth Day 40 years ago. This community is coming together to work toward a healthier, safer environment, a better place to live, and new opportunities,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “I’m grateful to Green For All for having me today and I’m inspired by the work they’ve done to uplift and empower this community.”