WASHINGTON - Thousands of people gathered on the National Mall Sunday to get a jump start on celebrating Earth Day.

It's the 39th year for the event, which is officially on Wednesday, but things kicked off today on the mall where thousands of people gathered for a rally and a concert by rock band, the Flaming Lips.

Organizers say the event is an effort to raise awareness about the environment.

"We really know what are future is now. I mean we really are much more educated as to what the future of the planet is if we keep doing what we are doing," said Chicago resident Nicole Losurdo.

"We are dependent upon an energy that's either going to disappear or is polluting the earth and we also see great opportunity in going green, from saving money to green jobs," said Kathleen Rogers with the Earth Day Network.

All weekend long, environmental groups have been using boats and bags to pick up trash along the Anacostia River and to spruce up streets in Georgetown.

There is hope an Obama Administration will be more environmentally friendly, while actors like Matthew Modine promote bike riding versus using the car.

"It's to change the way we get from here to there; the way that we power our homes; the way that we save energy in our homes," Modine said.

There is a bewildering array of green-friendly products available to consumers, like a reusable water bottle instead of the disposable. The reusable water bottle contains one little piece that you have to throw away.

"This little piece to throw away is worth 757 bottles. What would you have to have in your land fills?" said Clear-To-Go vendor Stew Levitan.

Organizers say they are optimistic that the current administration will be more environmentally friendly, but they also say it is up to the individuals to make changes that will make a difference.

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