CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an unusual comparison Wednesday during remarks that celebrated Earth Day.

"You know, oftentimes when you face such an overwhelming challenge as global climate change is, it can be somewhat daunting," Clinton said. "It's kind of like trying to lose weight - which I know something about. Where you think, you know, 'Oh, I only have to lose X number of pounds.' But it can seem like such a faraway goal."

Clinton observed that the State Department was "mixing messages" by using candy to entice employees to visit exhibits showcasing the agency's energy-saving projects.

"Sometimes it seems as though, if you set these big goals, it just is too daunting and overwhelming. We'll never reach it. It's kind of like world peace. So, therefore, why even try?"

"Because we're called to try," Clinton told the audience. "That's who we are - as human beings - and that's especially how we think of ourselves as Americans, but it's not in any way exclusive to us."

"If we keep in mind the big goal, but we break it down into baby steps - those doable, achievable objectives - we can do so much together," Clinton said after pointing out small things she thought people could do "to make the world a better place."

Clinton's remarks highlighted the State Department's efforts to "green" its diplomacy. Also to commemorate Earth Day, President Obama traveled to Iowa and gave a speech that spotlighted alternative sources of energy.