BRATTLEBORO — Registration has begun for the eighth annual Way to Go! Statewide Commuter Challenge, which will take place May 14 through 18. This event encourages the use of healthier, more earth-friendly transportation, and less expensive alternatives to driving alone.
Everyone who commits to walk, bike, telecommute, carpool, take the bus, or use any alternative to driving solo will be entered in multiple drawings to win prizes such as Burton snowboards, overnight stays, restaurant gift certificates, yoga passes, spa treatments, bike tune-ups, golf and ski passes, and more.
Online registration is fast and easy at www.waytogovt.org.
Who will win this year's “Carbon Cup” trophy? This award, in its second year, is presented to the community and businesses that demonstrate both strong participation and significant reductions in transportation emissions during the Way To Go! week.
Last year, in just one week, more than 3,200 Way to Go! participants saved more than 450,000 commuting miles, reduced emissions by 350,000 pounds, and saved more than $90,000 in transportation expenses.
The long term goal is to have the state save at least 500,000 pounds of transportation pollutants, so register at www.waytogovt.org. Everyone who joins will help Vermont achieve that goal. You should register even if you already use commuting options other than a personal vehicle.
The weeklong event is designed to be easy and fun and encourages everyone to try an alternative to driving alone every day. For more information on ride-sharing and commuting, visit www.connectingcommuters.org.
As in past years, businesses and communities will compete for 2012 Way to Go! awards. Go head-to-head with others to see who can encourage the highest percentage of employees to walk, bike, telecommute, carpool, or take the bus from May 14 to 18.
The winning employers and communities will receive awards at a ceremony later in the summer.
The Brattleboro-area Way To Go! Challenge is sponsored by the Brattleboro Transportation Roundtable, Brattleboro Climate Protection, and the Brattleboro Energy Committee.
For more information, contact Paul Cameron at 802-251-8135 or pcameron@brattleboro.org.