‘Green commuting’ challenge launched

A statewide challenge promoting “green commuting” that kicks off Monday, May 14, and runs through the end of the year is aimed at encouraging people to ditch driving by themselves in favor of carpooling, biking, walking, public transit or telecommuting.The challenge is put on by Commute Green New Hampshire, a partnership of businesses, schools, transit agencies, regional planning commissions and other volunteers dedicated to encouraging people to choose transportation options other than driving alone.Registration for the challenge, which runs through Dec. 31, can be completed at commutegreennh.org. It is open to anyone who lives, works or commutes through New Hampshire, and people can compete individually or in teams of co-workers or students.The goal of the challenge, organizers said, is to give people simple ways to try green commuting for the first time and to celebrate the efforts of those who already do.The group aims to save 4,000 single-occupancy vehicle trips by the end of the year.The group has introduced an interactive Trip Logger on its website, which allows users to log their commute and see their money, CO2 and mileage savings immediately. Once logging their first trip, participants can download a discount sheet that can be used at restaurants and businesses across the state through the end of the year.At the end of the year, top achievers will be recognized at an awards ceremony and rewarded with prizes, which last year included a GoPro HD Helmet Camera, Amtrak Downeaster passes, free bike tune-ups and others.The first-ever statewide challenge was conducted last year and ran for just one week, during which 678 participants saved 64,731 miles.For more information or to register, visit commutegreennh.org. — KATHLEEN CALLAHAN/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW