MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Some people in the area have a little extra motivation to make their commute to work more environmentally friendly.

The Smart Commute Challenge is back again in full force this summer, courtesy of the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council. The goal of the challenge is to help participants reduce their carbon footprint, and to promote a more physically active lifestyle. Smart Commutes include things like biking, walking, and public transit; anything that reduces the number of one person/one motorized vehicle commutes.

Brandon Kawalec, Outreach Coordinator for Mid-MEAC believes that Smart Commute will not only help the environment, but the people involved as well.

"We realize how easy it is to bike to work, walk to work, to use CATA, and public transportation. That will help reduce their [participants] carbon footprint, that will help save them money, and increase their physical activity," said Kawalec.

At the end of the challenge, prizes will be awarded to the teams with the highest number of commutes, and with the highest percentage of participating team members.

The Smart Commute challenge began on June 8th, and runs until the 21st.