• Courtesy of Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council's Facebook Page

UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township is setting a prime example of how to reduce carbon footprints. During the 2014 Smart Commute Awards Celebration, Meridian Township under the team name Primed Meridian, took first place in the extra large team category. Primed Meridian accomplished 921 smart commutes.

Reduction in carbon footprints were encouraged by simple changes like bike riding, walking, and ride sharing. Smart Commute Intern, Lauren LaParl says "I think people really like it [Smart Commute Challenge] because you really don't have to change much of your daily lifestyle. And that's what we are really trying to do is just show that little by little you can help out."

ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council will announce their 2014 Smart Commute Challenge winner on Wednesday, June 25 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Michigan Energy Options and Mid-MEAC office at 405 Grove St, East Lansing.

The Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council serves Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties by addressing environmental concerns through education, advocacy, and volunteer opportunities. Mid-MEAC’s Smart Commute Challenge is a free program designed to reduce carbon footprints, increase physical activity and engage in some friendly competition. Teams from local businesses, schools, faith communities, neighborhoods and organizations gather to compete against each other.

A smart commute is defined as any purposeful trip or errand that does not involve one driver operating one motor vehicle. Walking, bicycling, riding public transit, carpooling, and even kayaking can count as smart commuting. Teams earn one point for each leg of their smart commute and the team with the most points wins the event.

In 2013, Meridian Township competed under the name Primed Meridian and had 19 participants on its team; finishing in second place in the large team category. This year Prime Meridian picked up nine more participants from last year.

The Smart Commute Challenge celebration is open to the public and will include food, drinks, and prizes to this year's winners.