MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township is once again participating in the 2015 Smart Commute Challenge. Last year, Meridian Township finished in first place in the large team category.

The Smart Commute Challenge is a free program created by the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council to help reduce your carbon footprint, increase physical activity, and engage in some friendly competition. Teams from local businesses, schools, faith communities, neighborhoods and organizations compete against each other.

A smart commute is any purposeful, non-recreational trip that does not involve one driver operating one motor vehicle. Examples include walking, bicycling, riding the bus, carpooling, and even kayaking. Teams are recognized by the number of smart commute trips during the competition. For instance, walking to work would count as one smart commute trip.