Now through the end of August, the White Lake Area Climate Action Council (WLACAC) is encouraging residents to replace short car trips with walking or biking in the Walk It Bike It challenge. Participants can track their weekly miles to be entered into a prize drawing. The top prize is a new Hudson Jamis bike donated by Steve Crooks of WaterDog Outfitters in Whitehall.
“We advocate for climate solutions people can implement locally, as individuals or in groups,” said Lori Coleman, a founding member of WLACAC. She said the challenge not only helps the environment and saves gas money but also benefits personal health.
How long is a short trip? Some examples include: The Book Nook & Java Shop to Fetch Brewing is 0.8 miles; White Lake Community Library to Viking Athletic Center is 1.9 miles; Shoreline Elementary School to Dollar General on Colby is 1.6 miles; and Montague High School to the Montague Band Shell is 1.2 miles.
WLACAC began in 2020 with a mission of environmental education and advocacy and a vision to make the White Lake area “net zero by 2035.”
The Walk It Bike It challenge began on Earth Day, April 22. In the past two weeks, participants have logged 76 miles of walking or biking in place of driving, Coleman said.
Encouraging people to leave their cars at home is one of the group’s four main initiatives, or “sprints,” this year. The other campaigns focus on composting, alternative home energy, and green investing — choosing financial products and services that align with environmental values.
WLACAC will also host an electronics recycling event May 30 at the Montague Farmers Market.
There is still plenty of time to join the Walk It Bike It challenge.
Participants are asked to replace three car trips per week and track their miles walked or biked at https://actionnetwork.org/surveys/walk-it-bike-it-miles-sign-up-and-track.
After the initiative wraps up Aug. 31, prize winners will be announced. Updates will be posted on the group’s Facebook page. Questions may be sent to WLACAC@gmail.com.