Winners of the Way-to-Go 2016 AllEarth Solar Tracker – Shelburne Community School.
Vermont Business Magazine The Way to Go! Challenge is back this September 25 - October 6th. New this year, the event is geared specifically to K-12 schools, encouraging students, staff and faculty to battle carbon pollution head-on for at least one day. Dozens of schools have already signed-up, and registration remains openat www.waytogovt.org thru through October 5th.
Michele Boomhower, Director of Policy, Planning and Intermodal Development at the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), reflects how the program resembles increases in recycling. “This challenge not only introduces children to the cost savings and environmental benefits of efficient transportation choices, it stays in mind as they grow older and informs their own transportation behaviors.”
“We are committed to advancing a culture of shared mobility and active lifestyles,” says Jay Nichols, Executive Director, Vermont Principal’s Association. “Way to Go! is a fun way to get moving, support cleaner air and reduce fossil fuel consumption through more efficient travel choices.”
Several prizes are up for grabs this year, including a Carbon Cup to the school with the highest participation, Carbon-Cutting Leader awards to top performing schools, and (two)ten-bike indoor bike rack systems for the school with the second highest participation.
Simply choose a day to participate, spread the word and encourage everyone (students, teachers and staff) to participate, track and report the results and submit to Way to Go! by October 11th. Most everyone who chooses a more efficient travel option and avoids driving alone should be counted (note that even riding the bus counts). Participating on just one day can make a huge difference!
Thanks to the generous donation of Williston-based AllEarth Renewables, for the second year in a row any K-12 school who has a minimum 50% participation in the Challenge on at least one day will be eligible to win a Vermont manufactured AllEarth Solar Tracker!
“We are thrilled to support this year’s Way to Go! School Challenge again by awarding the state’s top school with one of our locally manufactured solar trackers,” says David Blittersdorf, President and CEO of AllEarth Renewables (AER). “Not only is it a visible recognition to the winning school, it supports the school in lowering its carbon pollution impacts by producing clean power right on school grounds. Schools are a great opportunity to educate and transition to renewable energy. Together we can lead this transition to a better future.”
AER is a local manufacturer that has produced more than 4,000 solar trackers, in operation at homes, businesses, schools and institutions, across the country.
Questions about participating or how to get started, please contact the Way to Go! Team at[email protected], Deb Sachs at[email protected] or802-238-9807, or Cara Robechek at 802-552-8450.
The Way to Go! School Challenge is a state-sponsored program, encouraging K-12 schools to battle carbon pollution by taking the bus, walking, biking, rolling, or carpooling for a chance to win great prizes. We couldn’t do it without our partners and sponsors. Thank you to: AllEarth Renewables, City Market, VSECU, National Life Group, Burlington Free Press, Local Motion, Net Zero Vermont, Young Writers Project, Vermont Principal’s Association, Go! Vermont and the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. Help us reach our goal to move more, protect the air and reduce carbon pollution in Vermont.www.waytogovt.org