DNR Conserves Energy Through Green Commuting
Governor Encourages Workplaces to Start their Own Green Commuting Challenge

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Annapolis, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently held an agency-wide competition to encourage environmentally friendly commuting opportunities among its employees. As part of a week-long observation in honor of Earth Day, DNR employees took mass transit, carpooled, walked, bicycled and teleworked from home to reduce energy consumption generated from routine single passenger commuting to work. The 200 employees who participated in the green commuting challenge saved 15,854 miles from being driven. The miles saved over one week equal the nitrogen and carbon pollution removal provided naturally by 29 full grown trees.

“This initiative serves as an open invitation to businesses throughout the state to take part in environmentally-conscious travel options,” said Governor O’Malley. “By changing the way we commute, together we can save not only time and money, but make sustainable choices for a greener Maryland.”

In order to track the progress of commuters, DNR created tracked commuting methods and miles saved daily by each participant. The simplicity of the tracking tool combined with encouragement from supervisors served as motivation for commuters. Click here for the spreadsheet.

“DNR’s strong participation in this endeavor, in its initial success, illustrates just how easy it is to start a similar initiative at your own workplace,” said Secretary John Griffin.

“I enjoyed seeing the bike racks full of bikes, and hearing stories of carpool adventures. I hope that the recent participation was just the start of a continuing commitment to alternative commuting methods.” said Chris Trumbauer, project leader for the challenge.

For more information about carpooling and alternative commuter options, visit www.commuterchoicemaryland.com/waystosave/.

Click here for an example spreadsheet to help you track your progress and miles saved by choosing green commuting options.

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May 6, 2008

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov