Care More, Drive Less.

April is Earth Month, and I can think of no better way to celebrate than exploring ways we can all take better care of our planet. In my first in a series of posts leading up to Earth Day on April 22, I’d like to talk about a change in your daily behavior that can make a huge difference in protecting the environment.

The weeklong Drive Less Challenge kicks off on Earth Day and is a friendly social competition to, simply, do less solo driving. Palo Alto is among several Valley communities that have mobilized residents to participate in this year’s event, to which I say, “We love your enthusiasm!”

Here’s how it works:

• Go to the Drive Less Challenge registration page to get started
• Set your personal goals
• Join teams (work, school, neighborhood or any other fun group of people you can assemble!)
• Track and compare results
• Win prizes!

In 2011, 900 participants in 10 communities took the Drive Less Challenge, translating to 90,000 green miles and five tons of CO2 avoided during those two weeks. Microsoft has sponsored this event for the past three years because we believe that the simply powerful concept of “driving less” can benefit our world in profound and last ways. It’s an act of sustainability that can have a huge impact on the environment, and yet it’s completely achievable for the average person.

Additionally, Microsoft nonprofit beneficiary Acterra is the Drive Less Challenge nonprofit sponsor.  We draw inspiration from organizations like Acterra, who continually go and above and beyond the “expected” to uplift communities – both locally and globally – in unexpected ways.

So, are you ready to do the unexpected and Drive Less? I urge you to sign up to participate in the Drive Less Challenge and begin making a difference today. And to keep the green times rolling, check out 2012 Bike to Work Day, happening May 10th.  

As Microsoft director of corporate citizenship in Silicon Valley, I’m passionate about making a difference in the community, and a big believer that small steps can have a rippling effect of progress across the globe. Join us in taking care of our planet, one act at a time!