Politics & Government

Not October, But Walktober

The Environmental Commissions of the borough and township offer prizes for residents who participate in the Walk This Way Challenge.

The Environmental Commissions in Chatham Borough and Chatham Township know that Walk to School day is coming up on Oct. 5, but they want to encourage more than just students to walk.

The commissions and the School District of the Chathams are participating in TransOption's Walk This Way Challenge. All residents of Morris, Sussex and Warren counties are welcome to participate in the challenge, which urges residents to walk instead of drive, throughout the entire month of October.

Kathy Abbott, the current vice chair of the Chatham Township Environmental Commission and committee member-elect, said “walking is a free, non-polluting form of transportation that also helps your quality of life and your wallet.”

Find out what's happening in Chathamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the township Environmental Commission, walking the following distances can burn calories and save carbon dioxide:

Steps Taken
Distance Calories Burned Pollution Saved
1,000 steps
0.5 miles
47 calories
0.5 lbs. of carbon dioxide 2,000 steps 1 mile 95 calories 1 lb. of carbon dioxide 4,000 steps 2 miles 189 calories 2 lbs. of carbon dioxide 6,000 steps 3 miles 283 calories 3 lbs. of carbon dioxide 8,000 steps 4 miles 378 calories 4 lbs. of carbon dioxide 10,000 steps 5 miles 472 calories 5 lbs. of carbon dioxide

John F. Ciaffone, the president of TransOptions, said, “We’re encouraging participants to walk as an alternate way to get around by walking at their own pace, a little or a lot. We are also increasing awareness of how to walk safely and be seen at the time of year when daylight hours are getting shorter."

Find out what's happening in Chathamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

To join the Walk This Way Challenge, visit the TransOptions website or call (973) 267-7600. The first 100 people to register receive a free pedometer and reflective tag. Local businesses have prizes for drawings throughout the challenge.

The challenge is open to residents of Morris, Sussex and Warren counties, and western portions of Essex, Passaic and Union counties.

For More About Carbon Dioxide

The township Environmental Committee and borough Green Initiatives Committee will also host a screening of the film "Carbon Nation," a documentary on Oct. 6 at the , at 7:30 p.m.

Janice Coviello, a Chatham resident and employee of Viridian Green Energy, will give a presentation after the film about what options Viridian offers to homeowners to help them go green. Information about clean energy programs through PSE&G and JCP&L will also be available.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here