Leave the car at home for a week and you'll be doing more than just helping to save the environment.

From June 14-18, McMaster University will be taking part in Pollution Probe's Clean Air Commute Challenge which offers prizes for participants who use sustainable commuting methods.

McMaster community members are encouraged to walk, bike, take public transit or carpool to campus during the challenge. According to Nathaniel Knopp, who participated last year and has already registered for this year's challenge, the benefits of clean commuting are wide-ranging.

“Driving means saving me some time, but it also makes me forget what I am missing by not walking,” said the information assistant with the School of Graduate Studies. “I get exercise, develop a happier demeanor, more energy at work and at home, and something I love even more: over an hour in the sun each day.”

Participants can register with the Office of Sustainability and fill out a diary card to keep track of their commuting efforts. Prizes include a nine-day adventure trip in Costa Rica, two $1,000 shopping sprees at Canadian Tire and a Raleigh Airlite bike.

“I'm ecstatic to see the return of a program that helps develop both a sustainable and healthy future for all of us,” said Knopp.

The Clean Air Commute Challenge will kick off with a free pancake breakfast, held in the Student Centre atrium, on June 11 from 8 to 11 a.m.