Seven environmental stewards from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will compete to see who can garner the highest overall mpg during a 30-day period in Toyota's second Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge. 

To be eligible to win the 2013 Prius MPG Challenge, participants must drive a minimum of 300 miles total and 75 miles each week. The highest overall mpg according to the Prius’ trip computer per 30-day challenge wins a $2,500 donation to the charity of their choice. Second and third place winners also receive charitable donations of $1,000 and $500. All participants will also receive a $200 gas card.

Participants in the second wave of the Toyota Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge include:

• Earth Day New York, a nonprofit organization promoting environmental awareness and solutions through partnerships with schools, community organizations, businesses, and government.

• EcoKaren, a chiropractor-turned-green-living-consultant and blogger focused on the connection between the environment and health.

• Green-4-U, a resource for people who want to know more about green living but do not know where to start.

• Green Divas, a radio show and blog offering listeners information on green and sustainable living.

• Green Living Guy, author and editor of the “Green Guru” series.

• Inhabitat, a blog devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations pushing architecture and home design towards a smarter and more sustainable future.

• New York Green Advocate, a blog authored by environmental activist Paul McGinniss focused around the latest news about the world environment, sustainable living, renewable energy, and green building.

Toyota recently announced the first wave winner of the Prius Plug-In MPG Challenge, which launched in May. The Helping Hands Food Pantry, a donation-run group established by a local councilman and minister in Teaneck, N.J., that provides free, supplemental groceries to needy residents, claimed the top spot with an average of 356 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (mpge) over 506 total miles driven – 261 mpge more than the vehicle’s official estimated average in EV Mode. As a result of this considerable accomplishment, the Helping Hands Food Pantry will receive a $2,500 contribution for its achievement.

Wave two challengers will document their activity in real-time via social channels, including:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PriusPlugInMPG

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/priuspluginmpg

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/pluginforcharity