Idle-Free School Zones
Everytime I take my daughter to her elementary school, there are loads of SUVs parked waiting to pickup their children. The problem is that they are all sitting there waiting – WITH THEIR ENGINES ON. It’s ridiculous. There are some parents who arrive 15min early so that they get a good spot and then proceed to idle the entire time. I finally got pissed enough that I wrote to the principal of the school. She told me, “Thanks. I will run it by the staff at our next meeting.” I figured that was the end of it. I’d never hear about it again, but at least I said my peace.
Each week, the school sends home a newsletter with the kids. Much to my surprise was a section on “Idle-Free Zones.” She even mentioned points that I didn’t bring up in my original email. I had sent a list of links and videos when I emailed her. So she actually read them and paid attention. She wrote of the pollutants in the air and how children are the most susceptible. She listed out the resources that I sent her for the parents to check out. I guess there is some hope!
No-Idle Zones are pretty self-explanatory. There is a larger movement in Canada and the west coast than around here. I’ve never heard of any being implemented in the Chicago area. I did happen to mention that this could be very good P.R., too. The Canadian government even has an entire section on its website devoted to Idle-Free Zones. They list out sections for individuals, school, businesses, etc. They have a section on facts and myths. For instance, a modern cars engine will be warm in about 30 seconds of driving – so lose that excuse. Air Watch Northwest has an entire kit that includes templates for signage, letters to parents, letters to the principal, letters to teachers, fact sheets, information for bus drivers, and so on.
No-Idling isn’t only for school zones. This is for everywhere. If you’re going to be stopped at a light for more than 20-30 seconds, then it is more fuel-efficient to turn off your engine…and NO it is not hard on your starter. Modern cars are designed to handle it. In parts of Germany, the traffic lights flash for a few seconds to let you know that its time to turn the engine back on. In New York, its illegal to let your car idle for more than 3 minutes as told in this article in The New Yorker.
It’s not asking that much. Turn off your engines. More kids are getting asthma now than ever. The atmosphere isn’t getting much cleaner. Stop being selfish and be smart. Woodsy the Owl said it best, “Give a hoot, don’t pollute!”
More Resources:
- Investigative reporter video
- Videos from ChildrenCAN
- Share The Air
- Air Watch Northwest No-Idle Kits
- North Carolina school initiative
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I am writing to our superintendent of schools and several of the candidates running for school board to ask if they will adopt this policy for the upcoming school year in Tallahassee, Florida. At least one school in Orlando has adopted this policy which seems to make just plain, logical sense! We’re adapting the campaing kit from airwatchnorthwest.org
[...] and put a nice message in the sidewalk at the school where my daughter goes – something like “Idle-Free Zone” or “Let The Kids Breathe” or “We’re not at the Olympics in China, so [...]