Start an Anti-Idling Campaign - EcoKids

Kid’s STEP-BY-STEP Cont’dStep 1: Learn All about idlingPeople idle their vehicles because they:adon’t a know how bad it is for the environment.athink a it’s bad to turn an engine on and off. Infact, restarting doesn’t damage the battery orthe starter motor.athink a the engine needs to be warmed upbefore driving.adon’t a want to sacrifice a few minutes of beingtoo hot or too cold.People idle their vehicles when:aleaving a the engine on keeps the temperaturecomfortable. (In the summer with airconditioning and in winter with the heater).ait’s a cold outside. They run the car to warm it up.alistening a to the radio; the battery might drain.Keeping the car idling recharges the battery.awaiting a to pick up passengers (such as, kidsgetting out of school).awaiting a in line at a gas station, car wash or adrive-through lane.astopped a at railway crossings or draw-bridge.arunning a a quick errand. They stop the car(don’t turn it off), get out, run into the store,buy something/pick up something, and then hopback in the car.astopping a to talk to a neighbour or friend.Why is it better not to idle?People can lessen their carbon footprint; improve air,land and water quality; protect human health, andsave money.aIdling a wastes over $100 a year per vehicle.aIf a every driver in Canada stopped idling forfive minutes a day, this would prevent more than4 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide from enteringthe atmosphere.aAir a pollution can increase the risk for breathingproblems (like asthma, bronchitis) in children.What are some ways to reduce idling?aIf a stopped for more than 60 seconds, turn offyour engine. Idling for more than 10 secondsuses more fuel than it takes to restart a vehicle.aWarm a up your vehicle in winter by driving it,or start it no more than 2-3 minutes before youget in.aCarefully a use a remote starter – don’t start thecar too soon.aIn a winter, keep the heat on until the inside ofthe car is warm and then turn off the car.Restart the car when it gets cold again andrepeat! In the summer, do the same with the airconditioning if necessary.Step 2: Share what you knowDo a short presentation at home to tell your familywhat you’ve learned about idling. Get creative anddraw some pictures (or create a PowerPoint!) tohelp explain the facts of idling.Step 3: Ask adults to stop idlingTalk to you parents, guardians or older brothersand sisters about making a pledge to stop or reduceidling and to support your campaign.Step 4: Create a sign1. Decide what your slogan is to convince othersto stop idling – think about why people idle.2. Make a colourful sign for your friends and familymembers’ vehicles and ask them to place it intheir vehicle window.

Extra Actions you can takePledge to do more active transportation (walking, biking), to use a car less or to use public transport more.Get others to join your campaignAsk your friends, classmates and teacher if they want to help you start an anti-idling campaign. You can alsotry to find other people in your community who are interested in joining the campaign.To find out more, take a look at the group step-by-step!ResourcesaEarth a Day Canada’s EcoKids - how to run an anti-idling campaignaNatural a Resources Canada - for individualsaNatural a Resources Canada - for communitiesaChildren a Clean Air NetworkaGovernment aof Saskatchewan - Community Idle Free Zone ProgramaIdle a Free BCa aThe story of Rachel: A video by the Children’s Clean Air Network about a six year old girl who startsan anti-idle campaign at her school.