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Ever wonder if it’s worth it, to turn off your car while waiting? Do you think your new habit of turning off in the car rider line doesn’t make a difference?

Being Idle Free does make a difference, and it’s big.

Eliminating unnecessary idling by personal vehicles would be equivalent in emissions reductions to taking five million vehicles off the road, according to an article in The Environmental Magazine.

Americans waste six million gallons of fuel by idling each year. Everyone who makes the pledge to turn the key and be idle free moves us closer to a cleaner, more efficient fleet. Switching to electric or hybrid vehicles also works in our favor.

Read The Environmental Magazine article about reducing idling here.

As you gather with friends and family to celebrate this season, we at KAIRE hope your holidays are healthy and happy.

Clean air is essential to our health and well-being as a community. We are thankful for the support from the many organizations, businesses, schools, neighborhoods and individuals who support initiatives like Idle Free.

We look forward to continuing our work to empower air friendly choices in the coming year.

Recently, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer made a plea for citizens to reduce unnecessary engine idling. Unnecessary engine idling isn’t just bad for the environment, it’s a waste of gas and money, too. This is especially important near schools, where students will be walking into that cloud of exhaust on a daily basis. Save money and help the air by following the 10 Second Rule. Listen to Mayor Fischer here.

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, which means it’s time to get your car holiday ready.

1. Make sure your car’s maintenance is up to date. Putting off an oil change isn’t good for your car or the air.

2. Check the essentials for winter driving, including tires, brakes, wiper blades and battery.

3. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a flashlight, gloves, a blanket, flares, sand or kitty litter and some high energy snacks.

4. Reduce the hustle and bustle of traffic by sharing rides or taking public transportation.

5. Check tire pressure. When the temperature dips, the pressure in your tires will dip as well. Add air as needed.

6. Check road conditions and closures ahead of time. Plan for breaks during your road trip for fuel and rest.

7. Have a safe, air friendly holiday season!

 

 

Retro is “in” for back to school, including those bright Lisa Frank folders and oversized sweatshirts right out of the 1980s. Styles may change, but one thing that never goes out of style is clean air.

You may love the retro look, but don’t drive like it’s 1985. When you’re waiting in the car rider line, turn off your engine. Contrary to popular belief, restarting your car does not burn more fuel than leaving it idling. Your modern car has fuel injection, so restarting takes just a half teaspoon of gas. In fact, idling for just 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting the engine.

Students walking in and out of the school are exposed to pollutants from gasoline powered engines on a daily basis. Reducing idling reduces their exposure, and creates a healthier environment for everyone in the school community.

Be mindful of the health and safety of students as they head back to class. As vintage favorite Woodsy Owl would say, “Give a Hoot! Don’t Pollute!”

Have a productive and air-friendly school year.