Idling Reduction
Idling reduction educational programs and ordinances encourage drivers to turn off their vehicles when not in motion. These programs can target private vehicle owners as well as drivers of municipal vehicles, busses, taxis, trucks and locomotives.
RATIONALE
Idling is a driving habit that has no real benefits. It wastes money and creates pollution that can be easily avoided with a simple change in behavior.
EFFORT REQUIRED
Low. A community education campaign can explain how wasteful idling is and how a simple change in behavior can help people save money and improve the environment at the same time.
Medium. Some communities reinforce the education campaign with a city ordinance prohibiting idling and establishing a penalty.
BENEFIT
Cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
RISKS
Even where there is a city ordinance prohibiting idling, it is not the type of offense that the police are likely to enforce. If residents don't buy into the effort and violations are widespread, the credibility of the anti-idling program could be called into question.
ACTION AGENT(S)
- Environmental education groups
- City Council
- Police Department
- Schools and other organizations or businesses that tend to create conditions for idling
COST
Low. The main expense is the cost of the education program.
Greenhouse gases are a part of the Earth's atmosphere and are both naturally occurring and the result of human chemical processes. The most common greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and chlorofluourocarbons. These gases trap heat and thus contribute to the warming of the planet. See also CFCS and GREENHOUSE EFFECT.
