No More Idling!

Hey, Jackman… the JETs have taken on a new project.   It’s our ‘No Idling’ campaign.  We are encouraging the community to rethink their driving behaviours… especially as the cold winter months approach.  

Did you know that there is a 1 minute idling limit in the city of Toronto?  It’s true!  It’s the law! 

Here are some myths and facts you need to be aware of:

Myth #1: It’s better for my car engine to leave it idling than to turn it off and on again…

Fact: On the contrary, the engines of newer cars are quite efficient and shouldn’t be idled at all!   Idling is just pouring money down the drain.  Drivers across the North America spend a whopping $13 million a day on unnecessary idling, which is equivalent to 14 million litres of fuel.

Myth #2: A few minutes of idling doesn’t really impact the planet…

Fact: Actually, it does.   For every minute minutes a driver idles their vehicle, it releases 45 grams of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This adds up pretty quickly.  It has a real impact on climate change and global warming.

Myth #3: If I idle my car, it won’t really impact my health or that of those around me…

Fact: Car exhaust is now considered a contributing factor in many serious health conditions, such as asthma, allergies, heart and lung disease, and cancer. Additionally, it is thought that children are particularly vulnerable because of their developing brains and quicker respiration.  New studies are showing that breathing exhaust fumes can damage brain cells and may even be linked to developmental disorders. 

So, hopefully we have convinced you that idling is bad for your car, bad for your wallet, bad for your health and bad for the world you live in.  It’s just bad news. The good news is that you can be a change-maker. Turning off your car sets a good example for your kids and other drivers around you.  In the words of Mahatma Ghandhi, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world”.  It all starts with you… you can do it, Jackman!

~ April, Samantha and M. Csamer
 JETS

(Source: www.dadacanada.com)