We interrupt the regularly scheduled discussion on Children's Organic Clothing (because frankly, I can't think about it anymore) to bring you an easy, economical tip on going green.
I just picked Davis up from his gymnastics class. I was 10 minutes early so I parked, turned off my car and thumbed through a magazine (it was a glorious 10 minutes). There I sat, in a row of 5 cars - all moms - waiting to pick up their child. It's a beautiful 50 degrees here today - no heater necessary. Can you believe, I was the only one in the 5-10 minute period of time to turn off my engine.
I'm not suggesting that people are intentionally wasting gas and polluting the air while they sit idle, I'm just saying to be aware of your actions.
An idling vehicle gets the worst gas mileage possible – 0 miles per gallon. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if 145 million passenger vehicles idle for five minutes a day, approximately four million gallons of gasoline are consumed. As gas prices rise, not idling a vehicle is a quick and easy way to save money at the pump.
HERE'S THE RULE OF THUMB, according to the Consumer Energy Center: If you're in a drive-thru or waiting for someone, and you'll be parked and sitting for 10 seconds or longer... turn off your car's engine.
Read here for some myths associated with idling your car.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Three R Thursday - Stop Idling
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3 comments:
I'm going to do it--TODAY--in carline. I'm inspired to pollute-less. Thanks.
great post! There are some schools that actually have asked parents to turn off their cars (mine is not one of them) However you can read more about one place here http://www.valleyairnow.com/idlereduction.htm
I never really thought about this. Often I stay in the car with the kids while my husband runs into a store (like home depot, yuck). He leaves the car running, I turn it off. Now I can provide him with some hard facts.
Thanks!
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