Friday, August 25, 2006

ERC pitches ?no idling? campaign


By REBECCA MEANY
Express Staff Writer

Nearly everyone's done it at least once: You leave your engine running while you jump out and mail a letter, buy a coffee or dash into a friend's house.

The Environmental Resource Center is hoping to change residents' minds about leaving their vehicles idling for more than 10 seconds.

The Ketchum-based group is launching an anti-idling campaign. Its representatives took their case to the Ketchum City Council Monday to get the city's support.

"There's a long-standing myth that idling is good for our cars, that's it's better than turning cars on and off," said Bree Herndon-Michael, ERC AmeriCorps member. Further, she said, "idling has very dire consequences for our health, especially our children's health."

During the weeklong pilot program, the ERC, with the city's support, will distribute flyers to motorists whose engines are seen idling.

Notices will outline effects of car idling and will include a gift certificate to Hailey Nursery for aspen saplings.

"The goal is to increase awareness of the idling issue," Herndon-Michael said. "Particularly, we're looking at coffee shops, the post office, Giacobbi Square, the downtown area and banks."

The ERC will evaluate the test program and implement a long-term strategy.

"I strongly endorse it," said Councilman Baird Gourlay.

Ketchum resident Mickey Garcia questioned the effectiveness of such a program.

"Is this a symbolic gesture, or is the air actually going to get cleaner?" he asked.

The project is meant to dovetail with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's effort to curb unnecessary idling at schools, Herndon-Michael said.

Unnecessary school bus idling pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear, according to the EPA's Web site.

"We feel that working with community members is an example of everyone doing their part," Herndon-Michael said.




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