February 26, 2008
A few weeks ago, I went to pick up my daughter from a friend's house. When I got there, another vehicle was in the driveway, running.
There was no one in the car.
When I went inside, I saw that another mother was there to pick up her daughter, and I said, "Is that your car in the drive?"
She nodded and said yes.
I said, "Running?"
She said, "Yes, I like to keep it warm."
I replied, "Did you know that's really bad for the environment? An idling car?"
(I wanted to say, "No one's in it! Why are you keeping it warm?" But I didn't.) (And yes, it's Michigan, but it wasn't that cold…and if it had warmed up on the way to this house, it wasn't going to get that cold in five minutes. Good grief.)
So I went on to explain, calmly, that an idling car is worse for the environment (because of higher gas mileage/emissions and wear and tear on the engine) than one that is actually being driven.
Not to mention it was a complete waste of gas.
Oh, and I might mention that 1) it was some big-ass SUV-type vehicle, and 2) it wasn't a situation where she'd left the car running just to run up to the door to get her daughter. She'd gone in, and had been chatting with the other mother in the kitchen–and then proceeded to stand there for at least another five minutes while I was there.
I couldn't believe it.
And then on Sunday, I went to pick up a friend of my son's, and when I pulled up I saw a car (another huge SUV) in the garage with its lights on, running. Expecting that car to be backing up at any moment, I parked off to the side and walked up to the car to say hi. No one was in it.
I knocked on the door from the garage to the house, figuring someone was just getting their jacket or purse or something. No answer after three loud knocks.
Went around to the front of the house and rang the bell. A minute later, the mother answered the door with her hair in curlers. Her hair in curlers. Ie, she wasn't nearly ready to leave to wherever she was going.
How long had that vehicle been idling? By the time I left, a total of at least five minutes later, there was still no one in the vehicle ready to leave.
It drives me crazy.
Please. Please. Please. Don't idle your car!
If it's going to be sitting there for more than 10 seconds, according to the experts, turn it off. Watch your lines in drive-thrus, too (try not to get in a long line, or if you do, turn off the car)…also when you pick up kids from school, run errands, etc.
And please…take a look at the links I posted. Especially this one. Help to make the world a greener place.
And can you make a commitment to turn off the car and eliminate at least five minutes of potential idling this week….? And next?
February 26th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I hear you! This drives me CRAZY when other people do this while waiting in the car line at school . . . and it happens a lot!
February 26th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
“Idling your car for more than ten seconds uses more fuel than stopping and restarting the engine. Idling also sends unnecessary emissions into the air contributing to both pollution and health problems. Running a non-moving vehicle for 10 minutes a day uses an average of about 22 gallons of gas per year. Since each gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, the potential to reduce your contribution is huge! With gas prices climbing, saving 22 gallons/year makes economical and ecological sense. Need another incentive? Excessive idling can actually damage the engine and decrease fuel-efficiency. Whether it’s to heat your car before your commute or you’re just hitting the drive-thru, try to keep idling to a minimum.”
GreenIsSexy.com
I totally agree! We should all do what we can, which means not being ignorant. WTG, Colleen!
February 26th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Amen, sister!
I know people who will actually reach in and turn off an engine. Someone else’s engine, that is.
I’ve been tempted, but I’m not that brave.
February 26th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Sing it, Sister! I think it’s OK to idle your car, if say, it has an inch of ice on it, and you’re going to be leaving for work in a few minutes. Otherwise, turn the damn thing off if you get out.
I have a HUGE pet peeve about people who leave their pets in the car while they grocery shop. I’m WELL known for calling the police (it’s illegal to do in Virginia), if it’s a hot day and someone has cracked the window and left their dog inside. I won’t freaking hesitate. I don’t care how much your dog loves you, when it’s hot, if you can’t take them in with you…leave them home!
February 26th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Amen, sister! People are so clueless. And why on earth would they want to waste gas like that with the prices so darned high?!
February 26th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Woohoo! I’m on it. I’m thinking about getting some of those laminated cards to leave on cars that are running/idling.
I’d be my one-person no-idling movement.
Plus, my kids go to a “green” school. Ugh. I think it’s time our “green” school institutes a no-idling policy, no?
February 26th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
environmental issues aside, it’s also a great way to get your car stolen. just a thought.
February 27th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Right On! I totaly Agree. Gas Prices are Way too High.
February 27th, 2008 at 3:28 am
Oh how this gets on my nerves! You can now get a ticket for an idl car in Denver and Boulder Colorado! woot!
February 27th, 2008 at 3:29 am
wow got so excited can’t spell *sigh*