Turn The Key To Be Idle Free Implementing No Idle Zones in schools helps the environment and improves student’s health By Emily Gee and Emily Stewart C
ARS PRODUCE 12% MORE emissions when idling than they do while driving, thus releasing toxic chemicals into the air that are especially harmful to
children. Monitoring at schools has shown elevated levels of air toxics such as benzene, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde during school pick-up time, when parents and school buses wait for students while leaving their engines running. Chil- dren’s lungs are still developing, and when they are exposed to elevated levels of toxic pollutants, they have an increased risk of developing asthma and other chronic respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. In addition to being the largest cause of school absences, asthma is also the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under 15.1 Fortunately, educators, students and parents are work-
ing to address this dangerous and unnecessary air pollution, creating a healthier environment by implementing No Idle Zones on school campuses. Such zones encourage parents to turn off their parked car engines while waiting for their kids in afterschool pick-up lines, resulting in lower emissions and a less toxic school environment. Establishing a No Idle Zone not only benefits air quality, but it is also a great way to involve students in environmental protection and to instill environmental values in their broader school communities. There are many student leaders who have already shown extraordinary initiative by bringing these zones to their school communities.
Page 34 Below are our tried and true steps to creating and sus-
taining a No Idle Zone at your school: 1. Create a Student-Led Grades of Green Team a. Obtain the support of the principal, fellow teachers, students, and parents. Invest time into creating a team at your school to support and sustain the activities you implement.
2. Connect with District and City Leaders a. Spreading awareness about your school’s goal to cre- ate a No Idle Zone will educate your community about air quality issues and environmental steward- ship. Add No Idle Zone facts into the school’s e-news- letter, social media, and morning announcements.
b. Begin reaching out to members of your city council or school district to garner support and spread the news about the good work you’re doing!
c. Take your student-led, grassroots movement to the next level by reaching out to civic leaders who may be interested in supporting your campaign or raising more awareness at the city-level.
d. Share the love and encourage other schools within your district to create a No Idle Zone.
e. Combine your efforts with representatives from other schools implementing No Idle Zones and approach your school district as a group to gain support.
3. Create Clear and Consistent Signage: a. Ensure the school community is aware of your efforts by creating a permanent sign at the student pick-up area.
GREEN TEACHER 113
Photographs: Grades of Green
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