Unnecessary vehicle idling--you may have observed a person sitting in their car in a parking lot with the engine and the A/C running, minute after minute. Keeping comfortable and perhaps chatting on the cell phone. Or a caravan of buses, idling for an extended period at a ski area, waiting for skiers to return from the slopes. Little are these drivers aware of the damage they are causing. And they are not alone. This harmful practice goes on all over Vermont, every day.

• SAVE MONEY #1: Gas is nearing the $4 a gallon mark. Plain and simple, idling gets 0 MPG. It is almost never necessary to let a vehicle idle when parked, even for a few moments. Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than shutting off the engine and restarting. Warming up a gasoline engine when above freezing is not necessary--just start the engine and go (diesel engines similar; follow owner's manual). Below freezing, 30 seconds usually suffices.

• SAVE MONEY #2: Excessive idling damages engine components, fouls spark plugs and corrodes the exhaust system.

• IMPROVE AIR QUALITY/IMPROVE OUR HEALTH: Exhaust emissions from even modern, catalytic equipped vehicles contain chemicals that affect our heart and lungs. Turn off the key and breathe free.

• BE LESS OF A GREENHOUSE GAS HOG: Vehicle exhaust emissions also contain carbon dioxide (CO2) a leading greenhouse gas emission that contributes to the warming of our planet. At the very least, this can adversely impact Vermont's skiing, maple sugaring and tourism industries.

• OBEY VERMONT'S LAWS: In certain locales and in certain instances (such as allowing a vehicle to idle while unattended in public) it is illegal to let a vehicle idle when parked.

For complete details on the concerns of idling--and what you can do about it--visit the IDLING FACTS page.

Idle-Free VT is a non-profit, grassroots campaign formed to address the issue of unnecessary vehicle idling (idling when parked or in drive through lanes) in Vermont. Its main goal is to raise awareness of idling. It also advocates enactment of a Vermont state all motor vehicle idle-reduction law.

Idle-Free VT seeks to achieve its goals through media exposure, legislative lobbying, raising awareness with citizens and businesses, and encouraging local activism and efforts (town ordinances or resolutions and school policies).

Raise people's awareness with this bumper sticker! It's available (along with other items) through the Cafepress.com "Make Your Own Stuff" offering. Visit the Apparel and Prints page for details.

TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY: You can have a major impact on eliminating unnecessary idling. Fleet operated businesses can implement a policy that informs operators and monitors idling. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters has such a company policy. As a result, they save thousands of dollars annually. Entities that serve patrons (who may tend to idle excessively on the premises) can elevate their status as a responsible member of the community by thoughtfully educating their patrons about unnecessary idling. VSECU (Vermont State Employees Credit Union) is doing so by posting signs about the concerns of idling at all their drive up ATM locations.

VSECU is kindly offering the template of this sign to the Vermont business community. Visit the BUSINESS IDLE FREE page for details.