Idle Free New Jersey
Success Stories
Idle Free NJ at Switlik School, Jackson, NJ. Peggi Sturmfels, NJEF Program Organizer, helped implement NJEF's Idle Free New Jersey Campaign at Switlik Elementary School in Jackson, NJ in June 2008. Sturmfels worked with students to educate them on air pollution caused by idling vehicles, the existing no-idling laws, and the creation of a power point presentation that they presented to a June 10 meeting of the Jackson Township Council. The students explained why cars, trucks and buses should not idle their engines for more than 10 seconds and described how gasoline is wasted by idling and said they want their own school district to comply with the three-minute idle rule. The students also explained that reducing idling, will reduce emissions from gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles that contribute significantly to air pollution. This type of pollution can trigger asthma attacks and other ailments, which is a major public health concern in New Jersey, especially among the elderly and children. The Jackson council is now promoting NJEF's Idle Free New Jersey campaign by passing a no-idling resolution that encourages that anyone using a gasoline- or diesel-powered motor vehicle to turn off the engine after 10 seconds if they plan to remain at that location for more than 30 seconds and conducting an educational no-idling campaign. The students and teacher were awarded with certificates in recognition of their work on this subject.
South Orange, NJ Girl Scout Troop #250 started an Idle Free New Jersey project at South Mountain Elementary School in South Orange. The kids turned their no-idling education into a number of unique drawings that were featured in a power point presentation given to third graders who will now present letters to municipal representatives at an Assembly in March. The letters ask the village president and council to pass no-idling ordinances. Parents, teachers and local businesses are supporting the effort by signing "no-idling" pledges.
Millburn, NJOn November 20th, the Millburn Township Committee passed a resolution supporting NJEF's Idle Free New Jersey campaign. This came as the result of work done by Jennifer Duckworth, Chair of the Millburn Environmental Commission. She gave no idling presentations to the township’s Board of Education, as well as civic associations and statewide environmental groups. Duckworth says that if we stop car idling, there’s a chance we will reduce greenhouse gasses, which may in turn prevent global warming. The resolution makes the case for reducing idling by noting that emissions from gasoline and diesel powered vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution. Now that Millburn has embraced the commission’s cause, the township will embark on a “No Idling” campaign similar to one in Chatham, which has involved education through signs, stickers and word-of-mouth.
Red Bank Kids Say Turn It Off! Third graders of the Red Bank Borough Primary School are putting their newly acquired "persuasive writing" skills gained from their Language Arts class to good use this week. They are applying their newly acquired skills to stop unnecessary vehicle idling on school grounds. The kids spoke with parents and bus drivers about the harm idling causes and the money they could save. They also put up no idling signs along the curb, handed out no-idling flyers, personalized letters and essays to parents and bus drivers.
East Windsor Passes No-Idling Ordinance
On July 25, 2007 the East Windsor town council passed a no-idling resolution that prohibits vehicle idling for more than 10 seconds if a car will be stopped at a location for more than 30 seconds. This policy came on the heels of NJEF's fundraising and educational no-idling campaign in East Windsor. Many thanks to Mayor Janice Miranov, East Windsor council and environmental commission members, and Padma Inguva (an NJEF member and local "hot contact") who helped out on this campaign.
Madison YMCA clears the air with a turn of the ignition key
NJ Pediatric Asthma Coalition (NJPAC) Award: 104 schools in New Jersey have recieved the NJPAC award for their role in reducing air pollution. School nurses have played a critical role in leading this effort. To qualify for the award, schools must meet certain criteria including the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's (NJDEP) No-Idling Pledge. For more information on NJDEP's No-Idling campaign visit www.stopthesoot.org If your school is interested in receiving a NJPAC award, visit www.pacnj.org
The Southern Boulevard School P.T.O Environmental Awareness Committee of Chatham Township launched an "idle free" campaign for their 550 student K-3 schools. It was designed to educate parents and school bus drivers about the health hazards of tailpipe emissions from their idling vehicles while waiting to pick up children after school.
School newsletter articles, banners made by art classes, printed sandwich board signs, and a media blitz drew attention to the campaign. Parents happily complied by turning of their engines. Prior to the campaign, 50% of cars idled while waiting for school dismissal. They helped institute the same campaign at the local YMCA and Lafayette School. Soon all Chatham schools will soon be "idle free".
As a result of their efforts, the Southern Boulevard School P.T.O. Environmental Awareness Committee of Chatham Township received a "grassroots environmental achievement award from NJEF.
Students in Summit High School's Earth Club launched a "no idling" campaign to stop idling on school grounds. The students raised money in order to buy the no idling signs and post them along the school pick up line.
