ECO Bulletin

Even the most committed bike commuter, carpooler or bus rider drives at least some of the time.  That’s why DEQ is encouraging people to “Drive Smart” this Earth Day by taking these actions:  don’t idle the engine while parked or waiting and don’t top off the gas tank.   By changing simple habits drivers can help reduce harmful pollutants like benzene, smog and global warming gases

 

More information:

Facts about idling

·         Idling gets you nowhere.  Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting it

·         Restarting your car more frequently has little impact on the battery and starter motor

·         Excessive idling is hard on your engine, contaminates engine oil and makes spark plugs dirty

Car exhaust is harmful to health, especially for children

·         Breathing exhaust can increase asthma symptoms

·         Air toxics in exhaust, including benzene, are linked to cancer, heart and lung disease

·         Pollution levels are usually higher inside an idling car than on the roadside

Things you can do

·         Put a “Turn Off Your Car” reminder on your windshield

·         Turn it off if you anticipate being stopped 30 seconds or more (except in traffic)

·         Reduce warm-up idling.  Modern engines need no more than 30 seconds of warm-up idling, even on the coldest days

·         Spread the word to employees, family, friends, neighbors and schools

 

Information courtesy of Susan Drake/ Oregon DEQ