Idle-free New Castle

The New Castle Climate Action Advisory Commission is leading a campaign to reduce excessive vehicle idling in New Castle.

• Particles in air pollution from vehicle idling worsen asthma and other breathing problems, especially in children.
• Car exhaust contains nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
• An hour of automobile idling releases nearly 4 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air.

If your vehicle is going to be idling for more than 10 seconds, it is more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine.

According to National Public Radio’s Click and Clack, today’s cars and trucks don’t need to be warmed up. Except in below-zero conditions, you can just start the engine and drive off.

Another way you can help is to become a partner in the effort to educate the community about the importance of reducing vehicle idling. A good way to start is to view the Climate Action Advisory Commission’s presentation about the idle-free program. To learn more about joining the campaign, contact any member of the Climate Action Advisory Commission. Read more “Idle is not the way”.