IN: Child care providers put kids first with "no idling" vehicle initiative

Source: IN Department of Environmental Management, 10/14/09
Date: 10.15.09

Did you know that only ten minutes of vehicle idling per day over the course of a year will add more than 50 pounds of toxic gases to the air and waste about $180 worth of gas?

Alarmed by these startling facts, Kendallville Day Care Center launched an idle-reduction campaign at its facilities last year to reduce the vehicle emissions. The initiative also conserves fuel and saves parents money. By requiring parents in parked cars to shut off their engines, vehicle idling times have been reduced by more than 92 percent.

"We couldn't believe what a difference it made just to put signs up reminding parents not to idle their vehicles," said Cheryl Franks, director of Kendallville Day Care Center's Orchard Place location. "Now, even the children remind their parents to turn the car off."

Kendallville Day Care Center's two locations are taking the lead on improving the health and safety of children by participating in the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's (IDEM's) Five Star Environmental Recognition Program for Child Care Providers - a voluntary program designed to help child care providers take simple steps for a cleaner, healthier environment for children.

In 2008, through a partnership with the Indiana State Department of Health, Improving Kids Environment, Duke Energy and IDEM, members of the Five Star program received outdoor signs for their parking lots and brochures with facts about vehicle idling. Child care providers began educating parents about vehicle idling, including giving them some great reasons not to idle.

"An idling car produces air pollution even though it's not going anywhere," said Karen Teliha, director of IDEM's Community Environmental Health & Education Program. "A great rule of thumb is to turn your car off if you'll be idling for more than 30 seconds."

Besides polluting the air, idling vehicles also bring health hazards. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, particulate matter, especially fine particles in diesel exhaust, is responsible for thousands of premature deaths each year.

"Air pollution, especially exhaust from vehicles, can trigger an asthma attack and make breathing hard for people who have sensitive respiratory systems," Teliha said.

Over 50 child care facilities throughout Indiana participated in the "No Idling" initiative the first year, and interest continues to grow. In the first year, these 50 providers achieved a total estimated reduction in vehicle emissions of approximately 6,851 pounds each year (or 3.4 tons). This is an 84 percent reduction in vehicle idling and an 85 percent reduction in emissions. More than 2,500 children at these 50 facilities are benefiting from this program. The program has been so successful that in 2009, Duke Energy renewed the grant and is funding additional "No Idling" signs for more providers in the Five Star program.

For more information about the "No Idling" Initiative or the Five Star Environmental Recognition Program for Child Care Facilities, call Karen Teliha at (800) 988-7901.