FLAGSTAFF — The city of Flagstaff is launching a campaign to reduce vehicle idling in the city. The Sustainability Section recently received a grant from the Urban Sustainability Director’s Network to promote sustainable behavior change. The section is utilizing these funds to communicate the benefits of reduced idling to residents this fall. This campaign is part of the Sustainability Section’s ongoing efforts to help residents save money, reduce environmental impacts and make Flagstaff a healthier place to live.
Idling is a behavior with little benefit, and significant cost-saving potential. It occurs when a driver leaves the engine running while parked or stopped for an extended period of time. Americans waste $13 million every day on unnecessary idling. Here in Flagstaff, thousands of vehicles idle needlessly everyday – not only does unnecessary idling waste money, but it causes pollution and increases overall engine wear.
According to a survey of City residents, idling commonly occurs at train crossings, drive-throughs, and parking lots. This campaign asks residents to identify one place they can turn off their engines more frequently to save money and keep Flagstaff’s air clean.
City of Flagstaff staff will be around town this fall asking Flagstaff residents to pledge to Turn It Off. Residents can take home a Turn It Off bumper sticker and be entered into a prize drawing.
For more information on the campaign, visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/TurnItOff. If you have any questions about the campaign and how you can reduce idling, please contact Jenny Niemann at 928-213-2150 or jniemann@flagstaffaz.gov.