Air Watch Northwest | Anti Idling | Letter to Bus Driver

Dear Bus Driver:

Parents and guardians trust you to transport their most prized possessions to and from school every day. Riding a bus is one of the safest forms of transportation available. As a trusted member of the community, you have the ability to influence the behavior and health of students and their parents.

(Name of organization) has designed a program to reduce unnecessary vehicle idling because it contributes to pollution and increased health risk in our state. We are asking you to set the example for the rest of the community by not idling at schools and idling as little as possible in other locations.

(Name of organization) also asks that you sign the enclosed "No Idling" pledge form. Please join us as an active participant in changing behaviors, which will drastically improve the air quality in our community. We have also attached a fact sheet to help illustrate just how important this issue is.

During the school year, students and parents will be part of a comprehensive no idling program called "It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air," and your involvement will help reinforce this message.

As a way to thank you for taking this pledge, we would like to give you a free key chain and a gift from (Name of business,) also committed to cleaner and healthier air.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our children and the support of this program.

Idling Reduction Fact Sheet

Did you know?

Each of us takes 20,000 breaths each day.
The average American breathes 3,400 gallons of air a day.
Children breathe 50 percent more air per pound than adults.
Vehicle exhaust is the leading source of toxic air pollution in Washington.
Idling consumes from ½ gallon to 1 gallon of fuel per hour and wastes more fuel than turning off and on your vehicle engine.
Diesel exhaust contains microscopic soot, a particle that is about 200 times smaller than the period at the end of this sentence.
Diesel exhaust contains both very small particles and 40 chemicals that are classified as "hazardous air pollutants" under the Clean Air Act.
Idling buses tend to accumulate diesel exhaust, which may be retained during the ride depending upon bus ventilation rates.
It is more efficient to turn off most warmed-up vehicles than to idle for more than 30 seconds.
A single vehicle dropping off and picking up kids at one school puts three pounds of pollution into the air per month.
Carbon monoxide reduces the ability of blood to bring oxygen to body cells and tissues.
Asthma is reaching epidemic proportions in Washington. More than half a million Washington residents have been diagnosed with asthma, including one out of every 10 children in the state.
Children's asthma symptoms increase as a result of car exhaust.
Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children and the cause of most school absences.
Exposure to vehicle exhaust increases the risk of death from heart and lung disease and lung cancer.


No Idle Zone / Anti-Idling
Dear Bus Driver: Parents and guardians trust you to transport their most prized possessions to and from school every day. Riding a bus is one of the safest forms of transportation available. As a trusted member of the community, you have the ability to influence the behavior and health of students and their parents. (Name of organization) has designed a program to reduce unnecessary vehicle idling because it contributes to pollution and increased health risk in our state. We are asking you to set the example for the rest of the community by not idling at schools and idling as little as possible in other locations. (Name of organization) also asks that you sign the enclosed "No Idling" pledge form. Please join us as an active participant in changing behaviors, which will drastically improve the air quality in our community. We have also attached a fact sheet to help illustrate just how important this issue is. During the school year, students and parents will be part of a comprehensive no idling program called "It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air," and your involvement will help reinforce this message. As a way to thank you for taking this pledge, we would like to give you a free key chain and a gift from (Name of business,) also committed to cleaner and healthier air. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our children and the support of this program. Idling Reduction Fact Sheet Did you know? Each of us takes 20,000 breaths each day. The average American breathes 3,400 gallons of air a day. Children breathe 50 percent more air per pound than adults. Vehicle exhaust is the leading source of toxic air pollution in Washington. Idling consumes from ½ gallon to 1 gallon of fuel per hour and wastes more fuel than turning off and on your vehicle engine. Diesel exhaust contains microscopic soot, a particle that is about 200 times smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. Diesel exhaust contains both very small particles and 40 chemicals that are classified as "hazardous air pollutants" under the Clean Air Act. Idling buses tend to accumulate diesel exhaust, which may be retained during the ride depending upon bus ventilation rates. It is more efficient to turn off most warmed-up vehicles than to idle for more than 30 seconds. A single vehicle dropping off and picking up kids at one school puts three pounds of pollution into the air per month. Carbon monoxide reduces the ability of blood to bring oxygen to body cells and tissues. Asthma is reaching epidemic proportions in Washington. More than half a million Washington residents have been diagnosed with asthma, including one out of every 10 children in the state. Children's asthma symptoms increase as a result of car exhaust. Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children and the cause of most school absences. Exposure to vehicle exhaust increases the risk of death from heart and lung disease and lung cancer.