Idling Gets You Nowhere!

On January 19, 2005 the Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador partnered with the Torbay Environment and Trails Committee and the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association to launch an Anti-Idling campaign at Holy Trinity High School in Torbay. For the past few months, staff and students at Holy Trinity have been actively involved in the promotion of an anti-idling message that encourages parents, teachers, students, bus drivers and the general public to limit the time spent idling their vehicles. Anti-Idling Signs have been erected around the school's perimeter to remind individuals to turn off their vehicles rather than allowing them to idle.

Idling for 10 minutes a day can produce about a quarter tonne of carbon dioxide emissions each year and cost about $70 in wasted fuel. If you stop for more than 10 seconds, except in traffic, turn off your engine and save!

 

Local Taxi Drivers STEERing Towards Greenhouse Gas Reduction

February 17, 2005 marked the first STEER workshop in the latest series for local taxi drivers to learn more about the importance of reducing greenhouse gases through smart driving. Over 100 St. John's taxi drivers are expected to take part in five educational workshops concerning the environmental impact of vehicles as STEER begins the core work of its second phase.

STEER, Smart Taxis Encouraging Environmental Respect, is a unique project started by the Taxi Industry of St. John's. STEER's partners include the City of St. John's, Conservation Corps Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

STEER's educational workshop explores the effect of human activity on climate change, and how decreased idling and effective vehicle maintenance can help the environment and drivers. The workshop will be expanded to include other fleets in St. John's, and then brought to the public through targeted outreach programs.

For additional information about STEER, please visit www.steersj.ca.