You can help stop unnecessary idling...for our kids sake!

FIRST....we need to be honest and recognize that WE ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM. Reducing 'localized air pollution' is within our own control.

Science proves that climate change is real and is caused by mankind and our excessive use of energy, over-consumption of mostly disposable goods, and by our transportation sector including our planes, trucks and personal vehicles.

Watch this video from a child who asks us to ACT now to stop climate change. Credit: TheBigAsk.be

As with most things environmental, conservation is the easiest thing to do, such as turning off lights when they are not in use or turning down the home thermostat while at work. When it comes to driving habits, using efficient driving habits, carpooling, grouping errands, buying more fuel efficient vehicles and simply finding ways to 'minimize the times you need to drive' are all good habits to create in your family.

One of the simplest and most misunderstood myths out there is about the need to idle ones vehicles and the effects of vehicle exhaust on humans ( especially children and the elderly). Idling vehicles is unnecessary with today's vehicles, is costing you thousands of dollars over the life of your car in fuel costs, repairs and indirectly in health and environmental costs.

DADA was started as a parent-led grassroots initiative to leverage the passion of like-minded individuals to do small things to try to get others in your community to join in a pledge not to idle. Most parents and citizens today are concerned about the environment and for the health and future of their children but most do little to change.  Many of us see idling vehicles as a wasteful form of pollution that stinks and is bad for the environment.

In fact, some parents say "I would do 'anything' to protect our kids and keep them safe" yet they start their engines and make their kids and friends inhale daily doses of fumes.

DADA will attempt to spell out the facts and debunk the many myths people have about idling. We hope that after reading the facts, you will come to the same conclusion millions of people around the world have figured out, and said to themselves..."I PLEDGE NOT TO IDLE ANYMORE AND I WILL ASK MY FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS TO JOIN IN THE PLEDGE."

DADA gives you a reason to stop, asks for a pledge, and gives you an excuse to ask others to do the same - be it your neighbours, fellow parents at school, school bus drivers, city hall, or the drivers at the bus station.

Engines are for moving a vehicle, not for parking. The best thing to do is to turn off the engine the moment you are parked.

You will protect the environment; save money; reduce our dependency on oil; protect our natural resources; reduce air pollution and smog; prevent asthma and asthma complications and other respiratory ailments; protect the health of the elderly and young; and its simply just a common courtesy to by-standers and neighbours who have no choice but to breathe in your exhaust.

To do this you will have to admit we are all part of the problem; pledge to change;  be more aware; change some bad habits; turn the key off and maybe suffer some minor inconveniences. But the inconvenience of climate change, smog and ill kids will be much worse.

It's time to take action and change our bad habits and replace them with more efficient and effective ways to go about our daily lives. Follow the steps below to make a better community.

Its time to show initiative and be a responsible driver and parent. It's time to do something about the problem.