VEHICLE IDLING CAMPAIGN GOES TO SCHOOL

Students across Saskatchewan are being urged to help in the fight against unnecessary vehicle idling.

Saskatchewan Environment and Climate Change Saskatchewan are starting a program encouraging students to monitor vehicle idling at their school with the goal of encouraging drivers to stop the practice. Any school that officially completes the project will receive an "Idle Free Zone" outdoor sign.

"Reducing vehicle idling reduces pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, conserves energy and saves money for the consumer," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "We encourage students to participate because they will be helping themselves, their schools and their communities."

Schools are one site where engines are sometimes left running as parents pick up or drop off their children. Children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of exhaust than adults because they breathe more quickly and inhale more air per kilogram of body weight.

"Schools are an ideal place to create awareness that vehicle emissions are pollutants and can reduce air quality," Co-ordinator of Climate Change Saskatchewan Carmelle Sikma said. "In Saskatchewan, transportation represents 43 per cent of our personal greenhouse gas emissions so reducing vehicle idling is one way for people to lower the greenhouse gas emissions that are linked to climate change."

Information is being sent to schools across the province, inviting them to take part in this program. Further resource materials will be provided to those schools that choose to participate. Visit www.se.gov.sk.ca or www.climatechangesask.ca for material on the campaign.

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For More Information, Contact:

Alethea Foster Environment Regina Phone: (306)787-1611

Carmelle Sikma Climate Change Saskatchewan Regina Phone: (306)337-2289