Idling

(and its effects on our health and the environment)

Idling gets you nowhere – and it can be costly. Excessive idling wastes an enormous amount of fuel and money and generates needless greenhouse gas emissions.  Idling affects our environment, our health and our vehicles.  

In fact, if every driver of a light-duty vehicle in Canada stopped idling for just five minutes a day‚ collectively we would save 680 million litres of fuel per year. We would also prevent more than 1.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide – the main green house gas – from entering the atmosphere annually.

Less idling would also mean less of a burden on our health care system.  During an average year, exposure to air pollution results in an estimated 60,000 emergency room visits in Ontario.

Part of the reason many people still idle their vehicles is the belief that it is better to leave a vehicle running than to turn it off.   If you are going to be stopped for more than 10 seconds, it is actually more fuel efficient to turn your engine off. 

Understanding the Issue

Myths and perceptions on idling

Idling wastes fuel and money

Idling affects air quality and our health

Idling is not good for your vehicle's engine

Understanding Climate Change

Frequently Asked Questions about Smog and Air Pollution

Idling Impact Calculator

Your personal five-step action plan

Other links

www.gogreenontario.ca

Idle Free Zone

Air Quality Ontario

Ontario’s Drive Clean

The Lung Association

Clean Air Online