Introduction
Ditching
Dirty Diesel
Collaborative
•How to Create an Idle-Free Zone
•How to Identify and Recruit Schools
•How to Recruit Sponsors and Partners
•Tactic Ideas
Ditching Dirty Diesel Collaborative • Anti-Idling Toolkit for Schools
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How to Create an Idle-Free Zone
Excessive and unnecessary vehicle idling is a serious, avoidable contributor to environmental pollution and poor human health. Excessive idling is widespread in all types of vehicles,
including cars, buses and trucks. This behavior occurs throughout virtually all transportation
activities, including parents picking up children after school, customers waiting in line at a
drive-through ATM or restaurant, trucks
delivering goods and buses waiting to pick
up passengers.
Unnecessary idling significantly contributes
to air pollution, which in turn worsens
environmental and health problems,
including contributing to the dramatic
rise of childhood asthma.
In 2003, the Washington State Department of Ecology, in collaboration with
Washington and Oregon air quality
agencies, provided funding for a pilot program designed to decrease unnecessary
vehicle idling. The group identified as most
likely to change their behavior was parents
of primary school age children. The pilot
program took place at the “pick-up and
drop-off” areas at the children’s schools.
Who Can Use
this Toolkit?
This toolkit is designed for use by school
teachers, school staff, student groups,
parents, and other outside advocates. The
following section outlines plans for idle-free
schools that describe the diverse roles and
people that can be involved in the process. The tools enlisted in this process are also
designed to be easy to use and
approachable for both young
people and adults.
The results from the 2003 pilot program proved behavior change could indeed occur. In
2004, the participating government agencies, with the help of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency, sought to refine and test the program again in different
places with different audience profiles. Using similar methods, the 2004 program once
again proved that reducing unnecessary vehicle idling was possible.
The research, lessons learned, program formats and supporting materials developed during
those two years are included for your use in the following toolkit.
The program and materials have been designed to be easy to use and to produce real
reductions in emissions. There are three (3) basic recipes to follow; however, feel free to
“borrow” ingredients from each to create your own masterpiece!
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How to Create an Idle-Free Zone
1. Compact Plan This plan provides a “streamlined” method for implementing an idling reduction program at
one elementary school. A detailed description of the Compact Plan is listed below. Main
“ingredients” of the program are as follows:
• Five-day program targeting classrooms
• Signage
• Idling fact sheets, pledge forms
Some steps recommended in the plan include installing idling reduction signs in the dropoff/pick-up area of the chosen school and sending idling reduction fact sheets home to the
parents, as well as having participants sign a pledge form. In this plan, you will not observe
or record any idling behavior. Also, you will not use any incentives as provided in other plans
(see medium and full-sized plans). It must be noted, however, that in two years of testing,
incentives proved to be invaluable in obtaining response from parents, and an important
element in achieving behavior change (i.e., measurable idling reduction). In summary, while
this model may be effective in changing idling behaviors, the lack of incentives might lead to
less participation.
2. Medium Plan
In this plan, choose one elementary school and record idling behavior of parents for five
consecutive days. A detailed description of the Medium Plan is listed below. The main
“ingredients” of the program are as follows:
• Ten-day program in two five-day segments targeting classrooms, bus drivers, and delivery
drivers
• Monitoring/Data Collection
• Signage
• Idling fact sheets, pledge forms, measurement forms
• Thank you and incentives such as key chains
Parents of children at the participating school receive idling reduction packets containing a
letter about the program, fact sheet and pledge forms. These materials are sent home with
the students the week prior to the start date of monitoring idling behavior. Parents and
students are asked to read the idling reduction message, and sign and return the pledge
forms within a five-day time period. (Click on recipe title or see index for sample templates.)
When the students bring back the signed pledge form, the teacher hands them another
envelope which contains an idling reduction key chain (see index for example) or other
idling reduction incentive, as well as a discount coupon from a participating local merchant.
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How to Create an Idle-Free Zone
Each participating schoolteacher is briefed on the program through a letter that clearly
outlines the process and goals of the program. If a predetermined number of students in a
classroom (past programs have used a goal of an 80 percent response rate) return a signed
pledge form, then the classroom will earn a reward such as a pizza or ice cream party.
Teachers in classrooms meeting the goal will also receive an award such as a coffee shop
gift card or movie tickets.
In addition to outreach efforts to students and parents, idling reduction signs are posted in
the drop-off/pick-up area(s) of the school (see index for example). These signs help to
spread the idling reduction message and serve as a reminder for parents and guardians to
turn off their vehicle while dropping off and picking up students.
Delivery Driver Outreach
The front office staff at the school is asked to provide idling reduction materials to delivery
drivers (mail, food, supplies) who frequent the school. The delivery drivers are asked to
sign an idling reduction pledge form. When the driver returns a signed pledge form, they
receive a thank you letter, idling reduction key chain or other messaging/incentive tool,
and a discount coupon from a participating local merchant. (Click on recipe title or see
index for sample templates.)
Bus Driver Outreach
To further expand the idling reduction message, idling reduction fact sheets and pledge
forms are sent to the transportation director who oversees the school district’s bus
drivers. Bus drivers are asked to sign the idling reduction pledge. If they return a signed
pledge, they will receive a thank you letter, idling reduction key chain or other messaging
tool, and a discount coupon from a participating local merchant. Sample language is also provided for those schools or bus companies that do not currently have written idling reduction
policies.
Measuring Idling Levels
Volunteers or temporary staff will need to be recruited to measure vehicle idling times
during the course of the program. These “research staff” will use a form (click on recipe
title or see index for sample templates) to track how long parents (not buses or delivery
drivers) idle their cars while dropping off or picking up students. Research staff will also
be asked to record weather conditions, the type of vehicle idling (e.g., passenger car, SUV,
mini-van), and any other notable factors such as whether anyone else is in the vehicle.
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How to Create an Idle-Free Zone
Copies of the tracking form, clipboards, pens and stopwatches should be provided for use
during the program and left with the school’s front office staff. Research staff will be asked
to check in with the school’s front desk to pick up and drop off their supplies.
Phase 1: Before the classroom notices go home, two to three monitors track idling behavior
for five days.
Phase 2: After the classroom notices are returned, two to three monitors track idling
behavior for five days.
Following the conclusion of the second five-day time period (i.e., information has gone home
to parents, signs are installed, etc.), evaluation teams return to the school to record and
observe the idling behavior for five more consecutive days to see if your efforts had an effect
on behavior.
The advantage to this method is that it includes a “before and after” snapshot at one school.
A potential drawback to this method is the possibility of a dramatic change in weather, which
can influence idling behaviors and affect your results.
3. Full-Size Plan
A detailed description of the Full-Size Plan is listed below. Main “ingredients” of the
program are as follows:
• Five-day program - targeting classrooms, bus drivers & delivery drivers
• Control and participating schools
• Monitoring/Data collection
• Third party partners
• Signage
• Idling fact sheets, pledge forms, measurement forms
• Media templates
• Thank you and incentives such as key chains
• Published results
In this scenario, two similarly sized and located schools within a school district are recruited.
One school will act as the control school (a school that does not receive the anti-idling
materials), and the other as the participating school. The suggested duration for the monitoring is five consecutive days.
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How to Create an Idle-Free Zone
Control School Outreach
At the control school, idling behavior is not influenced. However, during the course of the
monitoring, idling behavior is observed and recorded. It is essential to observe and record
data during afternoon pick-up times. If resources are available, it is also preferred, but not
essential, to observe and record idling behavior during student drop-off times in the morning.
Participating School Outreach
The second school is designated as the participating school. Parents of children at the
participating school receive idling reduction packets containing a letter about the program,
fact sheet, and pledge forms. These materials are sent home with the students the week
prior to the program dates. Parents and students are asked to read the idling reduction
message, and sign and return the pledge forms. (Click on recipe title or see index for sample
templates.)
When the students bring back the signed pledge form, the teacher hands them another
envelope which contains an idling reduction key chain (see index for example) or other idling
reduction incentive, as well as a discount coupon from a participating local merchant.
Each participating school teacher is briefed on the program through a letter that clearly outlines the process and objectives of the program. If a predetermined number of students in
the classroom (past programs have used a goal of an 80 percent response rate) return a
signed pledge form, then the classroom will earn a reward such as a pizza or ice cream party.
Teachers in classrooms meeting the predetermined goal will also receive an award such as a
coffee shop gift card or movie tickets.
In addition to outreach efforts to students and parents, idling reduction signs are posted in
the drop-off/pick-up area(s) of the school (see index for example). These signs help to spread
the idling reduction message and serve as a reminder for parents and guardians to turn off
their vehicle while dropping off and picking up students.
Delivery Driver Outreach
The front office staff at the participating school is also asked to provide delivery drivers who
frequent the school (e.g., mail services and food and supply providers) with idling reduction materials. The delivery drivers are asked to sign an idling reduction pledge form. When
the driver returns a signed pledge form, they receive a thank you letter, idling reduction key
chain or other messaging/incentive tool, and a discount coupon from a participating local
merchant. (Click on recipe title or see index for sample templates.)
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How to Create an Idle-Free Zone
Bus Driver Outreach
To further expand the idling reduction message, idling reduction fact sheets and pledge forms
are sent to the transportation director who oversees the school district’s bus drivers. Bus
drivers are asked to sign the idling reduction pledge. If they return a signed pledge, they will
receive a thank you letter, idling reduction key chain or other messaging tool, and a discount
coupon from a participating local merchant. (Click on recipe title or see index for sample
templates.) Sample language is also provided for those schools or bus companies that do not
currently have written idling reduction policies.
Measuring Idling Levels
Volunteers or temporary staff will need to be recruited to measure vehicle idling times during
the course of the program for both the control and participating schools. Research staff will
use a measurement form (click on recipe title or see index for sample templates) to track how
long parents (not buses or delivery drivers) idle their cars while dropping off or picking up
students. Research staff will also be asked to record weather conditions, the type of vehicle
idling, and any other notable factors.
Copies of the measurement form, clipboards, pens and stopwatches should be provided for
use during the program and sent to the front office staff for the school. Research staff or
volunteers will be asked to check in with the school’s front desk to pick up and drop off their
supplies.
*These materials may be reproduced and distributed without charge. However, it is forbidden
for these materials to be used in any way for commercial purposes without express written
permission from the Washington State Department of Ecology. By using any information or
materials contained herein, you accept full and complete responsibility for any and all actions,
claims, damages, costs, expenses or liabilities, including reasonable attorneys’ fees that might
arise.
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How to Identify and Recruit Schools
One of the simplest and most effective target markets to introduce an idling reduction
program is at an elementary school. Children are frequently dropped off and picked up at
school by their parents and guardians, a behavior that lends itself to idling behaviors. In
addition, buses picking up and dropping off children and drivers delivering supplies add to
the unnecessary idling on school grounds. Parents and the community are receptive and
motivated to protect children and improve air quality. This behavior, once learned, can then
be easily transferred to other locations such as drive-through windows, ATM machines, traffic
delays, etc.
Ideally, a school-based program would launch with the school year. The weather is most
conducive then, and it establishes a pattern for parents new to the school as well as those
returning from the previous year. However, the launch of a new school year brings with it a
great deal of work for the staff and an already overwhelming number of messages being sent
to parents. Launching with the school year also requires the program to be in place prior to
school closure in spring or during the summer break.
For these reasons, the program would optimally be implemented as early in the school year
as feasible, while avoiding the first few weeks of school or a delay of so long that inclement
weather patterns will have set in.
The principal of the school must be involved in the recruitment process; it is never too early to
speak with the principal about the program. Ideally, contact the principal in the spring (AprilMay) about setting up a program the following fall. This allows them enough time to review
the materials, inform other school leadership about the program and troubleshoot any
obstacles that may arise.
When working with the principal it is very important to emphasize that the program is simple,
and will not overburden the staff. School staff has a tremendous amount of responsibility
both in and out of the classroom. In addition, they are already committed to doing a series of
programs (which will vary by school). Remind the principal and staff that the idling reduction
program is an important message that does not replace or add to existing curriculum requirements, and that this program has health benefits for staff as well as students and families.
Having sample materials available for the principal and staff to review is helpful.
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How to Recruit and Sponsor Partners
There are many local businesses that want to help -- all you need to do is ask! The following
outline shows the steps an organization should follow in recruiting a partner or sponsor.
Step 1 Define your goals and make them measurable - what is it you want to accomplish? Have a
start and end date as well as a way to measure your effectiveness.
Example: One hundred parents signing “I Won’t Idle” pledge forms.
Step 2 Know your numbers! Know how many people your program will potentially influence.
Example: If you are a school, know how many students, how many teachers, how many
classes, and how many volunteers can be reached. Do not inflate the numbers; keep them
realistic.
Step 3 Check with the school and find out who is already involved. Examples could include a local
pizza company or grocery store. Then look around the local community at who is already a
“good community” partner-sponsoring Little League teams, neighborhood events, etc. Give
them the courtesy of being able to participate. Look to businesses that are new in town and
want to make an impression. Evaluate local branches of major national companies, as the
store managers have some authority on local programs. Based on your numbers, think about
which businesses can handle that type of volume. Consider companies who try to attract the
same “customers” you will be targeting.
Step 4 Be sure to look for companies/industries that are used to working with coupons or vouchers
and can handle the numbers you are looking for. Also, look for companies with products that
will be considered valuable to your audience.
Step 5 When developing your “offer,” keep in mind what’s in it for the partner besides being a
good corporate citizen. Ask them what they want out of the relationship.
Step 6 Contact the businesses, lead with the facts, show them the difference they can make in
their own backyard and give them a deadline for making a decision. A deadline will get
them to say “Yes” or “No.”
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How to Recruit and Sponsor Partners
Step 7 Before, during and after the event or campaign, be sure to recognize, thank and include the
partners in all correspondence and materials and with regular phone calls or in-person visits.
Let them know the progress and the results. The more equity the partners have in the
program, the better the chance for success.
Examples of Potential Sponsors and Partners Quick Serve Restaurants; Grocery Stores; Drug Stores/Pharmacy; Quick Oil Change locations;
Pizza Restaurants; Family Restaurants; Auto Dealers; Ice Cream Stores; General Merchandise
Stores including Home Improvement Stores; Pet Stores; Coffee Stores; Gasoline Service
Stations; Convenience Stores; any Business with a Drive-Thru Window; Book Stores; Novelty, Party & Toy Stores; Health & Fitness Clubs; Gymnastics and Dance Studios; Video/Music
Stores; Computer Stores; Cellular Phone/Telecommunications Stores; Kids Clothing Stores;
Family & Kids Furniture Stores; Photo Stores; Household Appliance Stores
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Tactic Ideas
The following tactics are ideas which were generated through the two years of implementing
this program. They are offered as concepts for enhancing an idling reduction program.
School-Based • Recruit parents, older students, and crossing guards to approach idling parents with
informational materials and request that they “pledge” their commitment to change their
behavior.
• Create and display signage at school drop zones.
• Encourage crossing guards to wear vests with “No Idling” message.
• Provide reminder stickers to parents for their cars.
• Solicit businesses or families to “adopt a school” and fund or sponsor all the signage (recognition would be similar to the adopt-a-highway program).
• Sponsor Metro Networks radio spots (traffic reports) during school start and end times to
encourage parents not to idle.
• Distribute informational card at time of school registration.
• Package (x) ounces of simulated pollution-like material and hand it out with informational
card to illustrate for parents how much particulate matter their vehicles generate after (x
amount of time) idling (“This is what your child is breathing when you idle during pick-up/
drop off”).
• Create a large glass display filled with (x) pounds of material with large signage illustrating
the amount of particulate matter being generated during a normal week, so that drivers
can read as they drop off and pick up their children.
• Develop a pair of glasses with lenses that illustrate how polluted air would be if a year’s
worth of exhaust from vehicles dropping off and picking up were concentrated all at once.
• Display a large digital counter illustrating pounds of pollutants produced and eliminated
on display at school during drop off and pick-up times.
• Create a display inside schools (aimed at students) showing the impact of not idling for (x)
minutes per week, versus the air quality gains they can make by recycling (x) aluminum
cans, (x) glass jars, using compact fluorescents, etc.
• Have groups of older students go to elementary schools during pick-up times and offer
free car washes (with biodegradable soaps, etc.) to drivers who shut off their cars.
• Have students hand out vouchers for one free car wash or other incentive for pizza, ice
cream, oil change, etc. to drivers who shut off their cars.
• Include messaging and information in driver training class curriculum.
• Include messaging and information or idling reduction policy suggestions in bus contracts,
policy books, instruction manuals, driver training during the hiring process, and driver
annual performance evaluation criteria.
• Send notices to visiting sports teams: “New policy - No idling at our school.”
• Assign students a project to log the individual destination trips and idling time for their
family.
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Tactic Ideas
Community-Based • Work with AAA, Better World Club, Mapquest, etc., to distribute and post idling reduction
messages.
• Develop signage at drawbridges, valet parking areas, drive- through windows, transit
terminals, near ATMs, loading docks, etc.
• Create art and copy for newsletter placement.
• Partner with retailers to offer discounts for drivers “caught being good” and not idling
their vehicles.
• Ask other transportation related programs to carry the idling reduction message as a part
of theirs.
Medical-Based
• Ask pediatricians to distribute idling reduction information to the parents of school-aged
children.
• Work with drug companies that produce pharmaceuticals for treating health problems related to poor air quality; request that they become third party advocates for the campaign
and that they include messaging in their promotional and educational efforts.
Vehicle-Based • Partner with vehicle maintenance and oil change chains to include idling reduction
message on window statics.
• Ask dealers to include a flyer with the purchase of every new and used car.
• Post information on gas pumps about how not idling saves money and improves air. This
program asked that individuals not idle their vehicles any longer than 30 seconds.
• Request that gas stations print one or two factoids on receipts customers receive at
pump.
• Partner with Department of Licensing to distribute information with registration and
renewal forms.
• Distribute information during bi-annual, mandatory emissions testing.
Fleets • Invite largest fleet owners in state to breakfast with the Governor, where they’ll be
briefed on the issue and asked by the Governor to pledge to stop idling.
• Request that fleet owners of delivery vehicles display signs and stickers that they proudly
don’t idle.
• Work with driver associations and large fleet operators to create idling reduction policies.
• Create and post graphic illustrations showing how idling drastically increases pollutant
exposure for both drivers and those who load/unload vehicles.
• Partner with local retailers to provide incentives awarded to drivers/businesses “caught
being good” and not idling.
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Tactic Ideas
Media
• Work with media partner to create an advertising and content campaign around the issue.
• Develop a “Ten Worst Places to Breathe” list.
• Conduct toxicity tests at target locations.
• Issue official medical alerts for those with medical conditions to avoid idle zones.
• Enlist pediatricians to announce a health warning about the increase of juvenile asthma
and the impact of vehicle idle zones.
• Create art and copy for public service announcement (PSA) and web placement.
• Request that TV meteorologists remind people not to idle as they wrap up their forecasts
and their air quality reports.
• Produce tail bus boards with myths and stats about frequent engine starts and idling.
• Conduct additional research to gather firmer science about number of individual trips
made by families and their idling times.
• Encourage the media to do time tests for buses idling at schools.
• Create a 30-second radio spot telling people “you shouldn’t idle your car longer than this.”
Miscellaneous • Identify speakers who can articulate the need and influence a commitment (e.g. company
leaders who have pledged to stop idling, children with asthma, families that have lost a
member due to air pollution exposure).
• Create informational card with matrix showing (for an average car) how much a car
pollutes in a certain amount of time and how much money would be saved if the car
wasn’t idling for the same amount of time (or, conversely, how much money was wasted
by burning unnecessary gas).
• Partner with local retailers to provide incentives awarded to drivers/businesses “caught
being good” and not idling.
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