According to the EPA , Environment Canada and independent studies , we burn billions of gallons of gas every year across North America, generating millions of tons of greenhouse gas and fouling our air. It’s the cost of leaving our tailpipes on  – even when they’re parked.

That’s billions of dollars going up in smoke every year, a further drag on our environment and health care systems.

At places like ball-fields, hockey rinks and schools where our kids depend on clean air, we typically IDLE a lot. That’s why, as a hockey dad, those places are high on my “IDLE-FREE” wish list.

For me, this began as an unplanned mission several years ago. But the mission continues today by necessity. Despite a multitude of anti-idling bylaws and campaigns across North America (some dating back to the early 90s), North America’s tailpipe largely stays on. For now. 

And in spite of the buildup about hybrids and cleaner fuels, the auto industry has told us that it could be at least ten years before we see a mass change from what we’re driving today. Which is why inspiring North Americans about a new tailpipe-habit on a large scale is so important now.

I’m an ex-radio & TV broadcaster, sales and marketing guy. You’d think I’d be able to communicate with people. But early on, I missed the mark. I was too preachy. I didn’t have a clue about how to motivate the public about “going IDLE-FREE”. And starting out in 2005, “going green” wasn’t mainstream yet. 

So I went to school. Literally. I made lots of presentations at my kids’ elementary school where I was struck by their passion and concern for the environment. Needless car & bus exhaust was at the top of their list. I also learned that when these kids brought home practical ideas about caring for the planet, their parents took note and change happened.

So in 2006, The Children’s Clean Air Network was born. Our approach of empowering kids for this mission, “kids are the message and the messengers” is modeled on the experience at that elementary school. It’s had a major impact since.

We’ve built a growing, responsive network of IDLE-FREE schools, media and business partners – including car dealers (who tell us that idling while parked is one of the least-best things you can do for a modern engine). Recently, we launched North America’s first IDLE-FREE motor coach company and shopping mall.

Our goal is to inspire the rest of North America to turn off its tailpipe – when it’s parked. We see IDLE-FREE as “the next smoke free” –  when needless tailpipe exhaust becomes as socially unacceptable as second-hand smoke.

Now we need partners who can help us reach and inspire millions of motorists with a formula that’s working. Business, media and the public are buying in – because of kids. Help us spread the formula and create a mass movement. Partner with us.

The benefits to your bottom line, your corporate reputation, and your employees’ pocket books could be enormous. And think about how you’ll feel helping cut millions of tons of greenhouse gas and clearing the air for our kids. All with the flick of a key.

-Ron

---