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Be Idle Free

New! Be Idle Free video contest!

What is Idling?

Idling is a bad habit that wastes fuel, adds to pollution and can contribute to health problems. Unnecessary idling costs Canadians millions of dollars every year and it's a major contributor to climate change. Idling your vehicle less will save you money on fuel, improve air quality in your community and reduce emissions contributing to climate change.

We are committed to making sure Edmonton is one of the cleanest, greenest cities worldwide by keeping its air quality at a high rating - above acceptable levels as measured in previous years. Please see our EcoVision Annual Report for more detail.

What can you do?

• Download our Be Idle Free Resources to start your own Be Idle Free campaign.
• Be more aware of the amount of time you idle.
• Reduce "warm-up" idling to 60 seconds before driving away, just make sure your vehicle's windows are clear. Wheel bearings, steering, suspension, transmission and tires are only warmed when the vehicle is moving. It typically takes at least five kilometres of driving to warm up these components.
• Turn your engine off if parked for more than 60 seconds during reasonably warm weather (above -10°C).
• Avoid using a remote car starter during reasonably warm weather (above -10°C).
• Stuck in traffic, using a drive-thru, picking up someone at school or waiting for a train to go by? Shut off the vehicle! Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting your engine.
• Consider using other ways to get around, such as public transit, walking, biking or jogging instead of driving.
• Register your school as a "no idling" zone. Find out how at ECO-AIR

We also provide City employees with information on how to reduce vehicle idling. Currently, we have the Fuel $ense Program for fleet vehicles and the ETS Bus Idling initiative.

Be Idle Free Video Contest

Idling your car is bad for the environment and your health. Show us why!

Create a video about why people shouldn't idle their cars and you'll be entered to win great prizes! Be one of the first ten entries and get an early bird prize!

All you have to do is:

• Enter on your own or form a group of up to 3 members
• Create a video of up to 3 minutes
• Upload the video to the Be Idle Free contest site
• Get your friends to vote!

Contest is open to youth ages 7 to 18. Submissions accepted between July 15 and Sepetmber 30, 2010. Voting is open until October 11, 2010. One vote per entry per day.

For complete contest details and to enter your submission, go to beidlefree.strutta.com.

Download a sample model release form for anyone who's image/voice is used in your video.

For more information:

Office of Environment