Staples Students, Green Task Force Receive 'No Idling' Proclamation

WESTPORT, CT - Staples High School's Club Green and the town's Green Task Force will receive a "No Idling Proclamation" this week from First Selectman Jim Marpe as part of Westport GreenDay activities, officials announced.

The presentation, which is open to the public, is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Friday in front of Westport Town Hall on Myrtle Avenue.

“Westport is taking measures to decrease its carbon emissions by encouraging all who live and work here to sign the No Idling Pledge," said Marpe in a statement, noting that state regulations prohibit vehicles of all kinds from unnecessary idling for more than three minutes.

"Nearly 40 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in Connecticut are from the transportation sector. Westporters can make a difference in our air quality by eliminating unnecessary vehicle idling," he added. "Turning off a car engine and turning it back on again is more fuel efficient than leaving the engine idling for just 10 seconds. And we are aware that exposure to air pollution can affect health and contributes to increased incidents of asthma and other breathing disorders. I encourage residents to join me in signing the No Idling Pledge and take the time to inform themselves of additional measures that they can take that will result in cleaner air for us all.”

Westport GreenDay is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, and is "a community-wide event that celebrates sustainability across town."

According to David Mann, Chair of the town's Green Task Force, the event is an annual showcase for the various green initiatives and organizations through a host of activities at multiple town locations.

“Greenday events promise to be fun, educational and inspiring,” said Mann.

Photo: No Idling sign in Glen Rock, NJ. Photo credit: Contributed