Arlington Heights: Are you Idle-Free Yet?

Since 2012, the Village of Arlington Heights has promoted the Idle-Free Arlington campaign, reminding residents of the many benefits of turning off car engines whenever possible; not only for the good of the environment, but for the pocketbook as well.

Shortly after he was elected to the Arlington Heights Village Board in 2011, Trustee Mike Sidor made it a goal to officially implement the campaign throughout the village.

“It really is simply an awareness campaign; we are encouraging people to be more aware and conscious of turning off their cars instead of leaving them idling,” Sidor said.

The idea of lowering carbon emissions through reducing idling originated from Cool Cities, which is a national campaign that promotes green initiatives. 

Amy Kitzmiller, the co-founder of the Arlington Heights Cool Cities Coalition, said Sidor, who also is a member, was instrumental in rolling Idle-Free Arlington out as a community wide program, backed by the village. 

"Mike recognized what is a very positive, low cost program that promotes cost savings as well as cleaner air; he put in the energy and time to make it happen, and we are all now benefitting from that," said Kitzmiller.

The Arlington Heights Cool Cities Coalition is a 100 percent volunteer group.

Kitzmiller said organizations such as District 25, area PTA groups and the park district have also signed on to support the awareness campaign through distribution and promotion of educational materials detailing the campaign and its benefits.

"When we surveyed residents, we found that 100 percent of people were positive about it. When there are local issues or topics that encourage other green initiatives, we get educated on them and get involved to educate others, Kitzmiller said.

Opportune times to shut off engines include when vehicles are sitting at long traffic signals, at train crossings, at schools, parks, banks and also when waiting at drive-throughs.

The program officially kicked-off in late 2012, and currently includes a reminder on Arlington Heights vehicle stickers in addition to village water bills. The message also is reinforced at kiosks located throughout town at the train station, on a banner at Harmony Park, at village hall and at Campbell and Vail streets.

The Idle-Free Arlington campaign is not officially enforced, Sidor said, but he hopes awareness about it will cause a cultural shift to make the air cleaner while even helping to prevent car engine damage and savings on fuel usage.

Myths and facts about idling are included Idle-Free Arlington campaign message:

• Myth: Idling is good for your engine.
• Fact: Excessive idling can actually cause damage to engine components, including exhaust systems, spark plugs and cylinders.

• Myth: Shutting off your car’s engine uses more gas and is harder on the engine.
• Fact: More than 10 seconds of idling actually uses more fuel than restarting it. Component wear caused by restarting the engine is estimated at $10 per year, which is recovered in fuel savings.

• Myth: Your engine needs to be warmed up before you begin driving.
• Fact: Today’s vehicles are best warmed up by driving them, modern engines require just 30 seconds on cold days before driving. 

If you would like to learn more about Idle-Free Arlington, pamphlets are available at Arlington Heights Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road. Additional information can be accessed on the Village of Arlington Heights website.

You also can view the Idle-Free Arlington, Breathe Easy Video, by clicking here.