The Town of Sylvan Lake earlier this week announced the launch of Breathe Easy — an idle-free initiative resulting from a partnership with the Parkland Airshed Management Zone (PAMZ).
According to Town staff, Sylvan Lake residents idle their vehicles for an average time of eight minutes, whether they’re picking someone up, entering a store, or letting a vehicle cool down or warm up.
The Breathe Easy initiative aims to change that and educate town residents on the potential health risks arising from vehicle idling.
Of the Sylvan Lake resident who took part in a recent survey, 67 per cent noted pollution and poor air quality as their primary concern with vehicle idling, 53 per cent cited environmental impact, and 48 per cent said health and well-being.
As part of the initiative, town residents are encouraged to go online and find out the effects of vehicle idling, as well as how they can play a role in minimizing it. Information is available at sylvanlake.ca/programming/breatheasy.
The development of the initiative earned the Town recognition from PAMZ, who earlier this month presented the Town with an Actions for a Healthy Environment by Reducing Ozone award.