Eco-Air is a volunteer youth group committed to vehicle idling reduction and air quality improvement. Since 2007, the group has lobbied the City of Edmonton to adopt an idling bylaw, which culminated in a proposed bylaw in January 2009. The City of Edmonton held bylaw focus sessions in which Eco-Air participated. Although the bylaw was defeated, Eco-Air raised awareness of the issue and has since become involved with the City in instituting the first anti-idling educational campaign. Eco-Air uses creative methods to teach others how idling affects Edmonton’s air quality and contributes to CO2 emissions. The group’s primary activity is to reward motorists who commit to idling reduction with an anti-idling decal.
Barriers/Challenges To Success
Eco-Air has wanted to achieve more than they could due to busy schedules. They had requests for appearances that they could not honour due to homework, instrument lessons and family commitments. The limitations of time prompted one Eco-Air member to state: "activism is important but sometimes it is better to lead a good life and set a good example"; Genius! Another barrier has been finding partners in the auto industry. Eco-Air approached a dealer to be told that car starters are one of the more popular options in Edmonton. Eco-Air has found that some buses are slow adopters, especially in areas exposing the most vulnerable populations to air pollution.
Contact
Dr. Raquel Feroe
Eco-Air E-mail filter, phone filter, and number one Fan
