Air Quality and Commuting to School
Automobile Emissions
In addition to contributing to global warming, automobile emissions are the primary contributors to air pollution. The densely populated valley along the Wasatch Front experiences several weeks, or more, of severe air pollution during both winter inversions and summer heat waves. Such pollution is the cause of acute health problems among children, senior citizens, and people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, and it increases the risk of chronic respiratory disease in otherwise healthy citizens. Sources of air pollution are as close as the nearest tail pipe.
Rowland Hall Curb Your Carbon Campaign
Parents at Rowland Hall educated themselves about air quality by inviting Utah Moms for Clean Air, a local pediatrician, and Mayor Ralph Becker to the school to speak. Then, based on successful programs in Canada and California, they designed a program to curtail automobile idling around the school. Bus drivers were educated about the negative effects of idling and all school contracts now contain no-idling clauses. Hang tags, emails and sandwich board signs were placed at drop off and pick up zones.
Students, of course, have embraced the idea and have been the best advocates of no-idling. By the end of the first school year, Rowland Hall saw a drastic reduction in idling cars around the school with almost 100% compliance. Now, each September, when school begins, and January, when inversions and pollution are particularly egregious, students, parents and staff work to remind each other about the health hazards of idling.
