Schools

Anti-Idling Pledge Drive Aims for Environmental Awareness

A common site at many schools—cars left running while waiting for the kids—is something the district hopes to curb.

For the second year, the district is hoping to alert parents to the environmental effects of a simple activity—cars left running as parents drop off or pick up students from school.

Throughout April, the district will host an anti-idling pledge drive, encouraging families, staff and drivers in the community to turn off their engines while waiting at bus stops, in front of schools and at other locations.  Dubbed “Turn the Key—Be Idle Free”, the pledge drive began April 8 and will continue until April 29.

In the spirit of preserving the environmental, the district will be taking electronic pledges rather than paper documents during the drive’s duration.  The pledge link is available on the district’s website, www.hillsborough.k12.nj.us.

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At the end of the drive, all electronic signatures will be tabulated and the school with the highest percentage of families pledging will win a park bench, donated by Lowe’s Home Improvements, and a tree, donated and planted by Ambleside Gardens.

In addition, all participants who pledge will be eligible for $10 certificates from local businesses, including Dunkin Donuts, Applebees, Super Sundaes and Petrock’s.

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The district’s transportation department is also endorsing local, state and national anti-idling programs, according to the district.

The pledge drive follows efforts the high school’s Tree Ring Club made last year regarding cars idling in front of the schools.  During the first year, the school district signed its first anti-idling awareness resolution, while students worked to bring attention to the environmental damage caused by idling cars.

This year, Girl Scout Troop 392 joined the cause as well and is working with other local troops to promote the anti-idling efforts at the elementary, intermediate and middle schools.

 


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