RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ADOPTION OF A “NO-IDLING” POLICY BY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, BOARDS OF EDUCATION, BUSINESSES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
WHEREAS, emissions from gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution, including greenhouse gases, ozone formation, fine particulates; and
WHEREAS, numerous scientific studies have found links between exposure to fine particles and health effects including premature death, and increased incidents of asthma, allergies, and other breathing disorders; and
WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has classified diesel exhaust as likely to be carcinogenic to humans; and
WHEREAS, vehicle idling occurs in locations (e.g. school grounds, parking lots, distribution centers, strip malls, construction sites, business centers, etc.) where the residents of New Jersey can potentially be exposed to concentrated sources of air pollutant emissions; and
WHEREAS, the reduction of fine-particle emissions from diesel engines could also prevent 16,000 new asthma cases annually and save $770 million to $10 billion in health care and related costs in the State; and
WHEREAS, for every gallon of gasoline used, the average car produces about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2), the largest contributor to greenhouse climate change, with one-third of greenhouse gas emissions coming from the transportation sector;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Township Council of the Township of Burlington, in the County of Burlington, State of New Jersey supports the adoption of a “No-Idling” policy by government agencies, schools, businesses, and other organizations by:
1. Encouraging any gasoline or diesel-powered motor vehicle to turn off their engines, whenever possible, at schools and off-site school related events to minimize exposure of children to vehicle emissions; and
2. Maintaining municipal vehicles to eliminate any visible exhaust and complying with the annual inspection requirement for those vehicles; and
3. Promote the widespread use of emission controls in construction contracts; and
4. Supporting broad education of the public about the health, environmental and economic impacts of idling and ways to reduce idling.
Water, where did it all go?
There was a time we played in the sprinkler, drank from the garden hose, washed our cars and soaked everyone around us without caring how long the water ran. These days water is no longer plentiful and water conservation efforts need to be a part of everyday life. Our most precious natural resource is nearing record low levels. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projected that more than half of the country (40 states in all) can expect significant water shortages by 2013. Water shortages don’t just happen because of lack of rain or snow. Increased population, industry growth and commercial and residential water waste all contribute to this growing problem. Water management and conservation is important to all Burlington citizens. Water is important to almost every aspect of life from drinking, bathing and food preparation to healthy grass and trees as well as survival of fish and wildlife. Water isn’t manufactured. We must wait for the rain and snow and hope enough falls to meet the demand of our commercial and residential community. It must recharge our ground water supplies, replenish our reservoirs, and bolster flows in our streams and rivers. We can all work together to use water more efficiently, reduce water use and waste in our homes, at work and in school.
Did you know?
• Up to 90 percent of water used to sprinkle lawns can be lost through evaporation from soil and plants. Water from 5am to 8am – it is good for your grass, trees and plants and saves water too.
• Approximately two-thirds of residential interior water use is for toilet flushing and bathing. The use of water-saving toilets, shower heads, and faucet aerators can cut this usage in half.
• A top-loading clothes washer uses between 40 and 55 gallons of water per load. Frontloading models reduce water usage by about 40 percent. Make sure they’re full before turning them on.
• A dishwasher uses between eight and 12 gallons of water per load. Again, only run full loads.
6 Easy Ways to Save Water
- Schedule automatic sprinklers to water no more than two times per week.
- Turn off your sprinkler system from November 1 – April 1 and when it rains.
- Turn off the sink when you brush your teeth – a running sink uses 2 gallons of water per minute!
- Don’t use a hose to clean sidewalks or driveways – you waste 140 gallons per hour.
- Don’t use toilets as garbage cans – each flush uses 3 gallons of water.
- Catch and use rainwater for watering indoor and outdoor plants. The average roof collects about 22,500 gallons of rain a year, or enough to fill 450 fifty-gallon barrels with free water.
Burlington Township is banding together to protect future water resources. We invite you to join us.
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