Kids add voice, meaning to idle-free campaign

BY WENDY ELLIOTT

welliott@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

Over 60 children trumpeted a clean air message during the 75th Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Children's Parade.

"There were a number of reasons we got the kids helping us parade with idle-free T-shirts and a banner this year," said Kentville Councillor Eric Bolland, who chairs the town's environmental advisory committee.

"We wanted residents to know we hope to be the first town in the region with an enforceable idling bylaw this summer. Kids are our primary reason for that bylaw. Poor air quality from needless idling has a serious impact on childhood asthma, not to mention the environment.”

He noted, leading up to Environment Week and Clean Air Day, the Apple Blossom Festival was a good time to promote Idle-free.

"We were delighted to be marching with the kids," said Halifax resident Ron Zima of the Children's Clean Air Network.

"Kentville has shown real leadership and has been way ahead of the curve on promoting idle-free in Nova Scotia. They've been educating the public for several years and getting the kids involved. Now that gas is at $1.40 a litre, it's a pretty easy sell," Zima added.

"Turn your key off every chance you get and you'll save money, clear the air for kids and actually protect your vehicle. If we all did that the savings in fuel, greenhouse gas and the impact on our air would be enormous."