Idle Free Bexley Campaign
In recent years, wildfires and nearby smoke plumes have brought attention to Central Ohio's air quality, reinforcing the need to protect our air so we can all breathe better. It is important for us to double down and take steps to protect what we can manage, including becoming an idle free community. Our ask is simple: Turn off your engine insted of idling for 10 seconds or more.
Being idle free:
- Keeps the air clean
- Saves money
- Protects the environment
Contact Information
Sustainability Programs Coordinator
Elizabeth Ellman
(614) 559-4250
eellman@bexley.org
Quick Links
LET'S CLEAR THE AIR
What are the best ways to improve air quality?
- Turn off your car instead of idling when sitting for 10 seconds or more, whether you're in the driveway, parking lot, drive-through, drop-off, or pick-up line.
- Drive fewer miles with gas powered vehicles; switch to electric or use alternative transportation methods like walking, biking, or bussing.
- Reduce your use of gas-powered "things"—leaf blowers, weed whackers, generators, etc.
- Do what you can and what is feasible based on your unique circumstances.
- Lower the amount of energy used in your home. Making sure your windows are sealed, doors aren't drafty, and that your HVAC systems are clean goes a long way in keeping emissions down AND saving money.
Why is improving quality important in Bexley?
Everyone deserves clean and healthy air and we can all do our part to protect our neighbors.
What is the city government doing?
In addition to the Idle Free Bexley Campaign, the City of Bexley has joined MORPC and Franklin County Public Health's Neighborhood Air Quality Monitoring Program to measure air pollution neighborhood by neighborhood in Franklin County. Additionally, this fall we will be piloting three solar-powered air quality sensors in local "hot spots."
Furthermore, we've deployed an electric landscaping fleet to be used at Havenwood Park, installed EV chargers throughout Bexley to assist in the EV tranisition, created an electric lawnmower entrepreneurial program, and negotiated a green electric aggregtation program using wind RECs to support the generation of wind energy.
REAL TIME AIR QUALITY
Advocate •Help Spread the Word
We all play a part in improving air quality. Help us spread the word within the community and at work, businesses, and places of worship:
In the Community
- Share Idle Free Bexley social media posts from the City of Bexley’s and Green Bexley’s social media pages.
- Choose to walk, bike, carpool, or take the bus when possible.
- Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to be idle free.
At Work, Businesses, and Places of Worship
- Send an email to employees and/or membership asking them to be idle free.
- Submit an idle free article in an upcoming newsletter or bulletin.
- Encourage others to rethink their commutes.
- Install anti-idling signage.