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Environmental Health
The Environmental Health Team is focusing on system and policy changes impacting asthma, air quality, and people running their
cars while parked (also known as idling). A no-idling campaign that targets the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools
began this spring. Team members have met with PTA, principals, staff, coaches, and teachers at select
schools. No-idling signs for schools have been posted, and parents dropping off and picking up their children from school
are encouraged to turn off their car engines while waiting.
The no-idling campaign focuses on the 10 schools with the worst before and after school traffic problems: Union Cross, Sedge Garden, Southeast Middle, Meadowlark Elementary, Clemmons Middle, Jefferson Middle, Northeast Middle, Gibson Elementary, Latham Elementary, Downtown Middle and Speas Elementary.
Parents, take the no-idling pledge!
No Idling Flyer - English version
No Idling Flyer - Spanish version
THE COOL CITIES INITIATIVE
In June, the Sierra Club recognized Mary Allen Joines and the Winston-Salem City Council for putting Winston-Salem on the
path to become a "Cool City." Mayor Allen Joines committed to curb Winston-Salem's contributions to global warming when he
signed the Conference of Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement back in March 2007. In May, City Council members passed a
resolution to look at reducing the city's greenhouse emissions. The city of Winston-Salem has begun to purchase some
hybrid cars and to use low-energy stoplights.
The Environmental Health Team of the Forsyth County Healthy Community Coalition recognizes that bad air quality is a major contributor to asthma and other health problems faced by adults and children in our community. Cool Cities across the country have committed to save energy and improve air quality at the same time.
The Cool Cities initiative is not only good for the environment, it can save money. "Any time we can reduce energy in our vehicles or our buildings, it'll translate into dollars that we're saving," said Joines.
For more information about Cool Cities, click here. For tips on reducing your own energy use at home or at work, click here.
The Environmental Health Team meets every month in the late afternoon/evening. Get involved and contact us for more information about this team.
Save Money, Save Energy
Earth 911
A Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Simple Things You can do to Reduce Global Warming
Conservative Values