I'm with you on that! Last spring, I watched as a mom of one of the kids on my son's baseball team idled her car, air conditioner running, for an entire hour and a half practice. It's crazy.

Lois: You know what I'm going to say (see posts below).... more kids and parents should bike or walk to school!

It would be nice if our kids could bike or walk to school, but it is not safe this day in age. As far as idling in the car: When I pick up my daughter from elementary school I also have to bring along my two other kids, one of which is a newborn. Is it fair to make them sweat it out in 90+ degree weather?

I see what you're saying, but today it was 74 degrees, and I bet few people changed their idling habits.

I agree that if it's 90+, no idling if you're sitting in the car. However, if you're leaving your car or if it's cool out, turn off your car! I'm sure it's more convenient for parents to leave the car on. However, this is where we need to be more aware and consciously take steps to protect our environment. The little things add up!

Yes, I DO idle my car as I will not sit in 90+ degrees without my A/C. None of the other parents picking up leave their cars; we sit and wait in our nice and cool cars. Yesterday it was cooler but it was pouring rain. So there.

J. Moore: If you enjoy wasting your money on gas, polluting the air and making us more dependent on unstable countries, I guess there is nothing we can do about it. Just remember this conversation in a few years when we are running out of oil and you thumbed your nose at simple solutions.

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. You're in the minority though about carpoolers as very few will sit and suffer in the extreme heat and sun when they can be cool and comfortable in a/c. Try to keep in mind about what happens when people are sitting in hot cars - have you heard of all the children who have died as a result of this negligence? Do you have any idea how hot a car gets when the weather is very hot and the sun very strong outside?? I would not subject my children nor myself to that. If you consider that wasteful, then it's your problem and not mine.

Drive a Prius. It automatically shuts the gas engine off when you're stopped. The first few times it does that, you'll think it stalled, but the hybrid system is still in standby and able to start immediately.

I Agree. I see this at all the schools located in my city of Parkland. To avoid doing the same, I get out of my car and go stand under a tree (nature's a/c.) I think to help stop idling, the school board should close the car lines. The state should require pedestrian/bicycle connections in all gated communities every 1/4 mile where the perimeter touches public property (these can be lockable but must be open to the residents on a 24 hour basis or a $5,000.00 strict liability fine is given. Once each 24 hours. 1/2 is to be a reward to the reporter.) AND, leave up more trees so we hae more places to stand. Bye, Stuart

I agree that engines should be shut off if its cool enough outside. I still dont understand though how people can sit outside a school for an hour before it lets out!! That's where the waste comes into play. And whatever happened to school buses? Since 1st grade, my brother and I had to take the bus! If you're close enough to the school walk (or bicycle with)your child to school. The exercise if good for both of you. If you have time to sit for an hour in your car you have 30 minutes to bicycle to the school.

Idling your car is not only bad for the environment, it is terrible for your car. Plus you are getting ZERO miles to the gallon. So not only are you wasting money on upkeep for your car, you are wasting money at the pump. People need to get out of their cars more and maybe you can socialize with other parents while you are waiting an hour (?) for your kid.