The weather in Kamloops has been wonderful lately, an excellent opportunity to get out and enjoy the fresh air.

While I have been out walking in these mild conditions, I have noticed people idle their vehicles.

Given the generally warm nature of Kamloops weather, and the fact that our recent weather barely constitutes as “cold,” it is frivolous for people to leave their cars idling to warm up.

Even just running into the house or waiting for someone to come out, it’s not necessary to leave it running.

First of all, the exhaust stinks and it pollutes our fresh air. It is not pleasant to walk through the fumes being emitted by these idling vehicles.

Second, there is this thing called climate change, which many people choose to pretend doesn’t exist, but there’s a reason we are having a balmy February.

Regardless whether you believe in the reality of climate change or not, turning your car off isn’t going to hurt.

It’s fuel money in your pocket and clean air for us to breathe.

Moreover, you may say one vehicle isn’t going to make a difference but if we all turn off our cars it just may.

Whether you idle your vehicle to warm it up or you’re just running into the house for a quick second, please turn your vehicle off. There isn’t a valid reason to leave it running.

I do appreciate the effort some people make to use our transit systems and car pool. To those I say thank you!

And as our favourite childhood author, Dr. Seuss says:

“The word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear. Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing’s going to get better. It’s not!”

KIMBERLEY DUNCAN

Kamloops