We are working on a campaign to encourage people to reduce idling, and are considering using a mascot or character to help us deliver the idle free message when approaching idling motorists. The idea was that we could use a scientist/professor character who would be less threatening when approaching idling drivers, and entertaining to both adults and children.
Has anyone used a mascot or character in their idling interventions, and what response did you get? If anyone has a character that worked well, would you be willing to share it?
Warmly,
Lauren
Lauren Maris
Environmental Program Specialist
The City of Red Deer
Canada
Anyone used mascots in idling interventions?
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Hi Lauren,
I work at a zoo and our no idle campaign is Be a Polar Bear Pal. We have pocket cards (along the lines of the Seafood Watch cards but informational - the benefits of not idling) and we also hand out 'clings' as opposed to stickers that people can put on a vehicle window (I'm a Polar Bear Pal - I turn off my engine is wating more than 30 seconds). We also have signs at our loading areas. It's hard to know how effective this campaign is but people are usually willing to take the information. We hand it out at our polar bear exhibit so that helps. I know this isn't exactly what will work for you but in my opinion the mascot helps. Maybe associating a wild animal that there is local pride for in your area and that is impacted by the effects of global warming? I'd be happy to send you sample of what we provide if you are interested.
Cathleen
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Tacoma Washington
Cathleen McConnell
Education Specialist - Academic & Community Programs
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
United States
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The NC Air Awareness group has a costume. They do anti-idling work but I am not sure if the costume is part of it. http://www.ncair.org/airaware/, [email protected]. My contact there is Jon Navarro.
Kelley Dennings
United States