Carpooling

In an effort to mitigate its carbon footprint (WA has signed the Green Schools Climate Commitment – GSCC , pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020), carpooling has become formalized at WA. Two weekday carpooling spots were added in the Gym Parking Lot for seniors. Only cars with 3 or more students can be parked in these spots up until 10 minutes before the start of the school day, after which anyone can use the spots. In the Kingsley Parking Lot, faculty have one carpooling spot which requires two or more passengers and follows the same time limits as the Gym lot. This past fall, the WA Environmental Club drafted a proposal to the Headmaster requesting that the school begin a carpooling system.

WA Anti-Idling Initiative

W.A. took a step closer to adhering to MA anti-idling laws. Roger Randor, head of maintenance, placed WA’s first anti-idling sign on the Dorchester Street entrance fence. The next step is to build on demonstrated interest among the Parent Council to begin a grassroots movement for education and collective participation along with increasing signage. For more informationa go to:

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/90-16a.htm

Idling vehicles waste as much 3.8 million gallons of gasoline a day in addition to increasing air pollution that negatively impacts our health. Typical estimates state that idling for more than 10 seconds wastes fuel, produces more air pollution, and wears down the engine faster than turning the engine off. For more information how to save gas and improve our air quality go to

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml