Idle (of an engine): run slowly while disconnected from a load or out of gear.
Idle: without purpose or effect, pointless.
Of the many environmental faux pas I have observed (and been guilty of) over recent years, the foremost is an escalation of motorists who choose to idle their car engines, in the comfort of their climate controlled vehicle… eating their lunch, communicating or reading on their “devices” in parking lots, in long lines waiting for food, gas and coffee, etc.
I’m aware there are legitimate reasons — pets, children, seniors, etc. — but when there are times when it’s not that hot, you can find shade and sit with the windows open. I came from a pre-air conditioner era, so I know it’s possible to rewind our polluting ways and survive. (Car exhaust emits a wide range of gases and solid matter, causing global warming, acid rain and harming the environment and human health).
Just pay attention. And while we’re at it, turn off the water while brushing our teeth. Water and air — precious commodities!
Martha Snyder
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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