We all know the 5 second rule - it's still ok to eat that cookie if you pick it up from the floor within 5 seconds. Now it's time to learn the 10 second rule, which unlike the 5 second rule, is factual and backed up by science!

Put simply the 10 second rule is this: Turn off your car when stopped for more than 10 seconds. (*Not including stop lights or during stop-and-go traffic).

Why should we turn off our cars after 10 seconds?

• Idling for more than 10 seconds burns more fuel than stopping and starting your engine.
• It's also hard on your car - fuel doesn't burn completely and then gums up your engine.
• Idling waste gas.
• Idling is polluting - we're adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and we're not evening moving!

So what can we do?

• Follow the 10 second rule
• If you warm up your car, follow the 30 second rule - only warm it up for 30 seconds!
• Tell your friends and neighbors!  (Feel free to just send them this fascinating blog post :)

Check out Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen schooling us on idling: