For a lot of kids, going back to school means riding the bus. In some neighborhoods, the school bus stops at every single child’s house, where it idles and waits for the child to collect her things, say goodbye to mom, pet the dog, smell some flowers, and skip (at a leisurely pace) over to get on the bus. Not only is the bus idling the entire time, but so is every car behind the bus.

If this happens in your neighborhood, talk to the bus company and to other parents in the neighborhood. Set up a common school bus pick up spot at the end of your street or someone’s driveway. A little conversation can make a big difference.