To Idle or Not To Idle?

There's a common myth that maintains that the surge of energy required to turn your car's engine on, after being off for a while, consumes more fuel that just letting the engine run instead of turning it off and on again.  According to National Geographic's 'Green Guide' (www.thegreenguide.com), unless your idling for twenty seconds or less, it's always more efficient to shut your engine off and start it up again later. 

Now that that's debunked, why not park that car... and walk up to that counter to get your fast-food or coffee!  It'll save you money on gas and on gym memberships.  Of course the best option would be to make your own meals and coffee ahead of time and bring them with you.  This would save you money, reduce your packaging intake, shorten your commute to work and avoid the long, annoying wait at the drive-through.  But maybe that's another tip...