Air Pollution Reduction Tips

Industrial Sources

Examples include manufacturing and power plants.

  • Buy energy-efficient appliances and lighting.

  • Install a programmable thermostat to save energy (and money) when you are away or asleep.

  • Use major appliances (oven, dishwasher, washer and dryer) during cooler parts of the day.

  • Turn off unused lights, appliances and computers.

  • Insulate your home to cut down on heating and cooling.

  • Learn more way you can save money will improving air quality on our Energy Efficiency Resource page.

What MCAQ is doing:

  • Ensures compliance of local permitted sources of air pollution.

  • Supports workplace energy efficiency campaigns.

Area Sources

Examples include gas stations, drycleaners, vegetation, and forest fires.

  • Never burn trash or other man-made materials.

  • Refuel vehicles and lawn equipment after 6pm when ground-level ozone is least likely to form.

  • Use water-based paints and cleaners instead of solvent-based products.

What MCAQ is doing:

  • Enforces local regulations at gas stations.

  • Tracks other, smaller sources of air pollution.

On-road Mobile

Examples include the cars and trucks you see on the road everyday. 

  • Telework, join a car or vanpool, ride your bicycle, or ride public transit to work.

  • Drive the cleanest car that fits your lifestyle.

  • Bring your lunch to work rather than driving to lunch.

  • Plan ahead to combine short trips.  Fewer trips produce less air pollution.

  • Reduce/stop vehicle idling.

  • Keep vehicles in good working condition.

What Mecklenburg County Air Quality (MCAQ) is doing:

Non-road Mobile

Examples include construction equipment, trains, airplanes and even lawn equipment.

  • Use electric or hand-powered lawn equipment. 

  • Reduce use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment.

  • Wait until after 6pm to use gas-powered equipment on Code Orange, Red or Purple days.

What MCAQ is doing:

  • Administers the Grants to Replace Aging Diesel Engines (GRADE) program.

  • Organizes and promotes a Green Lawn Maintenance program: MowGreenCLT.

Sources of Ozone-forming Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)