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:
Partners with Charlotte Area NC Air Awareness and local businesses to reduce vehicle emissions.
Responds to citizen reports of Smoking Vehicles and Excessive Idling.
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.