There are many things that can be done to reduce air, soil, and water pollution. These are called Best Management Practices, or BMPs for short. Many BMPs don't take a lot of time or effort. Give some of them a try, and do your part to make your hometown a better place to live!

• Lawn & Garden BMPs
• Agricultural BMPs
• Stormwater BMPs
• Air Quality BMPs

Lawn & Garden BMPs

• Accurately calculate square feet of lawn or garden. Remember to subtract driveways, buildings, and other non-growing areas when calculating the square footage that will receive chemical applications.
• Apply lawn fertilizers at the beginning of the grass growing season.
• Avoid chemical applications when the air is still or when rain is predicted.
• Apply fertilizer according to annual soil test recommendations. Do not apply more fertilizer than is recommended.
• Follow all pesticide labeling directions carefully.
• Triple-rinse and dispose of all pesticide containers safely. Recycle plastic pesticide containers.
• Reduce the number of necessary herbicide applications by applying herbicides when they will be most effective against target weeds.
• Fine-tune your weed and insect control programs to reduce pesticide applications.
• Take hazardous waste to Hazardous waste collection centers.

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Agricultural BMPs

• Apply fertilizer according to annual soil test recommendations. Do not apply more fertilizer than is recommended.
• Apply fertilizer to actively growing crops only.
• Follow all pesticide labeling directions carefully.
• Avoid chemical applications when the air is still or when rain is predicted.
• Triple-rinse and dispose of all pesticide containers safely. Recycle plastic pesticide containers.
• Reduce the number of necessary herbicide applications by applying herbicides when they will be most effective against target weeds.
• Fine-tune your weed and insect control programs to reduce pesticide applications.
• Practice conservation tillage.
• Seal abandoned wells.
• Take hazardous waste to Hazardous waste collection centers.

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Stormwater BMPs

Private citizens can reduce stormwater pollution by practicing the following tips:

• Keep natural areas undeveloped.
• Bring oil, antifreeze, and other contaminants to the Household Hazardous Waste disposal collection sites instead of pouring them onto driveways and streets or into storm drains.
• Plant vegetation that will deter erosion, especially on slopes or along streams.
• Use all house and garden chemicals according to directions. Do not over-fertilize.
• Repair oil and coolant leaks on vehicles promptly.
• Keep our cities and rural areas beautiful--do not litter.

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Air Quality BMPs

Ozone levels are a growing concern worldwide. Many parts of North Carolina have ozone levels high enough to be unhealthy at certain times during the summer. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory diseases, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion on unhealthy air quality days. Everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion when ozone levels are elevated. Follow these tips to help clean up our air:

• Conserve electricity. Set air conditioners to 78 degrees.
• Share a ride to work, use public transportation. Bicycle or walk when possible.
• If you must drive, use your newest car or truck since new vehicles pollute less.
• Drive Smart: Combine errands, reduce trips, and limit engine idling.
• Take your lunch or walk to a nearby restaurant.
• Avoid using oil and solvent-based paints, degreasers, or lighter fluid.
• Refuel cars and trucks after 6:00 p.m. Do not "top off" your tank.
• Mow your lawn after 6:00 p.m.

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