How To Lessen Your Contribution To Noise Pollution

If you are constantly bugged by disturbing or unwanted noise to the point that it interferes with your normal daily activities, then you are categorically experiencing noise pollution. This is a disruptive type of sound that can be annoying and life-altering because it can affect your mood, responses, relationships or socialization, and performance.

Extreme noise pollution can greatly affect an individual’s quality of life. It can also cause chronic stress which impacts overall health. Noise pollution would usually come from different sources such as industrial noise or those coming from construction, electrical machinery, or from traffic noise such as sounds of motorcycles, cars, buses, airplanes, or even from lawnmowers.

Hacks To Reduce Noise Pollution

You can help to minimize the sound and noise pollution and its harmful effects by controlling or limiting the noise in your own space. You have to learn how to take the upper hand in your environment. This is the first step to taking control of noise pollution. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Turn Off Your TV

A lot of kids are said to suffer from home noise pollution. Unknowingly, kids are exposed to the dangers of noise pollution in their very own home which can trigger stress and anxiety. Turning your T.V. off can help you avoid distractions while you’re doing other tasks, help you focus on getting productive work done, and eliminate unwanted noise when you are relaxing or sleeping.

2. Trade Noise Pollution with a Calming or Productive Noise

Not all sounds are created equal. In the same way, noise can be seen as either toxic or productive. If you cannot completely block or eliminate the noise, then you can reduce it by using a creative or better kind of noise that can boost your overall health.

You can replace the irritating noise by playing instruments or streaming your favorite music, using white noise, or injecting a more pleasant sound to drown the disturbing sound. This masks the unwanted noise and replaces it with an inspiring or enjoyable sound so you can sleep like a baby.

3. Plant Trees as Noise Buffers

If you are a green lifestyle advocate, then you can try planting shrubs and trees which can effectively drown out unwanted noise by as much as 50%. These trees and shrubs serve as dense foliage that blocks noise pollution. It is recommended to plant these trees and shrubs as close to the source of noise as possible.

The evergreen variety is highly recommended because it can provide your homes with all-year-round insulation or protection from noise pollution. You can combine tall grasses and short shrubs to provide better soundproofing plus enhanced visual appeal.

4. Be Mindful of Your Own Noise

You have to pay attention to your own noise or backyard before you complain of external noises. Be a good neighbor and pay attention to your own sounds or noise that may be affecting other people’s homes. If your kids are fond of playing loud music, then advise them to keep it down, especially at night. Partying too should be kept on certain hours and must not go on all night long.

Check on your barking dog to see how to keep it calm. Being a good neighbor will allow your neighbors to reciprocate in a good way.

5. Meditate and Exercise

You can combat the ill or negative effects of noise pollution by keeping your inner calm. Your body follows through your psyche or emotional and mental health. Doing regular exercises plus meditation or yoga can create a balance between your mind and body. This helps sync your internal and external gears to work as one.

The unwanted noise or external distractions may get in the way of attaining inner calm but meditation and exercises can help you achieve that. Also, maintaining inner peace and joy would also help you avoid making unnecessary noise that can disrupt or disturb other people’s peace.

6. Use Sound-Absorbing Materials

Noise can be very contagious. You can soundproof your home and also install sound-absorbing materials to help control the noise in your walls so it won’t disturb the neighborhood. Use sound-blocking curtains that work both ways – noise-proofing your space and also absorbing or containing noise in a room. It is recommended to use padded carpeting and acoustic ceilings to reduce sound transfer.

7. Replace Old and Noisy Appliances

Most old or run-down appliances create the most noise. Consider replacing old appliances with quieter ones. Check appliances for any damage because most buzzing or rattling sound comes from appliances that are in need of a fix.  Premium appliance models would usually have a quieter sound so consider buying that if it fits your budget.

Most washing machines, dishwashers, fans, and other noisy appliances should be set up far away from bedrooms or living room spaces that would require a peaceful environment.

8. Fix Noisy Pipes

If you have been experiencing some hauntings like banging pipes or noise under the floor, then that could be your pipes in need of a quick fix and not some ghosts. The chattering or rattling in your pipe greatly contributes to unwanted noise in your home and calling a pipe technician can help you solve that noisy pipe dilemma right now.

9. Check Sound System

Noisy subwoofers are a common culprit of distracting noise around the house and in the neighborhood. Buying a premium or high-quality speakers helps you create that clean sound without cranking up the volume. It sure is worth the price tag!

Check your sound system and make sure the vibration and sound is not that offensive. You can adjust the settings or if not, you can purchase a subwoofer isolation pad that will help soften the sounds while on party mode.

Bottom Line

You can put a stop to chaos by taking the upper hand on your own noise. Your home can be a source of noise pollution. It may be that old washing machine, speaker system or T.V. or perhaps your pets. Noise pollution can hamper good health and relationships in and outside of your home. It can affect your temperament and reduce productivity levels. Your home is your haven, keep it that way by taking control of your own noise and installing a system that absorbs sound waves and reduce it to a minimum.

Salman Zafar

Salman Zafar is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of EcoMENA. He is a consultant, ecopreneur and journalist with expertise across in waste management, renewable energy, environment protection and sustainable development. Salman has successfully accomplished a wide range of projects in the areas of biomass energy, biogas, waste-to-energy, recycling and waste management. He has participated in numerous conferences and workshops as chairman, session chair, keynote speaker and panelist. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management and environmental sustainability across the globe Salman Zafar can be reached at salman@ecomena.org

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