Noise pollution is categorised as a public health and environmental crisis. Here are some of the best tips on how to reduce noise pollution. 

The world we live in is too loud. Noise pollution has devastating effect on the stress patterns and behavioural patterns of wildlife. In the presence of chronic noise, there will be a huge shift in the ecosystems. Additionally, seed dispersers, pollinators and their predators always shift to avoid the clamour. Eventually, there’s a huge shift in the landscape of various plants.

Human-made noise has created a huge public health crisis for humans with impending issues such as high blood pressure, hearing damage, low birth weight, heart disease and disrupted sleep. Basically, we are killing ourselves with our own noise. As much as there is a huge discussion about reducing the overall carbon footprint, you need to know how to reduce your own footprint.

Well, the point of reducing your own noise footprint is rarely discussed because the loudest offenders in this case are powerful entities such as the logging, shipping and manufacturing industries. Therefore, it might appear too pervasive to tackle. However, if you are environmentally conscious you need to improve the soundscape in your community by reducing your own noise output. 

Here are some of the top ways to reduce your own noise output. 

1. Increase Your Awareness Of Noise Pollution

Take a moment and sit down. Close your eyes and make note of every noise you hear around you. It could be loud noises such as ambulance sirens to the muffled noises such as the refrigerator running. If you are living in the suburban or urban areas, you will have a long list of noises from this challenge. 

People living in protected and rural areas also notice the presence of noise, especially with distant traffic, industrial noise and aircrafts overhead. It’s quite elusive to get away from any unnatural and unwanted noise. Regardless of where you are in the world, silence has actually become quite extinct. If you'd find it easier, you could always employ a company which provides acoustic consultancy services.

2. Choose Quieter Options Rather Than The Loud Outdoor Activities
 

Once you have pinned down the noise around you, try cutting down the loudest activities in your vicinity. The notable culprits in this instance are sports cars and motorcycles with loud exhausts. The same goes for recreational vehicles such as motorboats, ATVs and snowmobiles. Even when the noise produced is at the lowest decibel levels, these vehicles have terrible effects on nature and humans. 

For instance, rather than driving, you should opt for bike rides to reduce the traffic noise. On the other hand, you should choose an eco-friendly vehicle by checking the carbon emissions and the decibel levels. Such factors are crucial for minimising your overall noise footprint. Of course, you should follow the noise regulations if you are a diehard enthusiast of motor vehicles and avoid blasting the radio. 

3. Reduce The Volume Of Garden Work
 

Tools used in gardening can also produce ambient noise. Besides humans, the noise produced by these tools will affect songbirds and other wildlife. They can be silenced and scared by the clamour. If possible, you should choose a shovel or rake rather than a gas-powered machine. 

You should opt for a manual or electric lawnmower. Even better, you can ditch the lawn mower altogether and transform your lawn into a biodiverse meadow. If you and your neighbours are doing this, the local fauna and flora will thank you for it. 

4. Take Note Of The Domestic Noise
 

The police regularly receive domestic noise complaints pertaining to house parties, music, barking dogs, fireworks and much more. If this type of noise happens at night, there will be a dramatic increase in the potential harm. If your sleep is disrupted, you are likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and even worse, you would require a prescription of sleeping pills to get through the night. 

Conclusion

Even though any noise might not be disruptive such as laughing or shrieking teenager, there might also be some damage. For instance, the constant droning of the window AC or exhaust fans will cause stress to any animals and humans nearby. Buying new and sleek machines such as indoor ceiling fans and installation of proper insulation in your home.