The Quest for Quiet in a Noisy World
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Creating Quiet
A few steps you can take to reduce the noise around you:
- Tell your local officials that noise is a health issue, and ask for noise ordinances to be enforced. If your community lacks regulations, Noise Free America has many examples of effective noise laws.
- Double-pane windows can seal out a significant amount of outside noise, while carpeting and wall hangings help quiet your home from the inside.
- Consider noise when shopping for appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and air conditioners; many come with decibel ratings. Consumer Reports is a good independent source of ratings.
- Set your car-locking mechanism to lock silently, without a chirp or horn beep.
- Quieter lawn-care alternatives include push or battery-powered mowers, and rakes, brooms, and leaf netting in lieu of a leaf blower. If you must, use an electric leaf blower. It's quieter than gas models, and the cost can be shared among neighbors.
- Protect your hearing. Carry foam earplugs in your purse so that they're handy when you need them.
- Seek quiet places, like our national parks, and advocate for their protection.
- Sometimes the loudest noise is the chatter of thoughts inside our heads. Find a meditation teacher. Meditation can be an experience of true quiet.
More Advice on Finding Peace and Quiet
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