How to Prevent Noise Pollution

One man's music heaven may be another's living hell. Noise pollution is often in the ear of the beholder, but if you use common sense and keep your chosen noises to yourself, you won't have to worry about being charged as a polluter. Noise from machinery, on the other hand, is often inescapable, but there are things you can do to minimize its effects.

Instructions

1. Keep your stereo turned down so that if you are in your driveway, you cannot hear it. Of course, if you live in the country, isolated from neighbors, then you can blast away though you may be polluting the birds' habitats.

2. Roll your windows up if you enjoy listening to loud music when you drive. If you drive a convertible and insist on cranking up the volume, then get a small pair of earphones and wear one of the earpieces. You should be able to hear any traffic you need to stay safe with one ear.

3. Replace a noisy muffler. Street noise is one of the toughest to tackle, and you can eliminate some by making your vehicle as quiet as possible. In your home, close heavy curtains to filter out some of the noise.

4. Use electric yard tools when you can since they are quieter than gas-run models. When you must you a gas-powered tool, such as a lawn mower, turn it off when not in use.

5. Build a solid fence or wall, or plant trees and bushes beside a chain link fence to buffer noise around your home.

6. Find out what your city or town offers in the way of protection. Call police when neighbors exceed acceptable noise limits, especially when they disturb your sleep.