Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is unwanted human-created sound that has the effect of being annoying, distracting, painful, or physically harmful to humans and animals. Here are some ways you can help eliminate noise pollution:
Eliminate noise pollution:
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Noise pollution is unwanted human-created sound that has the effect of being annoying, distracting, painful, or physically harmful to humans and animals. Here are some ways you can help eliminate noise pollution:
Eliminate noise pollution:
- Get to know your neighbors – Anonymity can breed contempt. So if you want quiet (along with the many other benefits of getting to know other people), get to know your neighbors at work, home, and play. Don’t bother with the neighbor who has a truck up on blocks and a dog chained in the front yard, you already know them.
- Call the police - Do not approach or attempt to reason with people causing noise problems. Take down their address or license plate number (if vehicles are involved) and call the police. Even if the police do not respond, you have a complaint on record that you can follow up later. Or be unreasonable and “out noise” them by screaming through a PA turned up to 11, tossing M-80s over the fence, and directing a chorus of air horns to blow “gentle into that good night”.
- Keep evidence - Because the police often cite noise complaints as subjective, you may need to prove that you are experiencing a noise problem. Keep a log of all specific incidents where you are subjected to noise, including incidents where you have previously contacted the police. The log should record the date, time, duration, and noise source. You can use a sound level meter and / or a video camera to document the noise problem as well. Test the meter and camera by having your significant other document your snoring, belching, and your use of “um” to punctuate every utterance.
- Learn your community’s noise ordinance - Obtain a copy of the noise ordinance in your community and see what applicable code applies to your specific problem. Ask what agency(s) are responsible for enforcing specific codes related to noise. Check to see what zoning restrictions apply in your area and whether the offender has obtained any variance permits allowing special use on their property. Or as the famous redneck bumper sticker says: “Fight ordinance violation with ordnance visitation!” Man, those are some big words, Bubba, watch yourself!
- Advocate – This can take many forms: attend community meetings, distribute handouts, letter writing, lobbying elected officials and law enforcement, working with the media, event tabling, form a community group, etc. Learn sign language so you’re not adding to the problem.
Animals • Energy • Food • Health • Indoors • Kids • Leaders • Light Pollution • Money • Noise Pollution
Peace & Justice • Population • Poverty • Soil • Trees • Waste Reduction & Recycling • Water