#79 Noise Pollution
Most humans are aware that noise pollution is a nuisance and can be detrimental to your health – but did you know it is extremely detrimental to animal and fauna life? Excessive noise pollution – from noisy city streets to production plants and airplanes – can have harmful effects on humans, plants, animals, trees and marine life constantly exposed to it
A Noisy Planet:
Noise pollution is defined as unwanted or excessive sound that can have negative effects on human health and environmental quality. Noise pollution is commonly generated from industrial facilities, highway, railway, and airplane traffic – as well as outdoor construction activities. It interferes with normal activities for humans, plants and wildlife – such as sleeping, conversation, and reproduction. Noise pollution is affecting biodiversity as animals retreat to quieter locations, abandoning the other plant and animal life that depend on their survival.
Noise Pollution Facts:
According to the World Health Organization, excessive noise seriously harms human health and interferes with people’s daily lives.
Human noise can have ripple effects on long-lived plants and trees that can last for decades even after the sources of noise subside.
Plants and trees rely on birds and other animals to deliver pollen from one flower or tree to the next, or to disperse their seeds – but many animals are adapting to the noise by changing their behavior or moving to quieter locations.
The noise level of the Earth’s oceans has nearly doubled – resulting in an almost 16-fold increase in background noise.
How Can I Make An Impact ?
Action 1: Global Goodness
Turn off electronics and appliances when not in use. Keeping your tv on for background noise adds to noise pollution.
Lower the volume. We are a nation of fast and loud, which is not always beneficial for noise pollution. Turning down your volume will reduce noise production – as well as protect your ears.
Action 2: Planet Protector
All of Action 1
Close your windows. It is amazing how much of our noisy lives are spewed into the streets due to open widows. Shutting the windows during noisy hours and opening them during quieter times helps contain the noise you create.
Practice mindfulness when in public. Turn your music down and monitor the levels in which you communicate, can assist greatly in noise pollution.
Action 3: Earth Angel
All of Action 1 & 2
Plant trees. Did you know, planting more trees lowers noise pollution by 5-10 decibels? Yet another great reason to plant more trees.
Choose to be an Ambassador for Change, and always Spread Love and Spread Light.
