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Unwanted sound, aka, noise pollution will enter your home through thin walls and windows. Before you go off and buy any soundproofing materials, you should spend some time assessing exactly where the sounds are coming from. That way you can concentrate your sound insulation on those areas. I will present you with some eco-friendly soundproofing options, and hopefully, you will be able to make decisions based on these options.
Easy Soundproofing Options
These options will require little to no work. They will also require little to no skill. Enjoy.
- Blackout Curtains
Hanging blackout curtains will reduce the noise pollution that comes into a room. They are as easy to hang as regular curtains. They also make great insulation and will increase your home or apartment's energy efficiency. - Solar-Powered Fountain
A lot of folks use white noise machines to fall asleep. The machine generates noise that baffles the noise coming from the outside. Fountains have long been used to baffle sounds in large, empty courtyards. You can use the same principle to baffle sounds around your home.
They make small, solar-powered fountains that pump recirculating water, so you aren't wasting a ton, except through evaporation. You can set these fountains up on a balcony or outside a window and the solar panels can be placed a few meters away in spots where they will collect the most light. (You'll have to find a fountain with a significant splashing/churning noise.) Solar-powered fountain kits are available, so you can assemble the fountain that will work for you. Some of these fountains can store energy into the nighttime.
Harder Soundproofing Options
These options will require some degree of handi-craftsmanship and may not be viable for apartment dwellers.
- Audiomute
Audiomute sells sound proofing insulation for your walls that is made from recycled tires. You can put this insulation over trouble areas. They also sell American-made, handcrafted acoustic panels that can be made to look like picture frames. - Green Glue
Green Glue is like the jelly in a jelly sandwich. You use it between two rigid surfaces. One surface must be porous. It works best when hanging dry wall. The benefit of this jade glue is that it dampens sound. And it has very low VOC.
From Green Glue
Green Glue is water based, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and very low in VOC (<5grams per liter / compliant in all 50 states and worldwide). As with all products, paints, glues, and so forth, you should use proper precautions and read the MSDS before using Green Glue. Green Glue has a mild odor, typical of latex products. This odor is not dangerous and will dissipate completely given time.
Hopefully one of these options will work for you. Otherwise, you can just glue a bunch of egg cartons to your wall.
More on Home Improvement
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Top DIY Weekend Projects for Spring
How Insulation can Save You Money, Energy, and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
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