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Working to address harmful noise because quiet is essential to health and the environment.

Quiet communities are healthier communities

Quiet and natural soundscapes have become precious commodities. Leaf blowers, helicopters, vehicles with modified mufflers, and data centers are just a few sources of noise imperiling public health. QC helps communities take on noise issues because quieter settings are healthier for people and ecosystems.  

As Seen In:

Recent Impacts

Crowded urban street with pedestrians, overhead banners, and traffic lights

Excess noise harms health and the environment

Harm from noise, as affirmed by the American Public Health Association, is a public health crisis. Noise is known to cause severe cardiovascular impacts, to delay childhood development, to impact mental health, and to lead to metabolic diseases. When noise is excessive and causes harm, it needs to be addressed.

Working together for a quieter world

We strive for quieter, cleaner communities with thriving businesses, vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods, healthy residents, and abundant ecosystems that foster good health and well-being for everyone.

Illustration of a peaceful community with green spaces, schools, town hall, park, and playgrounds, emphasizing quiet, natural environment and outdoor activities.

Quiet Coalition

Learn more about noise pollution and the value of quiet

  • Slide from a conference presentation showing details of the 14th ICBEN Congress on noise as a public health problem, held in Belgrade from June 18-22, 2023. The slide includes the quote 'noise is unwanted and/or harmful sound,' a cityscape background, and the logo for the Acoustical Society of America.

    It's now official: noise is unwanted and/or harmful sound

    Starting about five years ago, in lengthy email discussions with colleagues at the Quiet Coalition, we formulated a revised definition: “noise is unwanted and/or harmful sound.”

  • Two workers in reflective vests reviewing documents next to road construction equipment parked on a street with trees and parked vehicles.

    Growing momentum towards quieter, cleaner land care

    There are good reasons to move away from gas-powered leaf blowers and other fossil fuel-powered equipment. They generate loud noise and emit ozone-forming exhaust and fine particulates, proven to be harmful to our health.

  • City street during sunset with parked cars on the right side, tall buildings on the left, and a cyclist riding away from the camera in the middle. The sunlight creates a bright glow and lens flare.

    The Distress Caused by Noisy Neighbors

    As the member of the GrowNYC Board of Directors who responds to New York City noise complaints, city residents often reach out to me for help dealing with their noisy neighbors.

  • Sky with pink and orange clouds, silhouetted birds flying in a V formation, and contrails from an aircraft curving downward against the colorful sky.

    Flying Airplanes Lower May Help Climate Change

    A recent report from CBS News discusses research showing that airplanes can reduce contrails by flying lower. Some research indicates that contrails, the white plumes following high-flying jets, may account for as much as 35% of the aviation industry’s climate impact.

Introducing Quiet Merch - Wear your Support

Navy blue T-shirt with a white outline of a cloud and the word "quiet." inside it.
A navy blue T-shirt with the word 'quiet.' printed in light blue on the front, and the word repeated in smaller outline underneath.
Navy blue T-shirt with a white outline cloud on the left chest area containing the word "quiet." in lowercase letters.

Together, We Can Change Course

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    Get Involved

    Hear what’s happening. Find out what you can do today. Together let’s address noise issues!

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    Explore Our Programs

    Explore our dynamic programs & the breadth of work QC is doing at home and abroad.

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    Support Us

    In order to think big, QC needs your support. Join as a member today.

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