We promote quiet as a valuable natural resource and work to reduce harmful noise and related pollution.

Quiet communities are healthier communities

Quiet and natural soundscapes have become precious commodities. Leaf blowers, helicopters, motorcycles, and airplanes are just a few sources of noise that are imperiling public health. Quiet Communities works to address harmful noise because quieter settings are healthier for people and the environment.  

Recent Impacts

  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden Becomes the First AGZA Green Zone® Certified Public Garden in NY State

    We’re proud to share that Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is now the first botanic garden in New York State—and only the second in the nation—to earn AGZA Green Zone® Certification in collaboration with Quiet Communities!

  • AGZA and QC help LAUSD ‘Go Greener’

    In April, AGZA Founder and President Dan Mabe and QC Founder Jamie Banks joined Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho and his team at the Belvedere Middle School in East Los Angeles to recognize the achievement of Level 2 AGZA certified Green Zone status.

  • Quiet Communities Reveals Key Findings from National Restaurant Noise Survey

    For over a decade, QC has been a leading voice in the fight against harmful noise exposure. equipping communities with the tools to fight noise pollution and consulting with researchers and industry professionals to spread awareness about the dangers of excessive noise.

  • QC Close-Up Events

    QC members and guests are invited to join conversations spotlighting the value of quiet and the impacts of noise on public health and the environment. At each QC Close-Up event, members have a front row seat in discussions with leading experts on noise. A one-hour Zoom format includes a presentation by a special guest and ample time for Q&A.

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.

Quiet Coalition

Stay up to date on the latest news

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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Together, We Can Change Course

  • Get Involved

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