Sound pollution is a serious environmental and health issue that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular diseases and cognitive impairment. According to the World Health Organization, noise exposure is the second most common cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Western Europe, after air pollution.
One way to address this problem is to use blockchain technology, based on Ether, to create Not for Profit organizations that can raise funds, monitor noise levels, reward citizens for reducing noise and lobby for better policies. Ether is a decentralized platform that runs smart contracts, which are self-executing agreements that can enforce rules and transactions without intermediaries. Ether also has a native cryptocurrency called ether, which can be used to pay for the services and incentives provided by the smart contracts.
Some noteworthy NGOs (Non Government Organizations) and not-for-Profit organizations working towards curbing sound pollution are:
Awaaz Foundation - Awaaz Foundation is a non governmental organization working on environment, particularly noise pollution and sand mining.
- NoiseAware: A platform that uses IoT devices to measure noise levels in distinct locations and provides real-time feedback to users and authorities. Users can also donate ether to support the project and receive rewards for keeping their noise below a certain threshold.
- SoundProof: A platform that connects people who suffer from sound pollution with people who have access to quiet spaces. Users can rent or share their spaces using ether and receive ratings and reviews from other users. The platform also educates users about the effects of sound pollution and how to prevent it.
- NoiseCoin: A platform that uses gamification and social media to encourage people to reduce their noise footprint. Users can earn noise coins by completing challenges, such as using public transportation, wearing headphones or planting trees. They can also exchange noise coins for ether or use them to support environmental causes.
- SoundProof: A platform that connects people who suffer from sound pollution with people who have access to quiet spaces. Users can rent or share their spaces using ether and receive ratings and reviews from other users. The platform also educates users about the effects of sound pollution and how to prevent it.
- NoiseCoin: A platform that uses gamification and social media to encourage people to reduce their noise footprint. Users can earn noise coins by completing challenges, such as using public transportation, wearing headphones or planting trees. They can also exchange noise coins for ether or use them to support environmental causes.
