At the very least, you can nourish yourself in a quieter home by eliminating some unnecessary noise. Here are some practical suggestions offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:

• Compare, if possible, the noise output of different brands of appliances before making your selection.
• Use caution in buying children’s toys that can make intensive or explosive sounds.
• Use a foam pad under blenders and mixers.
• Use carpeting to absorb noise, especially in areas where there is a lot of foot traffic.
• Hang heavy drapes over the windows that are closest to outside noise sources.
• Put rubber or plastic treads on uncarpeted stairs. (They’re safer, too.)
• Keep stereo and TV volumes down, and use headphones if others in the home want quiet.
• If you use a power mower or any other outdoor equipment, operate it at reasonable hours. The slower the engine setting, the quieter it will operate.

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