The Ohio Department of Transportation is putting together plans to build a planted-soil freeway sound barrier dubbed the 'Chia Pet' sound wall. It is the state's first eco-friendly try at muffling highway noise. Earth-filled bags impregnated with seeds will be allowed to grow in a 12' by 400' stretch of Interstate 70 near Columbus.
Ohio hopes that its Chia Pet sound wall efforts won't be a repeat of the mishap that Wisconsin had when its earth-filled plastic sound barrier walls collapsed and weeds spread in the aftermath.
Eco-Friendly Noise Mufflers
Ohio DOT to Test Chia Pet Sound Wall On the Highway
Trend Themes
1. Eco-friendly Sound Barriers - The development of eco-friendly sound barriers presents an opportunity for companies to create innovative and sustainable solutions for reducing highway noise.
2. Planted-soil Technology - The use of planted-soil technology in sound barriers opens up possibilities for companies to develop new methods of noise reduction that are visually appealing and environmentally friendly.
3. Seed-infused Sound Walls - The integration of seeds within sound walls offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for businesses to create living structures that not only mitigate noise pollution but also contribute to biodiversity.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The construction industry can explore eco-friendly sound barrier materials and techniques to meet the growing demand for quieter highway infrastructure.
2. Urban Planning - Urban planners can incorporate planted-soil sound barriers into city infrastructure projects to create more aesthetically pleasing and sustainable urban environments.
3. Environmental Technology - The environmental technology industry can develop seed-infused sound walls as a nature-centric solution to noise pollution, promoting biodiversity and eco-conscious urban landscapes.