# Sustainable Bamboo Highways This Eco-Friendly Barrier May Help Reduce Noise Pollution By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-10-22 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reduce-noise-pollution References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3052375/this-living-bamboo-highway-barrier-blocks-traffic-noise-while-it-sucks-up-pollution?partner=rss) & [toptidings.net](http://toptidings.net/this-living-bamboo-highway-barrier-blocks-traffic-noise-while-it-sucks-up-pollution/) Scientists in Amsterdam are currently working on an [sustainable roadway](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treesoil) that may help reduce noise pollution. While [concrete barriers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breathing-sea-wall) are traditionally used to deal with traffic noise, these grey slabs are not exactly nice to look at. These researchers think that they have figured out a more aesthetically pleasing way to combat noise pollution. The city of Amsterdam is currently growing a 20 foot wide and 500 foot long bamboo hedge alongside a North Holland highway. The scientists plan to study the highway over time to see if the bamboo is an effective solution for reducing traffic noise. Because pants absorb sound, the scientists believe that the hedge will help to diffuse sound waves and ultimately make the road quieter. Bamboo is not only a more attractive alternative to concrete, but it is also less expensive. If the current tests are successful, bamboo could be used to reduce noise pollution on a number of other Dutch highways. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 61% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-friendly Roadways:** Developing sustainable roadways is an opportunity for companies to reduce both pollution and cost. - **Green Infrastructure:** Bamboo highways demonstrate the potential for sustainable landscaping to have a positive impact on the environment. - **Noise Pollution Reduction:** As the impact of noise pollution becomes more widely recognized, innovative solutions like bamboo hedges will likely gain attention from consumers and businesses alike. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Transportation:** Companies in the transportation industry have the opportunity to develop more sustainable infrastructure that reduces noise pollution. - **Landscaping:** The development and implementation of sustainable landscaping solutions is an opportunity for the landscaping industry to expand and innovate. - **Construction:** Building infrastructure with sustainable and visually appealing materials like bamboo is an opportunity for the construction industry to tap into eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Soundproofing Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-soundproofing.md) - [Woven Bamboo Headphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bambass-headphones.md) - [Sustainable Bamboo Tourism Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vlo-cuba.md) - [Bamboo Forest Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-rainforest-pavilion.md) - [Recycled Plastic Privacy Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/privacy-panels.md) - [Sustainable Bamboo-Crafted Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamboo-drone.md) - [Plant-Based Steel Rebar Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hemp-rebar.md) - [Bamboo-Based Biofuel Pathways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamboo-biorefinery.md) - [Sustainable Toilet Paper Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-toilet-paper.md)