There's a study from Denmark that found traffic noise increases heart disease risk by 8%. Flex hours don't just clean the air, they create quiet time for neighborhoods near roads. We always talk about the air pollution from cars, but the constant noise is a real health burden too. Spreading out commutes means kids can play outside in the afternoon without all that racket. It's a double win for community health that doesn't get enough attention.
Ever notice how we just accept constant noise as normal now? @baker.sarah is right about kids playing, but it's everything - trying to talk on your porch, having a window open, even just thinking straight. My street is basically a racetrack from 7-9am and 4-6pm, and you just plan your whole life around that noise wall. Flex hours could actually give neighborhoods back those quiet hours we've lost, not just cut pollution.