Our homes are our sanctuaries. They are the place where we most expect to have some peace, and at least occasionally, some quiet.

Today, we’re surrounded by electronic devices, and for most of them, we have the option to change volume settings, or mute them altogether. However, the microwave oven persists as one of the few remaining always-audible holdouts. Why?

Why should consumers suffer the constant interruptions from the use of household microwave ovens? Why must we always be subjected to the incessant beep, Beep, BEEP of the microwave oven?!

If there are several people in a household using the microwave oven several times each day, it's easy to become annoyed and overwhelmed by the interrupting BEEP. Over time, especially in confined quarters, these minor annoyances add up. They often lead to deep sighs of exasperation, eye rolls, arguments, and Passive-Aggressive behaviors. For example, "Since she won't stop the microwave at 0:01 to avoid the BEEP, maybe I'll leave up the toilet seat this time."

Are you tired of everyone in the house knowing you're eating a late night snack? Are you annoyed because you can hear the sound of the microwave oven coming from the next apartment at 2am?

You're not alone! Over 90% of American households have microwave ovens (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

How many times have you stubbed your toe while racing to the microwave oven to jerk open the door just to avoid the BEEP? How many times have you missed the microwave oven's handle as you slid past it in socks and knocked over the dog's water - only to be stuck wearing wet socks WITH a stubbed toe? ...All because of the BEEP.

The BEEP of the microwave oven leads to a number of problems in otherwise healthy relationships. It could even be argued that the BEEP of the microwave oven has, in extreme cases, led to divorce (This is totally speculative, but based on our experience at home, it's definitely possible!).

We shouldn't have to disturb everyone in the neighborhood because we simply wanted to warm up some stuffed pizza snacks or a veggie burger. We can silence the rest of our devices, so why can't we silence the microwave oven?

Do your part. STOP THE BEEP!  Sign the petition today!