Bronte Wells
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has harmful effects on human health, wildlife, and the environment. Caused by inefficient or excessive artificial light, light pollution is a global issue, with more than 80% of the world's population living under light-polluted skies. To reduce light pollution, individuals can turn off unnecessary lights, use dimmer bulbs, and keep blinds and drapes closed at night. Additionally, motion-sensitive lighting, downward-facing lights, and the use of warm-coloured bulbs can help minimise light pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of blue light | Should be avoided at night as it worsens sky glow and affects human and animal health |
| Use of indoor lighting | Should be reduced and curtains closed to prevent light escaping |
| Use of outdoor lighting | Should be minimised and directed downwards |
| Use of screens | Should be reduced and night mode used to reduce blue light |
| Use of vehicles | Should be reduced at night |
| Use of warm-coloured bulbs | Should be prioritised over white and blue-toned bulbs |
What You'll Learn
Turn off lights when not in use
Turning off lights when they are not in use is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce light pollution. Light pollution is caused by excessive artificial light, and by turning off unnecessary lights, we can immediately reduce the amount of artificial light that escapes into the night sky.
The impact of light pollution on the environment and human health is significant. It disrupts the natural rhythms of both humans and wildlife, affecting sleep patterns and behaviour. For humans, exposure to artificial light at night can lead to sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, and other health issues. It can also interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep and is essential for our overall health.
For wildlife, light pollution can have even more devastating consequences. It can disorient migratory birds, sea turtles, and insects, leading them to stray from their paths and, in some cases, resulting in their death. It also affects the reproduction of certain species, such as wetland amphibians, whose mating songs are interrupted by the presence of artificial light.
By adopting the simple habit of turning off lights when they are not in use, we can play a crucial role in mitigating these harmful effects. This practice not only reduces light pollution but also lowers energy consumption, leading to reduced energy costs for households and businesses.
In addition to turning off lights, there are other complementary measures that can be implemented to further reduce light pollution. These include using fewer lights when inside, keeping blinds and drapes closed at night to minimise light escape, and avoiding driving at night whenever possible. By combining these practices, we can make a collective effort to restore the beauty of the night sky and protect the health and well-being of both humans and wildlife.
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Minimise light loss from your home
There are several ways to reduce light pollution from your home. Firstly, only use light when it is needed. Turn off lights when they are not in use, and use fewer lights when inside. This will not only reduce light pollution but also lower your energy costs. You can also install dimmers in every room to use less light overall.
Another way to minimise light loss from your home is to keep the blinds and drapes closed at night. This will stop light from escaping your house and contributing to light pollution outdoors. It is also good for your privacy, especially if you live in close quarters such as an apartment building.
When using lights outside, make sure they are downward-facing and point towards the ground. This will stop light from spilling into unwanted areas and contributing to sky glow. You can install light shields for any outdoor lighting setups to help direct the light downward to a specific area.
Finally, reduce the use of electronic devices in the evening. The bright lights of our screens are not needed after dark, so switch to a dimmer night setting. This is also better for your eyes.
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Use night shift settings on devices
Light pollution is a pressing issue that affects human health, wildlife behaviour, and our ability to observe the night sky. It is caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light, and more than 80% of the world's population lives under sky glow, a brightening of the night sky caused by artificial light.
One way to reduce light pollution is to use night shift settings on devices. This is especially important as the bright lights of our screens can contribute just as much, if not more, to light pollution than regular room lights. After dark, the bright lights of our screens are unnecessary, so it is advisable to switch to a dimmer night setting. This is also better for our eyes, as blue light emitted by devices can disrupt sleep. Blue light stimulates the brain and fools it into thinking it is daytime, potentially keeping people awake if they use their devices before bedtime.
Many devices now have built-in blue light filters or night shift settings that can be enabled to reduce the amount of blue light emitted. For example, Apple devices have a feature called Night Shift, which alters the screen to display a warmer colour temperature, filtering out blue light. This can be turned on manually or set to turn on and off at predetermined times, such as from sunset to sunrise. Windows PCs have a similar feature called Night Light, and many Android devices also offer built-in blue light filters. For devices that do not have built-in filters, there are third-party apps available that can filter out blue light.
By using night shift settings or blue light filters on our devices, we can help to reduce light pollution and improve our own sleep quality.
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Use amber lighting or lighting below 3000 Kelvins
Amber lighting or lighting below 3000 Kelvins can be an effective way to reduce light pollution. Light pollution is caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light, which has negative impacts on human health, wildlife behaviour, and our ability to observe the night sky.
Firstly, it is important to understand what amber lighting is and how it differs from other types of lighting. Amber light is a warm, soft light with a colour temperature of 2200-3000 Kelvins or lower. The colour temperature of a light source refers to how warm (yellow) or cool (blue) the light appears, and it is measured in units of Kelvin (K) on a scale of 1,000 to 10,000. Higher Kelvin values indicate more blue light, which creates more light pollution than any other light spectrum. Blue light, in particular, can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm and reduce melatonin production, leading to sleep deprivation, fatigue, and other health issues. Therefore, by using amber lighting or lighting with a lower colour temperature, we can reduce the negative impacts of artificial light on human health.
Additionally, amber lighting is less disruptive to wildlife. Studies have shown that amber light has less negative impact on fish, birds, mammals, and plants than blue/white light. It can help to reduce disorientation and other negative effects caused by artificial lighting, such as altered migration patterns and reproductive rates. This is because blue light scatters more in the atmosphere and has a larger geographic reach, contributing to sky glow and making it more difficult to observe the night sky. By using amber lighting, we can reduce sky glow and improve visibility for stargazing.
Furthermore, amber lighting can enhance safety and security without compromising the natural environment. Glare from bright, unshielded lights can decrease safety by shining into our eyes and constricting our pupils. In contrast, amber lighting provides a soft, warm glow that boosts curb appeal and can increase the value of your property. It is also less visible to bugs, so using amber lighting can help to reduce the number of insects that are attracted to and killed by light sources.
To implement amber lighting or lighting below 3000 Kelvins, individuals can switch to LED bulbs or fixtures with colour temperatures in the amber range. LED bulbs are dimmable and allow for easy control of light intensity, so they can be set to the minimum level needed for a specific task. Additionally, it is important to use light fixtures that are fully shielded and direct light downward, preventing light spill into the sky or neighbouring areas. These simple changes can make a significant difference in reducing light pollution and improving the health and well-being of humans and wildlife.
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Install motion-sensitive lighting
Light pollution is a pressing issue, with 99% of people in Europe and the United States living under light-polluted skies, and 83% of the global population experiencing the same. The good news is that there are many ways to reduce light pollution, and one of the most effective methods is to install motion-sensitive lighting.
How Motion-Sensitive Lighting Helps
Motion-sensitive lighting is a great way to ensure that light is only used when it is needed. This technology automatically turns lights on when motion is detected and turns them off after a set duration of inactivity. This not only helps to reduce light pollution but also saves energy and money. Motion-sensitive lighting is especially useful for outdoor security lighting, where it can enhance safety without contributing to light pollution.
Best Practices for Motion-Sensitive Lighting
To get the most out of motion-sensitive lighting, it is important to follow certain principles. Firstly, ensure that the lighting is targeted and directed only to the intended area. Use shielding and careful aiming to target the light beam downward, preventing it from spilling beyond where it is needed. This minimises light glare and light trespass, enhancing visibility and safety in public spaces and neighbourhoods.
Secondly, choose the right type of light. Avoid harsh blue-white light, which can cause glare and potential road safety issues, and opt for warmer-coloured lights such as low-pressure sodium (LPS) or high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights. These warmer lights also have less impact on the human body clock, which can be disrupted by excessive exposure to artificial light at night.
Benefits of Motion-Sensitive Lighting
In addition to reducing light pollution, motion-sensitive lighting offers several other advantages. It can provide enhanced security by illuminating areas only when motion is detected, potentially deterring intruders or helping to identify them. This type of lighting is also more energy-efficient, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Motion-sensitive lighting can also save money by reducing energy costs, and it can contribute to a healthier environment by minimising the negative impacts of artificial light on wildlife and ecosystems.
Taking Action
Installing motion-sensitive lighting is a great step towards reducing light pollution. By following the principles outlined above, individuals, communities, and businesses can play a part in preserving the night sky and protecting the environment, while still enjoying the benefits of lighting when it is needed.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reduce light pollution in and around your home. Firstly, turn off lights when they are not in use, and use fewer lights when inside. Keep blinds and drapes closed at night to prevent light from escaping. Use downward-facing lights inside, and install motion sensors and dimmers to reduce average illumination levels.
Blue-rich white light sources, such as LEDs, create more light pollution. Blue light at night has been shown to adversely affect wildlife behaviour and reproduction, and it also disrupts human vision and sleep patterns. Warm-toned or filtered LEDs (CCT 3000 K or lower) should be used to minimise blue light emission.
Install motion-sensitive street lighting to reduce the amount of wasted light emitted when no one is around. Ensure bulbs are covered and facing downwards to direct light to the ground, where it is needed, rather than up into the sky. Minimise light loss from buildings and homes by using blinds and keeping lights off when not in use.
