Light Pollution: Strategies For Humans To Reduce Their Impact

Light pollution is a pressing issue that has detrimental effects on human health, wildlife, and the environment. It is caused by the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial outdoor lighting, which interferes with the natural day and night cycle that humans and animals have adapted to. Light pollution can disrupt sleep, confuse migration patterns, and increase the risk of cancer in both humans and animals. It also obscures our view of the night sky, threatening our connection to the stars and limiting the work of astronomers.

To combat this issue, individuals, organisations, and governments are taking action to reduce light pollution. People are urged to use outdoor lighting only when necessary, to direct lights downwards, and to use window coverings at night to keep light inside. Several organisations, such as the International Dark Sky Association, are working to preserve the natural night sky and educate the public about light pollution. Additionally, some governments, like Australia, have released guidelines to assess and manage the impacts of artificial light.

By implementing simple measures and supporting global efforts, we can all play a part in reducing light pollution and protecting our health, wildlife, and the environment.

Use smart lighting controls and adaptive controls

Smart lighting controls and adaptive controls are effective ways to reduce light pollution. These technologies can be implemented in various ways to minimize light pollution and its negative impacts.

One approach is to use photocells for light sensing adjustments. Photocells enable precise light sensing, allowing fixtures to automatically adjust their illumination levels based on ambient lighting conditions. This feature ensures optimal energy usage throughout the day and promotes a balanced approach to lighting, reducing unnecessary light pollution.

Motion sensors can also be integrated with lighting systems to provide on-demand illumination. By detecting movement, motion sensors activate lights only when needed, conserving energy when an area is unoccupied. This is particularly useful in areas with fluctuating foot traffic, such as parking lots or pathways, where constant illumination may not be necessary.

Smart dimming controls are another valuable tool, allowing users to adjust the brightness of lights based on specific needs. Dimming lights during off-peak hours or when natural light is sufficient can significantly reduce energy consumption without compromising safety or visibility. Implementing dimming capabilities also extends the lifespan of LED fixtures, resulting in long-term cost savings.

Time scheduling is a feature that enables users to program lights to operate at specific times of the day, optimizing energy usage without manual intervention. This feature also enhances security by ensuring consistent lighting during critical hours while minimizing energy waste during non-peak times.

Additionally, integrating smart lighting controls with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, can further enhance sustainability and environmental conservation efforts. This integration reduces reliance on conventional power sources and contributes to a more eco-friendly lighting solution.

By utilizing these smart lighting controls and adaptive technologies, we can effectively reduce light pollution, improve energy efficiency, and minimize negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Keep lights close to the ground, directed and shielded

Keeping lights close to the ground and using shields to light only the intended area is one of the six steps outlined in Australia's National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife. This step is crucial in reducing light pollution and minimizing its impacts on both humans and wildlife.

By keeping lights close to the ground and using shields, we can prevent light from spilling upwards into the sky, which is a major contributor to artificial sky glow. Sky glow is the brightening of the night sky, usually over urban areas, due to the cumulative effect of electric lights from various sources. It turns night into day for people and wildlife, disrupting natural body rhythms and having detrimental effects on health and the environment.

Light shields are an effective solution. They allow us to direct light downward, reducing sky glow, and focus it on the specific target area. This ensures that light does not spill outside the intended area, minimizing unnecessary light pollution.

Additionally, keeping lights close to the ground and using shields can help reduce the glare caused by unshielded lights, improving visibility and safety for humans. It is important to note that light shields are recommended for any outdoor lighting installations to minimize their impact on the environment and surrounding wildlife.

Overall, by implementing this simple step of keeping lights close to the ground and using shields, we can significantly reduce sky glow, minimize light pollution, and protect the health and well-being of both human populations and wildlife.

Use the lowest intensity lighting

The use of the lowest intensity lighting is one of the six steps outlined in Australia's National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife to minimise light pollution. When deciding how much light is needed, it is recommended to consider the intensity of the light produced (lumens) rather than the energy required to produce it (watts).

While LED lights are energy-efficient, they produce between two and five times as much light as incandescent bulbs for the same amount of energy consumption. Therefore, while LED lights save energy, the increased intensity of the light can lead to greater impacts on wildlife if not managed properly.

To avoid this, individuals are urged to use outdoor lighting only when and where it is needed and to ensure that outdoor lights are properly shielded and direct light down instead of up into the sky. This will help to prevent light trespass, which is when light extends into an area where it is not wanted or needed, and reduce sky glow, which is the brightening of the night sky due to artificial lights.

Additionally, individuals can close window blinds, shades, and curtains at night to keep light inside and further reduce light pollution.

Use non-reflective, dark-coloured surfaces

Light pollution is a pressing issue, affecting 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 it is getting worse year on year.

One way to combat light pollution is to use non-reflective, dark-coloured surfaces near lighting fixtures. This is because highly polished, shiny, or light-coloured surfaces are good at reflecting light and so contribute more to sky glow – the brightening of the night sky over urban areas caused by artificial light. Dark-coloured paint or materials for outdoor features will help to reduce light pollution.

The Australian Government's National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife recommend using darker, non-reflective finishes to prevent light from bouncing off into nature or the sky. This is particularly important for outdoor lighting installations, as light spilling upward contributes directly to sky glow. By using non-reflective, dark-coloured surfaces, light can be contained and directed downward, reducing the amount that escapes into the atmosphere.

In addition to choosing darker colours, it is also important to consider the finish of the surface. A matte finish will reduce reflectivity, while a glossy or shiny finish will increase it. Surfaces such as polished marble are highly reflective and will contribute to sky glow. Therefore, it is essential to select not only the right colour but also the right finish to minimise light pollution.

By implementing this measure, along with other strategies such as using shielded lights and timers, individuals and communities can play a crucial role in reducing light pollution and mitigating its negative impacts on human health, wildlife, and the environment.

Use lights with reduced or filtered blue, violet and ultra-violet wavelengths

Light pollution is a pressing issue, affecting 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, with sources including street lamps, shopping mall lights, and illuminated signs.

One way to combat light pollution is to use lights with reduced or filtered blue, violet, and ultraviolet wavelengths. Most animals are sensitive to short-wavelength light, which creates blue and violet colours. These short wavelengths are known to suppress melatonin production, which can disrupt sleep and interfere with the circadian rhythms of many animals, including humans.

Compact fluorescent and LED lights emit a high amount of short-wavelength light compared to low- or high-pressure sodium, metal halide, and halogen light sources. Therefore, opting for the latter lighting options can help to avoid unintended harmful effects on wildlife.

The specific range of short wavelengths to avoid is between 400 and 500 nanometres. Blue light, in particular, has been shown to reduce melatonin levels in humans, and it is found in cell phones, computer devices, and LED bulbs.

By choosing lighting with reduced or filtered blue, violet, and ultraviolet wavelengths, we can minimise the negative impact of artificial lighting on both human and animal health and well-being. This simple step can help to protect our natural environment and the creatures that inhabit it.

Frequently asked questions