Helena Joyce
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally, and it is harmful to the environment, wildlife, and our quality of life. It is caused by artificial light, which can wreak havoc on the natural body rhythms of both humans and animals. Nocturnal light interrupts sleep and confuses the circadian rhythm, affecting physiological processes in nearly all living organisms. Light pollution also threatens aquatic ecosystems by increasing the risk of harmful algae blooms. To decrease light pollution, it is recommended to use only the light that is absolutely necessary and to use window shades to keep room lights from escaping at night. Another way to combat light pollution is to use a light pollution filter, which allows only certain wavelengths of light to pass through it.
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What You'll Learn
- Use window shades to block indoor light from escaping outside
- Reduce screen time and lower screen brightness after dark to reduce light pollution
- Use light only when necessary and avoid over-illumination to reduce light pollution
- Use light filters to block out specific wavelengths of light, reducing light pollution
- Support organisations working to reduce light pollution
Use window shades to block indoor light from escaping outside
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has harmful effects on the environment, wildlife habitats, and our quality of life. To decrease light pollution, it is important to prevent indoor light from escaping outside. One way to do this is by using window shades.
Window shades can be effective in blocking indoor light from escaping outside, reducing light pollution. When choosing window treatments to block light, consider both function and aesthetics. Blackout shades, for example, are effective at blocking light but may not always provide the most stylish look. Lighter-colored shades or draperies may let in more natural light but can create a more airy feel. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and preferences.
To maximize light blockage, consider blackout shades in a dark color. For a brighter space, opt for lighter-colored shades, but keep in mind that the room-darkening effect may be reduced. If complete darkness is required, it is important to address "light gaps" that exist due to the necessary space between the shades and the window frame. These gaps can be minimized by ordering shades as an outside mount, meaning they are mounted on the wall above or outside the window frame, overlapping the window and eliminating light gaps.
Another option to block light gaps is to layer window treatments, combining the functionality of two room-darkening or blackout coverings. DayNite™ shutters, for example, use both a room-darkening honeycomb shade and shutter louvers to create an innovative blackout solution. Light-blocking strips, or "Light Blockers," can also be installed on the bottom and sides of the window opening to prevent light from escaping through gaps. These strips are available on most roller shades and can be ordered during the configuration process.
In addition to window shades, other methods can be employed to reduce indoor light pollution. After sunset, use dimmer lighting and reduce screen time to lower light output. Turning off lights when not in use and using only the necessary amount of light can also help decrease light pollution while reducing energy costs. By adopting these practices and utilizing window shades effectively, we can contribute to lessening light pollution and its negative impacts on the environment and our well-being.
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Reduce screen time and lower screen brightness after dark to reduce light pollution
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has harmful effects on our environment, wildlife habitats, and quality of life. It is caused by streetlights, greenhouses, satellites, and even our devices such as computers, laptops, iPads, and phones. While reducing light pollution might seem like a daunting task, there are actionable steps that individuals can take to help reduce it.
One way to reduce light pollution is to decrease screen time after dark. Our devices can contribute just as much, if not more, to light pollution than regular room lights. After the sun sets, switch to a dimmer night setting on your devices, as the bright lights of our screens are not needed. Reducing screen time in the evening is also a great habit to form.
In addition to reducing screen time, lowering screen brightness can also help decrease light pollution. The luminance of LED displays in a dim environment can lead to severe light interference and eye irritation. If your screen's automatic luminance adjustment system is not working, you can manually adjust the brightness. It is recommended to avoid staring at the screen for long periods of time and to avoid focusing on screen details, as the light from LED screens can form bright spots in your vision.
By taking these steps to reduce screen time and lower screen brightness after dark, we can collectively make a positive impact in the fight against light pollution and help protect our environment, wildlife, and quality of life.
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Use light only when necessary and avoid over-illumination to reduce light pollution
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has harmful effects on our environment, wildlife habitats, and quality of life. To reduce light pollution, it is important to use light only when necessary and avoid over-illumination. Here are some ways to do this:
Firstly, it is essential to recognize that natural lighting should be prioritized whenever possible. During the day, natural light sources such as the sun should cater to most lighting needs, whether indoors or outdoors. Turning off indoor lights during the day is not only energy-efficient but also helps reduce light pollution. Similarly, street lights and highway lights should be turned off during the day and on bright moonlit nights, utilizing automated timers that respond to the environment's natural brightness.
Secondly, when artificial lighting is required, it should be used sparingly and only for specific purposes. This applies to both indoor and outdoor lighting. For instance, instead of keeping lights on all night for security, installing motion sensors can be a more efficient and eco-friendly alternative. Motion sensors activate lights only when motion is detected, reducing electricity costs and light pollution. Additionally, dimmers, timers, and motion sensors can help reduce average illumination levels, saving energy and minimizing light pollution.
Thirdly, it is important to choose the right type of lighting fixtures and bulbs. LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, but it is recommended to opt for warm-colored bulbs. Blue lights, for instance, should be avoided as they worsen sky glow due to their wide geographic reach. Instead, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) suggests using Low-pressure Sodium (LPS), High-pressure Sodium (HPS), or low-color-temperature LEDs, which have a lower impact on the night sky.
Lastly, it is worth noting that devices such as computers, laptops, phones, and tablets can contribute significantly to light pollution. Reducing screen time in the evenings and opting for dimmer night settings can help minimize light pollution and benefit eye health. Additionally, shades or blinds can be used after sunset to prevent light from escaping through windows, reducing light pollution and enhancing privacy, especially in close quarters.
By adopting these practices and being mindful of our lighting choices, we can significantly reduce light pollution and its adverse effects on the environment and our well-being.
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Use light filters to block out specific wavelengths of light, reducing light pollution
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has harmful effects on our environment, wildlife habitats, and our quality of life. It can also affect human health, causing strained visual systems, disrupted circadian physiology, suppressed melatonin secretion, and impaired sleep.
One way to reduce light pollution is to use light filters that block out specific wavelengths of light. Light pollution filters are designed to block out the wavelengths of light emitted by sodium vapor lamps, the main cause of light pollution. By using these filters, you can prevent the yellow or orange glow from street lamps from affecting your images or contributing to light pollution.
There are various types of light pollution filters available, such as the L-Pro filter, the UHC filter, and the Optolong L-eXtreme Filter. The L-Pro filter is designed to filter out light pollution, resulting in a heavy color cast. The UHC filter blocks a lot of light, mainly greens, yellows, and oranges, while allowing the main nebulae wavelengths through. It adds a unique blue/red color cast to the images but may result in grainier photos. The Optolong L-eXtreme Filter is a dual-band filter that isolates two important wavelengths of light emitted by many deep-sky objects, resulting in more dynamic and contrasted images.
In addition to using light filters, there are other ways to reduce light pollution. These include turning off unnecessary lights, using dimmers, closing window shades after sunset, and reducing the use of electronic devices in the evening. By following these practices and using appropriate light filters, we can help decrease light pollution and its negative impacts on the environment and human health.
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Support organisations working to reduce light pollution
DarkSky International is a leading organisation in the fight against light pollution. It works with communities and professionals to establish codes and statutes that reduce light pollution. DarkSky advocates for responsible lighting practices, the passing of dark sky-friendly legislation, and the advancement of scientific research in this field. They also offer an International Dark Sky Places program that works with communities, parks, and municipalities to certify and protect dark places for humans and wildlife.
You can support DarkSky International by becoming a Nighthawk, a monthly membership that renews annually. You can also make a one-time donation to support their strategic initiatives. DarkSky International also offers volunteer opportunities and sells exclusive merchandise to support their cause.
Another organisation to support is CPRE Norfolk, which aims to protect Norfolk's dark landscapes and skies, as they are a defining part of the county's rural character.
Additionally, you can get involved with local and regional groups that are working to reduce light pollution in your area. These groups can help establish lawful requirements for outdoor lighting and make a positive change in the fight against light pollution.
By supporting these organisations and initiatives, you can actively contribute to the reduction of light pollution and help protect our environment, wildlife habitats, and quality of life.
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Frequently asked questions
Turn off lights when not in use, and use dimmer switches to reduce the brightness of indoor lighting. After sunset, close the window shades to prevent light from escaping your home.
Light pollution disrupts the natural body rhythms of animals, affecting their migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and habitat formation. It can also attract insects, a primary food source for birds and other animals, which are then killed upon contact with the light source.
Light pollution can negatively impact human health by disrupting sleep and suppressing the production of melatonin, a hormone that is released in the dark and inhibited in the presence of light. Reduced melatonin levels can lead to sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, and potentially cancer.
ROLAN stands for Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night. The ROLAN manifesto is a policy document that outlines principles for good outdoor lighting, such as using warm colours, ensuring lights are off when not needed, and directing light only where it is necessary. City councils, companies, and schools can adopt the ROLAN manifesto to reduce light pollution in their communities.
Use a light pollution filter, such as the Astronomik CLS filter, to block out specific wavelengths of light and improve the visibility of stars in your photographs. Adjusting the white balance on your camera can also help compensate for the bright nature of the sky due to light pollution.
