Brian Barton
Light pollution is a growing environmental crisis, with far-reaching consequences for human health, wildlife, and our quality of life. Artificial light at night, known as 'ALAN', has spread across the globe, disrupting natural light cycles and causing insomnia, diabetes, and cancers in humans, while threatening the functioning of ecosystems. With light pollution increasing at a rate of 7-10% each year, it is essential that individuals, institutions, and governments take action to limit its impact. Tackling light pollution requires a multi-faceted approach, from simple habits like turning off unnecessary lights and using window shades to larger-scale initiatives such as advocating for stronger policies and working with communities to establish codes that reduce light pollution. Together, we can protect our health, wildlife, and the beauty of the night sky.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting type | LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) with warm-colored bulbs |
| Lighting fixtures | Dimmers, motion sensors, timers, shields |
| Lighting practices | Use only the light that is absolutely necessary, use window shades, limit the use of devices in the evening |
| Legislation | Local lighting ordinances, codes and statutes, lawful requirements for outdoor lighting |
| Advocacy | DarkSky International, Commission for Dark Skies, Tucson Audubon Society, Sky Island Alliance |
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What You'll Learn
Use shielding to reduce glare and light trespass
Light pollution is a growing issue, impacting our health, wildlife, and the environment. One effective way to tackle it is by using shielding to reduce glare and light trespass.
Glare is an intense light that disrupts vision, caused by unshielded or poorly shielded light sources. Light trespass refers to light spilling into areas where it is not intended, such as a neighbour's property or natural spaces. These issues can be mitigated through the use of proper shielding.
When shopping for light fixtures, look for those that shield the light source. Fully shielded fixtures direct light downwards, minimising light trespass and glare. This also improves visibility by reducing the intense light that hits your eyes. Examples of fully shielded fixtures include full-cut-off light fixtures, which have glare guards that block glare from the sides, and dark sky-friendly lighting products, which keep illumination towards the ground.
In addition to choosing shielded fixtures, proper placement and aiming of lights are crucial. Lights should be angled downwards and positioned to minimise light spill beyond the intended area. This ensures that light is used efficiently and effectively, reducing wasted energy and light pollution.
By implementing these measures, individuals, communities, and cities can significantly reduce the impact of light trespass and glare, contributing to a healthier and more environmentally friendly environment for all.
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Avoid driving at night
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has been linked to several negative impacts on human health, wildlife habitats, and the environment.
One way to tackle light pollution is to avoid driving at night. Here are some reasons why and suggestions for alternative behaviours:
Safety
Driving at night can be dangerous, especially for those with a lack of depth perception. It can be like navigating in an entirely different world, with reduced visibility and altered depth perception. It is safer to avoid driving in these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary.
Light Degradation
The use of headlights and car lights contributes to the degradation of the night sky. By avoiding driving at night, you can help reduce the amount of artificial light pollution and preserve the natural darkness of the night sky.
Alternative Transportation Methods
Consider alternative transportation methods that do not contribute to light pollution. If possible, opt for walking, biking, or taking public transportation during the day. These methods can reduce your impact on light pollution while also providing health and environmental benefits.
Light Usage Awareness
When driving at night is unavoidable, be mindful of your light usage. Use dim lighting when driving on streets or highways that are already illuminated with artificial lighting. In areas without artificial lighting, medium lighting is usually sufficient to navigate safely. Avoid using bright lights, as they can cause glare and interfere with the natural cycles and operations of wildlife.
Light Direction
Always try to point your headlights and flashlights downwards. This simple action can help minimise the impact of your lights on the night sky and reduce glare.
By following these suggestions, you can contribute to the reduction of light pollution and promote a healthier environment for both people and wildlife.
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Switch to LEDs and compact fluorescents
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It has harmful effects on streetlights, greenhouses, and satellites, among other sources. One way to tackle light pollution is to switch to LEDs and compact fluorescents.
LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) can help reduce energy use and protect the environment. LEDs are mercury-free, safer, and more energy-efficient than fluorescent light bulbs. They use approximately half the electricity as fluorescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light. They also last about twice as long as fluorescent bulbs, so they need to be replaced less often. LEDs are readily available as replacements for fluorescents in all needed shapes and sizes and typically cost far less to purchase and operate over their lifetime.
According to a report, a typical school could see more than $5,000 in annual utility bill savings if all its fluorescent bulbs were replaced with LEDs. In 2022, Vermont and California became the first states to phase out the sale of most fluorescent bulbs. LEDs also allow for reduced illuminance without compromising visibility.
However, if you live on an LED-lit street, LEDs are notoriously difficult to filter out as they cover a broad spectrum of wavelengths. Some light-pollution filters are now available specifically for filtering out LED lamps, like the IDAS LPS-D3.
It is important to note that only warm-toned or filtered LEDs (CCT 3000 K or lower; S/P ratio 1.2 or lower) should be used to minimize blue emission. DarkSky International has a searchable database that makes it easy to find DarkSky Approved light fixtures that are fully shielded and have a low CCT.
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Use dimmers, motion sensors and timers
Light pollution is a growing environmental crisis, with far-reaching consequences for human health, wildlife, and our climate. It is caused by the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally, and it has been linked to an increased risk of insomnia, diabetes, cancers, and mental health issues.
One effective way to tackle light pollution is to use dimmers, motion sensors, and timers. These tools can help reduce average illumination levels and save energy.
Dimmers allow for the use of less light overall, and they can be installed in every room. This is especially useful when we tend to absentmindedly turn on lights to their full blast after the sun sets. Our eyes can adjust nicely to no-light or low-light settings if given a few minutes. So, instead of reaching for the light switch, give your eyes some time to adjust to the natural light levels.
Motion sensors are another useful tool, particularly for safety. They ensure that lights are only turned on when someone is in the room or when movement is detected. This can be applied to indoor and outdoor lighting. For example, motion sensor lights can illuminate your way during a midnight bathroom break, or light up your path when hiking in the city or rural areas.
Timers are also an effective way to reduce light pollution. They ensure that lights are only turned on when needed, and they can be set to turn off at specific times, such as when you go to sleep. This can be particularly useful for outdoor lighting, where timers can be set to turn off lights at a certain time, reducing light pollution and saving energy.
By using dimmers, motion sensors, and timers, we can reduce our contribution to light pollution and its negative impacts. These tools help us be more mindful of our lighting usage, reduce overall light output, and save energy, all while maintaining the functionality and safety of our lighting systems.
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Advocate for stronger light pollution policies
Light pollution is a growing environmental crisis that has harmful effects on human health, wildlife, and the climate. It is caused by the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally, resulting in unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive artificial lighting. The negative impacts of light pollution include:
- Disruption to the circadian rhythm, leading to increased risk of insomnia, diabetes, and cancers
- Interference with the natural rhythms of plants and animals, including predator-prey relationships, plant phenology, and bird migration
- Negative impacts on human spiritual experiences and traditional cultural practices associated with the night sky
- Wasted energy and degradation of the night sky, reducing the enjoyment of stargazing and astronomy
To tackle light pollution effectively, stronger light pollution policies are needed at the national and local levels. Here are some ways to advocate for stronger light pollution policies:
- Education and Awareness: Spread awareness about the harmful effects of light pollution on human health, wildlife, and the environment. Educate communities about the benefits of reducing light pollution, such as improved health outcomes, ecological conservation, and energy savings. Organize community meetings, town halls, and educational workshops to engage and inform the public.
- Collaboration with Organizations: Collaborate with organizations dedicated to reducing light pollution, such as DarkSky International and the International Dark-Sky Association. These organizations work with communities to establish codes and statutes that minimize light pollution. They can provide resources, expertise, and support for your advocacy efforts.
- Engagement with Local Authorities: Engage with local authorities, such as your city or town council, to advocate for stronger light pollution policies. Express your concerns about the impact of light pollution on the community and environment. Request that they implement measures such as installing shields on streetlights, adopting dimming technology, and establishing lighting ordinances to reduce light pollution levels.
- Policy Proposals and Advocacy: Research and propose specific policy changes to address light pollution. Advocate for the inclusion of light pollution reduction measures in development plans, zoning laws, and environmental regulations. Suggest the adoption of international best practices and successful models from other regions. Engage with policymakers, attend public hearings, and participate in the legislative process to influence decision-making.
- Community Action and Grassroots Movements: Build a grassroots movement by engaging concerned citizens and community groups. Encourage citizens to contact their local representatives and express their support for stronger light pollution policies. Organize petitions, rallies, and campaigns to demonstrate public support for policy changes. Collaborate with local businesses and organizations to promote responsible lighting practices and raise awareness among their customers and employees.
- Monitoring and Enforcement: Advocate for the implementation of monitoring systems to track light pollution levels and the enforcement of existing regulations. Support the work of organizations that certify lighting products, designs, and installations that reduce light pollution. Ensure that local authorities have the necessary resources and incentives to enforce light pollution policies effectively.
By advocating for stronger light pollution policies, we can address this environmental crisis and mitigate its harmful effects on human health, wildlife, and the planet. It is essential to work collaboratively with communities, organizations, and local authorities to drive policy changes that will protect our nighttime environment and the well-being of all.
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Frequently asked questions
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. Artificial light at night (ALAN) has harmful effects on human health, wildlife, and the environment.
Light pollution disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythm, which can lead to an increased risk of insomnia, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. It has also been linked to mental health issues and reduced fertility.
Artificial light at night can disorient migrating birds and interfere with the predator-prey relationship, plant phenology, and the symbiosis critical to plant pollination and reproduction. It also attracts insects to artificial lights, making them easier prey for birds.
Individuals can help reduce light pollution by using warm-coloured LED bulbs, dimmers, motion sensors, timers, and shields on outdoor lighting fixtures to minimise glare and light trespass. Turning off unnecessary lights, using window shades, and reducing screen time at night can also help minimise light pollution.
