Brian Barton
Light pollution is a growing global issue, with light trespass, over-illumination, light clutter, and sky glow being the most common forms. The excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light has negative impacts on human health, wildlife behaviour, and our ability to observe the stars. It is also an economic concern, with the International Dark-Sky Association estimating that one-third of all lighting is wasted at an annual cost of $2.2 billion. While light pollution may seem like an overwhelming problem, there are individual actions we can take to combat it. These include reducing the use of outdoor lighting, using shielded and downward-facing lights, and adopting energy-efficient LED lamps. Additionally, simple habits like turning off lights when not in use, using window shades, and reducing screen time can significantly contribute to reducing light pollution.
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What You'll Learn
Use warm-coloured bulbs, not harsh, cool-white lights
Light pollution is a serious issue, impacting wildlife, human health, and the environment. It is caused by artificial light at night, known as ALAN, and has detrimental effects on animal behaviour, migration patterns, and human sleep patterns and health. One way to combat light pollution is to use warm-coloured bulbs instead of harsh, cool-white lights. Here's why:
Firstly, warm-coloured bulbs emit less blue light, which is known to be damaging to human health and wildlife. Cool-white lights, with their high colour temperature, can disrupt the natural body rhythms of both humans and animals, affecting sleep and causing fatigue, headaches, stress, and anxiety. Lower colour temperatures, on the other hand, are better for humans and wildlife, creating a cosy and aesthetically pleasing glow.
Secondly, warm-coloured bulbs can help reduce energy use and protect the environment. LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) are energy-efficient, but when coupled with warm-coloured bulbs, they become an even more environmentally friendly option. This also translates to financial benefits for energy consumers, as reducing energy use reduces costs.
Additionally, warm-coloured bulbs can enhance the night sky viewing experience. Cool-white lights can obscure the stars, washing away the night sky and hindering astronomical observations. By using warm-coloured bulbs, we can reduce sky glow and improve our connection to the immensity of space, providing a more natural viewing experience.
It is important to note that while warm-coloured bulbs are a step in the right direction, the direction of the lighting is also crucial. Downward-pointing exterior lighting is recommended as it reduces glare and light trespass, further minimising the impact on the night sky and those who wish to observe it.
By adopting the use of warm-coloured bulbs and considering the direction of lighting, we can make a significant step towards reducing light pollution and its negative consequences on our health, wildlife, and environment. It is a simple yet impactful change that individuals can implement to contribute to the global movement against light pollution.
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Install outdoor lights only when needed
Light pollution is a growing global issue that can negatively affect our environment and impact our quality of life. It is caused by the inappropriate use of artificial light at night, which has harmful effects on human health, wildlife, and ecosystems. It also robs us of the opportunity to experience a truly dark night sky.
One of the main contributors to light pollution is the use of outdoor lights when they are not necessary. Before installing a new light or replacing an old one, it is important to ask yourself if you really need it. More and more people are using outdoor lighting as decoration because it 'looks nice', rather than it serving a clear purpose. When lighting does not have a clear purpose, we often end up using too much.
To reduce light pollution, it is recommended to only use outdoor lighting when it is necessary and to choose fixtures that are shielded to prevent light from being emitted directly into the sky. This can be achieved by using cutoff angles to prevent light from escaping above the horizontal plane, minimizing uplighting, and reducing high-angle brightness. Additionally, it is important to consider how the use of light will impact the area, including wildlife and their habitats.
By applying these principles, you can reduce light pollution, save energy and money, and minimize wildlife disruption. It is important to give more consideration to how we light our homes and only use lighting when and where it is needed to help combat light pollution.
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Use shielding to reduce glare and light trespass
Light pollution is a pressing issue that harms the environment, wildlife habitats, and our quality of life. One effective way to combat light pollution is by using shielding to reduce glare and light trespass.
Glare from unshielded or poorly shielded lights can cause discomfort and disrupt our vision, especially at night. Light trespass refers to light from unshielded fixtures that spill into areas where they are not intended, such as a neighbour's property or through windows. This can impact the sleep and health of those affected by the light trespass.
To reduce glare and light trespass, it is important to choose the right light fixtures and install them properly. Light shields are an effective solution, as they block or redirect light rays, preventing them from trespassing into unwanted areas. These shields are typically made of metal and can be installed by gluing them onto the light fixture. They are easy to install and can be customised to fit different fixtures.
In addition to light shields, full cut-off light fixtures are another option. These fixtures have glare guards that block glare from the sides, ensuring that the light is directed downwards where it is needed. Dark sky-friendly lighting products are designed to keep illumination facing towards the ground, reducing light trespass and glare.
By implementing these shielding measures, we can effectively reduce glare and light trespass, improving our lighting practices and contributing to the global effort to combat light pollution.
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Avoid 'dusk to dawn' lamps
Dusk-to-dawn lights are equipped with sensors that detect changes in light levels, turning on at sunset and off at sunrise. They are designed to automatically illuminate dark areas and turn off when it is light. While they can enhance security, convenience, and aesthetic appeal, they can also contribute to light pollution if not used thoughtfully.
To avoid contributing to light pollution with dusk-to-dawn lamps, it is important to consider the following:
Firstly, limit their use to areas where lighting is necessary for safety or security reasons. Avoid using them in areas where natural lighting is sufficient or where lighting is not essential. This will help reduce the overall amount of artificial light at night, benefiting both the environment and wildlife.
Secondly, ensure that the dusk-to-dawn lamps are properly shielded and directed downward. Poorly directed or unshielded lamps can waste light, contributing to light pollution. By shielding the lamps and directing the light downward, you can minimise light trespass onto neighbouring properties and reduce glare.
Thirdly, opt for warmer-coloured bulbs with a colour temperature of 2,700 Kelvin or lower. Cool-white lights emit a significant amount of blue light, which is harmful to human health, wildlife, and the night sky. Warmer-coloured bulbs provide a cosy glow while reducing the negative impacts of light pollution.
Additionally, consider using dimmable dusk-to-dawn lamps, allowing you to adjust the brightness according to your needs. This feature can help reduce excessive energy consumption and minimise light pollution.
Finally, maintain your dusk-to-dawn lamps properly. Clean the light fixtures and sensors regularly to remove dirt and debris, and replace bulbs as necessary. This will ensure the lamps function optimally and minimise any potential negative impact on light pollution.
By following these guidelines, you can use dusk-to-dawn lamps while being mindful of their impact on light pollution.
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Support the Dark Sky Movement
Light pollution is a serious issue that harms the environment, wildlife habitats, and our quality of life. The dark sky movement is a campaign to reduce this light pollution and mitigate its harmful effects. Here are some ways to support this movement and help restore the nighttime environment:
Educate Yourself and Others
It is important to understand the negative impacts of light pollution on humans, wildlife, and the climate. Share this knowledge with your community to raise awareness and empower people to make informed decisions. DarkSky International provides resources such as brochures, films, and mobile apps to help spread the word. Join their email list to stay informed about the latest news, events, and volunteer opportunities.
Advocate for Change
Become a dark sky advocate in your neighborhood, city, or state by encouraging the adoption of lighting regulations that minimize light pollution. Work with local communities, universities, nonprofits, and businesses to establish codes and statutes that reduce light pollution. Support the implementation of lighting ordinances in your town and ensure their enforcement.
Support Dark Sky Preserves
Dark sky preserves are protected areas, mainly in national parks, with a zero-light pollution policy. These areas are designated by the Dark Skies Advisory Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Visit these locations and support their conservation efforts through tourism. Your presence and support help sustain these rare and fragile environments for future generations.
Choose Dark Sky-Friendly Lighting
When lighting your home or business, opt for warmer-coloured bulbs with a colour temperature of 2,700 Kelvin or lower. These bulbs emit a redder light, reducing the impact on the night sky and the environment. Use downward-pointing exterior lighting to minimize light pollution. Look for the International Dark-Sky Association's (IDA) Fixture Seal of Approval when choosing lighting fixtures to ensure they are dark sky-friendly.
Join DarkSky International
Become a member of DarkSky International to actively support the dark sky movement. Your membership contributes to their advocacy, education, and certification efforts. You can also purchase DarkSky-branded merchandise to show your support and help fund their initiatives.
By following these steps, you can play a crucial role in reducing light pollution and preserving the night skies for present and future generations. Together, we can make a positive impact and protect our planet from the harmful effects of excessive artificial light.
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Frequently asked questions
Light pollution is the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light. It has been linked to human health issues, wildlife behaviour changes, and the inability to observe the stars.
Light pollution disrupts the natural day/night cycle, affecting the circadian rhythm of both humans and animals. This can lead to sleep disorders, depression, hypertension, attention deficit disorder, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even potentially cancer. It also affects wildlife migration, reproduction, hunting, and feeding.
There are several ways to combat light pollution:
- Use outdoor lights only when necessary and avoid 'dusk to dawn' lamps.
- Ensure outdoor lights are fully shielded, directed downwards, and enclosed in 'full cut-off flat glass' fitments.
- Use low-energy LED lamps that emit white light instead of orange or pink sodium lights.
- Use window shades to prevent room lights from shining outdoors.
- Reduce the use of electronic devices and screens at night, and switch to dimmer settings when possible.
