Bronte Wells
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels, which can have a number of negative impacts, from disturbing migrating birds and newly hatched sea turtles to interfering with the natural rhythms of plants and animals. It also wastes energy and carries risks to human health and safety. The good news is that individuals can make a difference by taking simple actions such as changing light bulbs and fixtures, using shielding to prevent light from spilling beyond where it is needed, and adopting measures to reduce glare and light trespass.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Changing light bulbs and fixtures | Use LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) to reduce energy use and protect the environment, but only use warm-coloured bulbs |
| Shielding | Use shielding to prevent light from spilling beyond where it is needed |
| Timing | Use light only when needed, turn lights off after use, or use timers and motion detectors so that lights are on only when needed |
What You'll Learn
Change light bulbs and fixtures to LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs)
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It can have a number of negative impacts, from disturbing migrating birds and newly hatched sea turtles to interfering with the natural rhythms of plants and animals.
One of the most effective ways to reduce light pollution is to change light bulbs and fixtures to LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs). These bulbs can help reduce energy use and protect the environment, but it is important to only use warm-coloured bulbs. LEDs and CFLs are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, and they also last longer, so you won't have to replace them as often.
When changing your light bulbs, consider using dimmers, motion sensors, and timers to further reduce average illumination levels and save even more energy. This will ensure that lights are only on when they are needed, reducing unnecessary light pollution.
Additionally, you can use shielding to ensure that light does not spill beyond where it is needed. This can be done by using luminaires that project light below the horizontal, reducing skyglow and glare. By following these simple steps, individuals can make a significant impact in reducing light pollution and its negative effects on the environment.
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Adopt measures to govern development around biodiversity and protected areas
Individuals can help to reduce light pollution by adopting measures to govern development around biodiversity and protected areas. This can be done by:
- Changing light bulbs and fixtures to LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) with warm-coloured bulbs. These bulbs reduce energy use and protect the environment.
- Using dimmers, motion sensors, and timers to reduce average illumination levels and save energy.
- Using shielding to prevent light from spilling beyond where it is needed. This includes restricting beams to downward cones to reduce glare and improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians.
- Turning off lights when they are not in use and encouraging neighbours to do the same.
- Creating and promoting dark-sky areas to preserve natural light levels and reduce the negative impacts of light pollution on nocturnal ecosystems, plants, animals, and humans.
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Create and promote dark-sky areas
Creating and promoting dark-sky areas is an important way to combat light pollution. This involves reducing artificial light levels to preserve the natural darkness of the night sky.
One way to do this is by advocating for the adoption of measures that govern development around biodiversity and protected areas. This could include supporting policies that limit light pollution, such as those already in place in France, Slovenia, and Croatia.
Individuals can also take direct action to create dark-sky areas. For example, in your backyard, you can reduce light pollution by using shielding to ensure that light does not spill beyond where it is needed. This can be done by using luminaires that project light below the horizontal and restricting beams to downward cones.
Another way to promote dark-sky areas is by reducing average illumination levels. This can be achieved by using dimmers, motion sensors, and timers to control lighting. LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) can also help to reduce energy use and protect the environment, but it is important to only use warm-coloured bulbs to minimise the impact on the night sky.
By taking these actions, individuals can help to create and promote dark-sky areas, reducing light pollution and its negative impacts on nocturnal ecosystems, human health, and energy consumption.
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Use shielding to prevent light from spilling beyond where it is needed
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It can have a number of negative impacts, from disturbing migrating birds and newly hatched sea turtles to interfering with the natural rhythms of plants and animals. It can also be detrimental to human health and safety.
There are a number of ways that individuals can help to reduce light pollution. One of these is to use shielding to prevent light from spilling beyond where it is needed. This can be done by using luminaires that do not project any light above the horizontal. Restricting beams to downward cones can also reduce glare and improve the ability of drivers and pedestrians to see into shadows.
Another way to reduce light pollution is to only use light when it is needed. This can be done by turning lights off after use or by using active controls such as timers and motion detectors. Dimmers can also help to reduce average illumination levels and save energy.
It is also important to use the right kind of light bulbs. LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) can help to reduce energy use and protect the environment, but only warm-coloured bulbs should be used.
By taking these simple actions, individuals can make a big difference in reducing light pollution and its negative impacts.
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Use light only when needed
Light pollution is a human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It can have a number of negative impacts, from disturbing migrating birds and newly hatched sea turtles to marring wilderness experiences and landscape beauty. It also carries risks to human health and safety and wastes energy.
There are several things that individuals can do to help reduce light pollution. One of the most important things is to use light only when needed. This means turning lights off after use and using active controls such as timers and motion detectors so that lights are on only when needed.
You can also encourage your neighbours to reduce their light pollution by observing these principles, especially to reduce glare and light trespass into your domain. Shielding can also help to ensure that light does not spill beyond where it is needed. To reduce skyglow, do not use luminaires that project any light above the horizontal. Restrict beams to downward cones to reduce glare and improve the ability of drivers and pedestrians to see into shadows.
In addition to using light only when needed, individuals can also help reduce light pollution by changing light bulbs and fixtures. LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) can help reduce energy use and protect the environment, but only warm-coloured bulbs should be used. Dimmers can also help to reduce average illumination levels and save energy.
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Frequently asked questions
You can help reduce light pollution by changing your light bulbs to LEDs and compact fluorescents (CFLs) with warm-coloured bulbs. You can also use dimmers, motion sensors, and timers to reduce average illumination levels and save energy.
You can use shielding to ensure light does not spill beyond where it is needed. This will reduce skyglow and glare.
Only use lights when needed, and turn them off when you're done. Encourage your neighbours to do the same.
Reducing light pollution benefits energy consumers financially, and helps mitigate climate change by reducing the emissions associated with energy production. It also helps nocturnal ecosystems and the natural rhythms of plants and animals.
Light pollution can come from boats, buildings, street lights, and fireworks.
