Great Green Idea: Green Living: Light Pollution Hurts More than your Eyes

Light Pollution Hurts More than your Eyes

As humans have evolved they have left their imprint on the planet as well as on the clouds in the form of light pollution. Typically, light pollution is defined as night time illumination deemed necessary for safety or security, but is almost always used for convenience. Unfortunately, most forms of night lighting wastes money, wastes natural resources and offers very little in the way of a positive contribution.

Persons living in suburban areas can not see the wondrous sights the night sky has to offer as many of the stars and constellations are hidden by light pollution. In most instances, lighting is wasted as much of it escapes into the atmosphere doing no good at all. It is not focused on the areas that will do the most good. This is true for both commercial buildings and private residences as lighting is used to fill in the shadows on the ground, yet it finds its way into the sky.

How many thousands of barrels of oil or tons of coal are used to produce electricity to light up the sky is unclear. This is a waste of valuable natural resources that returns little benefit on the investment. In addition to the waste of light, electricity production burns fossil fuels adding to air pollution, which is proven to be harmful to the environment as well as peoples' health.

Unnecessary light is also harmful to many nocturnal animals that are scared away from lighted areas, keeping them from their natural habitat. Areas that have been overcome by severe light pollution have been known to slow, or downright halt, reproduction in many nocturnal species. Additionally, brightly lit areas can attract birds or other animals that are usually active during the day, confusing them into thinking it never gets dark. Longer daylight hours will affect their migration habits and can produce a shorter reproduction cycle.

To help keep light pollution at bay, there are a few simple steps that can be taken. First of all, dusk to dawn lighting can be eliminated, especially for private residences. This type of lighting, while providing a certain feeling of security is most often a waste of resources. Instead, use motion detectors that turn lights on only when activity is nearby. This reduces lighting costs as well as the amount of light pollution.

Reducing the wattage in bulbs can also cut utility bills and it is amazing how well the human eyes can adjust to provide good vision is less light. Using what are called full cutoff fixtures can help focus the light where it will do the most good without sending a beam of light into the sky or into the neighbor's yard. This type of light is becoming more popular to prevent light from 'trespassing' into others' property where it is not wanted.

By considering the effects extraneous light has on species other than the humans that install it, the amount of power used to generate it and the natural resources used can be reduced. Using energy-saving bulbs is only part of the answer, along with lighting only what really needs to be lit, when it needs to be lit will save money in electricity and the resources needed to generate that electricity.