Improve Dark Night Skies by reducing Light Pollution

Do you enjoy sitting in your yard and viewing the night sky? Does it seem to you that the stars and Milky Way are less visible these days? Unfortunately, it is true!

Light pollution continues to increase. It not only impacts our vision of the night sky but also is detrimental for a number of reasons such as:

1. Light pollution negatively impacts wildlife. It affects behavior such as mating, migration, eating and reproduction.
2. Light pollution has negative effects on human health contributing to diseases like depression, obesity, diabetes and certain cancers. It also reduces our ability to produce melatonin (a hormone involved with a healthy immune system and cholesterol levels in addition to helping us maintain a normal circadian rhythm).
3. Light pollution wastes energy. Light that shines into the sky never reaches the ground and never lights the area you are trying to illuminate. This wasted light is not only expensive but contributes to CO2 production (greenhouse gases) which contributes to climate change.
4. Many people use lights for safety however it has been well demonstrated that poorly designed lighting is actually less safe. Wise use of lights (targeted to the area of interest) is safer and reduces glare which can be harmful.
5. Light pollution robs us of our heritage.

For generations, humans have used the night sky for inspiration. Religion, science, philosophy, literature and art have all been impacted by the night sky. Currently only 20% of the people on earth can see the Milky Way.
 
The good news is that light pollution is reversible! We can all help reduce wasted light by:

1. Shielding lights so that you are illuminating only the area you want to light. Light directed upward and horizontal never reaches the ground. It is wasted light!
2. Use warmer temperature light which creates less glare while still adequately illuminating the ground.
3. Use energy efficient lighting
4. Turn off lights when not needed. Consider timers, motion detectors or dimmers to reduce use of light at times when not necessary.

For more information visit:
The International Dark Sky Association website at www.darksky.org