many important pollinators are attracted to artificial light, and so to their unfortunate demise, their delicate wings fry in light fixtures.
According to Jane Slade, a specialist in outdoor lighting for large institutions and a member of IES,“ studies show that artificial light at night is changing fundamental behavior in species, such as the way plants grow, how insects pollinate, and when animals reproduce.” The danger to migratory birds is well documented by the National Audubon Society, and their“ Lights Out” program targets cities in major bird migration paths to reduce night lighting that confuses birds during migration months. Millions of migrating birds die every year colliding with office buildings needlessly lit up at night. n Use focused, shielded, downward-pointing lights, only where needed. n Use only as much light as needed. Too much light wastes energy and money and harms wildlife. n Install timers and dimmer switches. If you feel you must have outdoor lighting to feel secure, install motion sensors. n Turn off lights when not needed. n Avoid blue lights that are harmful to animals, including humans. Use only lighting with a color temperature of 3000K or below. Look for bulbs labeled“ low blue light,” or“ warm white” or“ soft white.” n Contact government officials to create policies to reduce light pollution. n For help with light-trespassing neighbors, check www. darksky. org for printable, neighbor-friendly fact sheets to start a constructive conversation.
The Myth of“ Security” Lighting
Some people assume outdoor lighting makes us more safe and secure. But does it? According to Dark Sky International, security experts point out that much outdoor lighting makes us less secure, with bright spots creating deep shadows, making it easier for a person to hide in a brightly lit area. Blinding glare also makes security cameras less effective. Ultimately poor lighting can create a false sense of security. Security consultants recommend motion-sensor lights instead.
Poor lighting practices also waste money. A 2016 report by the Council of State Legislatures states,“ Since many [ outdoor ] light fixtures are either poorly designed or emit light aimed in the wrong direction, much of what is spent on outdoor lighting is wasted.” With rapidly rising power prices, eliminating unfocused and unhelpful light seems a good place to start reducing energy costs for businesses and residences.
What You Can Do: Light Smarter, Not Brighter
Fortunately, there is hope. Light pollution is much easier to address than other kinds of pollution. Small, simple changes can make a big difference. There are many actions we can easily take to reclaim the night sky and reduce the wasted energy, money, and other negative effects of unnecessary and wasteful light at night. Experts at Dark Sky International and the Illuminating Engineering Society recommend a few basic actions everyone can take( See sidebar).
We face many challenges to protect an environment that supports agriculture and the beauty of our natural world. The good news is that the challenge of light pollution is neither expensive nor complicated to reverse. A return to the dark sky is a goal that is as worthy as it is attainable.
Sources for this article, and to learn more:
Dark Sky International: www. darksky. org The World at Night: www. twanight. org National Aeronautics and Space Administration( NASA): www. nasa. gov Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: www. si. edu www. lightpollutionmap. info www. darksitefinder. com
Melane Kinney Hoffmann has lived on a 50-acre farm, with 40 acres in hay, in the Ag Reserve for 30 years. She and her husband Tom raised three children, horses, and rescue dogs on the farm, and have been involved in numerous efforts to preserve rural land and protect the Ag Reserve. When she and her husband built their home and started a family there in 1993, they could sit on their front porch and identify planets and multiple constellations, and tell their children about the myths and mysteries they represent. Now the glare from just a few businesses along Frederick Road, and along I-270 in Germantown create enough glow that only the clearest nights reveal the brightest planets. plenty I spring sowing 2025 13