National Geographic published a story about light pollution that raises some very interesting questions about health and happiness. Light pollution may seem benign when compared to water or air pollution, but like other forms of pollution, it has the ability to affect our surrounding environment, health and economy. Environmental sustainability is really about working with all natural systems and supporting our livelihood as humans. Often we are polluting our very own living environments without fully realizing the impact, and light pollution is just one more example of how we disrupt the environment around us.
While light pollution’s effects may not be quite as obvious as garbage in the park or smog in the air, they’re not difficult to find. People living in cities are missing out on spectacular star gazing and beautiful shadows cast by the moon—or even Venus. Because they adjust to increased light levels, our eyes can lose their natural ability to adjust to darkness over time, limiting our vision in darker environments and creating possible safety hazards. Natural sleeping patterns can be confused by the increasing night light, a phenomenon which causes stress on the body and mind. As our circadian rhythms and natural sleep cycles are altered, new stresses are encountered.
Some researchers and studies indicate that lack of sleep can have profound consequences. David Blask, a researcher at the Mary Imogene Bassett Research Institute, described one such affect, “Light at night is now clearly a risk factor for breast cancer . . . breast tumors are awake during the day, and melatonin puts them to sleep at night.” Blask’s quote can be interpreted as less sleep or decreased melatonin equating to faster cancer growth.
In addition to the direct effects felt by humans, light pollution affects ecosystems and wildlife. Flocks of migrating birds are being lost to exhaustion as they tirelessly circle oil rigs in the middle of oceans; bats are becoming more common in cities as they follow insect swarms towards city floodlights and streetlights, and baby turtles struggle to find the moon’s reflection on the ocean as they hatch because beachside properties are lit up with bright white light. The negative impacts light pollution has on nature and animals are more drastic than many people realize.
And lest you think that light pollution is something that only happens in densely populated cities and suburbs, it can actually happen anywhere. The National Park Service Night Sky Team has observed the effects of light pollution in Canyonlands National Park, one of the most desolate, least visited national parks in the country. Though the park is located in the desert of southern Utah, far from any major city, it still receives noticeable light pollution from the small gateway communities of Moab, Monticello and Blanding, isolated communities that have a cumulative population of around 10,000 people. The NPS’s research indicates that views of thousands of stars have been lost, even in this remote park.
The tides are slowly changing, though. In 2001, Flagstaff Arizona was declared the first International Dark Sky City by the International Dark Sky Association, and several other towns have followed suit. The designation is awarded to towns that implement outdoor lighting plans that adhere to the IDSA’s guidelines.
Many times these type of initiatives are born at the municipal and university levels, but that’s not always the case. Light pollution may seem like a large-scale problem, but like any other type of pollution, each person can pitch in and make an impact.
New lighting systems such as this one are designed to focus light downwards and minimize the impact it can have on the community. You don’t necessarily have to install new hardware, but ensure that your outdoor lighting is shielded and shines directly on the spot that you want to illuminate rather than outward or upward. Make sure motion sensors are set in such a way that only a person or animal will set them off. Always shut off lights that you’re not actively using, and if you tend to forget, use motion sensors or timers to shut them off automatically.
In addition to adjusting hardware and practices, adjust the lights themselves. Use softer, more efficient light bulbs in place of unnecessarily high wattage bulbs. Outdoor lighting appliances tend to be focused, so less intense lights will suffice. Consider using yellow light alternatives (also available in energy efficient CFL) often called “bug lights” that emit a soft yellow light that reduces the attraction of bugs and insects. These lights can go a long way in reducing light pollution and unwanted pests at your home and also contribute to reducing your city’s overall light pollution.
Reducing outdoor lighting will not only help to cut your own contributions to light pollution, it’ll cut your carbon footprint and save money. The International Dark Sky Association estimates that $2.2 billion is wasted on unnecessary outdoor lighting each year. At its core, light pollution is simply wasted light that escapes into the atmosphere rather than illuminating what it was installed for. Cleaner light is more efficient light that will cut down on the electricity used and in turn, save money.
If light pollution is an issue that interests or concerns you, get involved. While you can certainly have an impact on a personal level, you can make even more of an impact within a government or organization. Consider joining the IDSA or local groups and voice your opinion to local officials and city planners on projects that affect light pollution. An extensive list of light pollution resources can be found here.
