Birds, insects, mammals, and even humans, evolved a circadian rhythm. The balance between day and night has tipped decidedly toward 24 hour daytime. Below are estimated impacts by the International Dark Sky Association.
Light Pollution News
A Podcast Shedding the Light Only Where Needed
Featured Episodes
October 2023: The Perma-Noon Super Highway
Guest:
Host:
This month – are we talking about Light Pollution all wrong? What is a Dark Sky Resort, and is it a good thing? Bird Migration is in full swing – what is your community doing to help birds safely pass through? And, is Environmental Justice really a thing with regards to Light Pollution? Host Bill McGeeney is joined by Ziz Knight, co-founder of the newly formed Dark Sky Los Angeles and the astrophotography master himself, Drew Evans!
November 2023: Asphalt Dreams
Guest:
Host:
The Sphere is alive! Will the Sphere be the shape of things to come? How do Animals like sea turtles and deer see the world? Chicago’s house of horrors continues its gruesome march through history! And, how would you feel about a lit ring atop your car? Host Bill McGeeney is joined by Ben Chappell of the Narrowband Youtube channel, Matthias Schmitt of Cedar Breaks National Monument, and environmental educator, Frank Turina!
December 2023: VIP Session Under the Bridge
Guest:
Host:
We finish out 2023 with a great panel! Youth Advocate Bonnie Peng returns! Stephen Hummel of the McDonald Observatory and Mr. Travis Novitsky of the Grand Portage Anishinaabe Nation join us for a vibrant discussion asking if Light Pollution really is a pollutant. We discuss the mental health effects of dislodged circadian rhythms. Drone shows have arrived, now what? All that and much much more!!
Helpful Tips!
Solution to Reduce Light Pollution: 10 Easy Ways
When we start thinking about the issue of light pollution, like many other environmental issues, it can seem like an impossible problem to fix. Luckily, light pollution is technically the most easily reversible form of pollution. If you are interested in reducing light pollution, the best way to start is at home. We have 10 easy steps you can follow to inventory your home lighting to decrease the amount of light pollution coming from your home.
How Many Lumens Do You Need for Outdoor Lighting?
When installing or replacing outdoor lights, brightness of the lights (lumens) is an important factor that needs to be considered. The amount of lumens needed will depend on the application. This will range from 12-800 lumens depending on the purpose of the light.
We recommend going on the lower end when possible, this will not only save on energy costs, but it will help to decrease your contribution to light pollution. You can also add additional lights, or go with a brighter light bulb if you find you need a brighter light for your outdoor lighting.
Best Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Backyard Landscape.
Many people put a lot of time, money, and effort into their outdoor spaces. Lights are a great way to enjoy your outdoor living space at all times of the day. We believe that less is more when it comes to lighting. Too much lighting and everything will be bathed in a generic glow, the play of light and shadows allows for a much more dramatic effect and will allow certain areas and features to be highlighted. We have some great dark sky friendly lighting options for all your outdoor lighting needs.
Do We Need All Of That Light?
Protect Our Night
Annual Estimated Cost of Exterior Lighting
50B USD
US Department of Energy Estimated Percentage Resulting in Wasted Light
99%
Annual American Consumption of Outdoor Lighting.
308 tWH
Light Pollution in Numbers
Excess and Unnecessary Light Have Consequences.
875,000,000
Trees Needed to Offset CO2 Emissions from Outdoor Lighting in the US Per Year, via the International Dark Sky Association.
99%
Americans and Europeans who can’t see the Milky Way, per National Geographic.
1,000,000,000
Estimated bird deaths annually due to factors including building lights, per NPR
2x
Black, Hispanic and Asian Americans are 2x more likely to live in heavily light polluted environments according to 2020 Study.
