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National Geographic notes that light pollution causes many problems for both humans and animals. Not only does it mess with the body’s sleep and wake patterns, but an overabundance of light can also cause birds, turtles, and other animals issues that result in death. While we must have light, SEPCO shares ways that we can all be more environmentally aware when it comes to the way we illuminate our lives.
What Is Light Pollution?
Simply put, light pollution is excessive, unwanted, and inappropriate artificial lighting. While big city skylines are prolific culprits, night pollution in our own neighborhoods can be a problem as well. Another significant issue in artificial lighting is the energy and raw materials utilized in processing lightbulbs. While there are some types of bulbs that are environmentally friendly (more on that in a moment), outdated technologies, such as incandescent bulbs, are carbon-emission-heavy and must be replaced frequently, which adds to the landfills.
Led Lighting For A Human-Oriented Earth
Across the board, most experts agree that LED lighting is the best option if artificial light is necessary. According to SiteLogiq, LED lights have many advantages, including an exceptionally long lifespan, eco-friendliness, better performance in all temperatures, low heat admission, design flexibility, and dimming capabilities. LED lights are popular because they have so many applications and are so versatile. You might see an LED light bulb in one room and then a tiny strip of LED light tape behind the television and another.
LED lights are great for home use, but they can also be applied in commercial, outdoor residential, and industrial areas. This is a simple and popular way to go green in the workspace, whether that’s in the office or the parking garage. Various options are available for lighting an innately dark space. Buildings that utilize LED lights in their garages not only save energy but can also reduce glare and create an added layer of protection for people walking through these otherwise unlit areas.
Mother Nature Is The Best Light Source
Humans are meant to follow a waking and sleeping pattern, which is called the circadian rhythm. Historically and biologically, this is dictated by the rising and setting sun. But, since the dawn of the electric age, we’ve started staying up later and waking earlier simply because we can. This does not mean that we should rely on artificial light sources 100% of the time.
HealthLine contributor Sarah Garone points out that natural light (the sun) can help stave off seasonal depression and improve your sleeping habits. Thus the importance of spending some time getting direct exposure to the sun's rays every day and enjoying many health benefits by getting outside. You can add to the benefits by getting in a little exercise as well, which can be something as simple – and free – as a walk around your neighborhood or at a nearby community park. This activity is made even easier if your city or town has a good Walk Score, which measures the walkability of any given area.
Further, the more natural light you have in your home, the less likely you are to have a negative response to fluorescent lighting. To get more natural light in your home, consider getting rid of curtains or using sheers to allow more natural light in. You can also strategically place mirrors on the wall and use reflective colors, such as eggshells, throughout your home to improve your lighting situation. If you are concerned about sun damage to your rugs, upholstered furniture, or other pieces, you can add a window film meant to protect against fading caused by UV rays.
It is our job as humans to protect the earth that we’ve been given. From using LED lights when necessary to simply letting Mother Nature do her job, there are ways that we can reduce light pollution and its harmful effects. We hope today’s tips will help you have a lesser negative impact on your environment.
