We love lights. Lighting Services' job is to keep our customers' lights up and running. However, there can be too much of a good thing when it comes to lighting, especially outdoors. Read on for an explanation of something you might not have thought of before...
Light Pollution 
The term "light pollution" applies to negative effects of excessive night-time lighting. It includes glare, sky glow, light trespass, and energy waste. Picture those yards in your neighborhood that have holiday lights and spotlights on every tree and bush at Christmastime, or the businesses you can't miss at night because they are all lit up.
Effects on Wildlife 
Light pollution affects wildlife migration and activity. Natural light tells animals when to eat, sleep, move, and mate.
Sea turtle hatchlings instinctively move toward the reflection of the moon and stars on the water.
This used to easily lead them to the ocean, but beachfront lighting now leads many hatchlings away from the water, causing high mortality rates.
Birds use the moon and stars for navigation. Birds can be distracted and disoriented by artificial light, which can lead them to being hurt or killed by collisions with each other or with buildings. Birds exposed to artificial light at night also begin migration at a different time than they normally would.
A study of squirrels found that holiday lights caused the squirrels to extend their normal activity for hours after sunset. This caused an increase in squirrel mortality because the critters were tired and were visible prey.
Nocturnal animals have good night vision, but when they wander near bright lights, they become blinded and less aware of their surroundings. They can get confused, injured, and/or attacked.
Light pollution also disrupts biological rhythms. It can change hormone production and affect natural breeding schedules, leading to population declines and causing conservation issues. Lights can cause disrupted sleep and lead to illness.
Even insects are impacted, which ultimately affects the food chain. The cumulative effects on wildlife populations can be severe, highlighting the urgent need for mindful lighting practices.
Effects on Humans 
Just like for wildlife, artificial light at night interferes with our circadian rhythms—the internal clocks that regulate sleep, hormone production, and other vital bodily functions.
Melatonin is a substance released in the body when it gets dark, making us sleepy. Increasing the amount of light lowers melatonin, which leads to wrecked sleep. Disturbed sleep makes a person's immune system less effective, meaning it will be easier for you to become ill.
In addition, light pollution can damage relationships with neighbors if they are sensitive to light or have insomnia.
Moreover, light pollution can affect mental well-being. The inability to experience natural darkness can lead to a sense of disconnection from the natural world, impacting overall quality of life.
Solutions 
Does all this mean that you can never turn lights on outside? Of course not! Here are ways to get the illumination you need while minimizing the negative effects of artificial light at night:
- Keep unnecessary lights off. The best way to help all creatures and lower your energy bill too!
- Aim lights downward, not up into the trees or sky. Fixtures with shields or directional baffles can help keep light downward and only where you need it.
- Reduce overall brightness. The dimmer, the better. Besides, excessive light can actually be a safety hazard due to glare and harsh shadows.
- The color temperature matters! Swap cool white and blue lights with warm white and amber lights, which are less disruptive to circadian rhythms and melatonin production.
- Put holiday lights on a timer so they turn off after a couple of hours and do not stay on all night.
Conclusion
Biological rhythms and behaviors of both humans and wildlife have been shaped for thousands of years by the natural light-dark cycles. Light pollution is an increasing environmental change. But individuals, business, and communities can combat it and still benefit from outdoor lighting through thoughtful lighting choices and practices. For help mitigating the environmental impact of your exterior illumination, contact us!
