How to Minimise Light Pollution?
Since the development of the light bulb and other technological advances, streets, highways, and significant urban centers or commercial buildings are illuminated by extremely potent light sources. These traditional commercial light fittings not only offer bright luminosity but also amp up the ambience and aesthetics of the space significantly.
However, apart from uplifting the architectural elements and improving vision, these sources contribute to creating light pollution as well. To be precise, old artificial lighting refers to the alteration of natural illumination in the outdoor environment during the darker time of the day. Furthermore, harmful chemicals or heat are observed to be emitted by the electrical bulbs which undoubtedly harm the environment in many ways. Fortunately, today with technological advancements, sustainable and eco-friendly modern exterior lighting solutions are introduced to combat the adverse effects of conventional light sources.
Thus, it is clear that there is a connection between light pollution and the destruction of the natural habitat and its harmful effects on human health. It also obstructs the environment's aesthetic appeal.
But, what exactly is light pollution? To help you develop a basic understanding of the same, here is everything you need to know about lighting pollution and how to curb it.
Light Pollution
Light pollution, as the name suggests, is a type of ill-effect earth faces due to photo or luminous pollution.
Light pollution is the inefficient use of artificial light that results in issues such as changing the level of outside natural illumination and upsetting the ecosystem, etc. As a result, flora, fauna, and human beings are impacted by poorly designed lighting systems.
Fortunately, there are ways to decrease light pollution while fully illuminating spaces. Read on to explore some things you can do to minimize light pollution.
Tips to Curb Light Pollution
Here are some tips that will prove to be useful in minimising light pollution:
1. Turn off Your Lights
First things first, turn off your lights!
Set a good example by turning off the lights wherever possible. This is the most cost-effective and simple way to reduce light pollution. Furthermore, it will result in curbing carbon emissions and energy costs while highlighting the beauty of our planet in the dark.
Nowadays, smart lighting controls and solutions are available to eliminate manual turn-on and off problems and help keep light waste and pollution at bay.
2. Utilization of LED Lighting
The second-best point to consider is the integration of LEDs into outdoor and indoor lighting systems. They are known to be the most popular choice among lighting professionals to brighten different spaces sustainably without compromising the visibility aspect.
From spotlights and LED floodlights to recessed and linear lighting solutions, there is a variety of LED luminaires available in the market. Just choose the right product according to the lumens required, design considerations, colour temperature, etc., for optimum performance and limiting light pollution.
3. Downward-facing Lighting Solutions
To prevent excessive light from reflecting in the sky, streetlights and other highway luminaires must be built downward. This will prevent the reflection of light up in the sky and help direct the illumination on the street or roads for better safety and clearer vision. As a result, there will be less pollution and dispersion of light.
4. Effective Lighting Design
Minimizing light pollution does not only involve turning off the lights whenever they are not in use but also includes an effective lighting design. For example, the outdoor street lights installed must be aimed at effectively serving their purpose instead of spreading the light in the sky, so that too much reflection of light can be avoided. The top LED manufacturers keep this in mind and thus look at the distribution of light to minimise it in the upward direction, thereby reducing light pollution.
Minimizing or optimum light usage does not mean you have to live in the dark! The above-mentioned measures are useful tips to be followed for desirable, environment-friendly, and resourceful lighting.
