The Durham Region Astronomical Association: LPAC

Light Pollution: how can you do your part to “green up” the night sky.

#1. Learn about sensible lighting and live it yourself.
The best start is to start with you. The DRAA web page and light pollution pamphlet Your Guide to Responsible Outdoor Lighting will help you learn why light pollution is something to minimize. And this is probably the best start of all - minimize. Start by reviewing what your light pollution footprint looks like from the indoor and outdoor lights at your home, and think about how you can reduce the lighting while maintaining sufficient light for safety. Any light for no reason is always a waste, so include motion sensitive and timer activated lights that turn on only when needed. The pamphlet gives many other ideas, as does the DRAA web site and the links provided below.

The DRAA is always willing to come to your group and talk about light pollution awareness. We are fully supportive of necessary lighting, and would be happy to make a presentation that will help you to make choices to protect our night time environment, eliminate unnecessary lighting, install correct lighting for safety, and reduce your costs. Contact us.

Another source of information is the local library. We suggest reading the book There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars, by Bob Crelin. Mr. Crelin's words gently educate the reader about the loss of the night sky due to light pollution. It is a positive message. The illustrations are a visual delight for children or adults.

Check out the Links page for information and resources for everyone from children to planning officials, amateur and professional astronomers alike, and anyone with an interest in preserving our environment.

#2 Install light pollution reducing fixtures and bulbs in your home or business.
Select the correct type of lamps/lights/bulbs for your home or business.

For the home and business, use either low wattage LED or compact fluorescent bulbs, contained within a fixture that ensures light only shines on the ground. Preferred fixtures completely hide the bulb from view unless you are right under the lamp. While lower wattages of these bulbs can produce the same light as higher wattage incandescent bulbs, consider further lowering the wattage, and hence light output, to realize more savings and less unnecessary light. Less light is often safer than more light.

When selecting a bulb and fixture, consider:
• Only use the amount of light needed for safety, not overkill.
• Shield the light so that is goes down on the ground. Lights should not point up or sideways. Glare in your eyes will reduce your ability to see even with a great deal of light.
• Use light timer controls whenever possible. Dusk to Dawn is not needed, so think about when you want lights on and set timers accordingly.
• Use motion detectors to turn lights on only when needed.
• For business use in large areas that need a mandated minimum light level, use only Low Pressure Sodium fixtures whenever possible. These bulbs emit a monochrome light that has less impact on the environment, and at the same time LPS fixtures are some of the most energy efficient.
• Avoid using round globe lights unless they are properly shielded.
• Remember to use enough lighting for safe passage, but consider that a thief needs light to do his or her business. Most crime is committed in daylight or well lit areas at night.
• Be aware of quality lighting. Let people know when you see some good and attractive lighting arrangements that conserve the environment.
• Educate other people about the adverse effects of inappropriate lighting.

#3. Pass on the Message
You can help by passing on the message about light pollution. Help others get informed about the role that light pollution has within the green energy-conscious movement. Talk to your neighbours and show them how you have lit your home or business in an environmentally conscious, safe and efficient manner. Show them how you can actually see more at night with less light.

#4. Send a Message to Your Town or City
Send the message to municipal governments that outdoor lighting practices have consequences on our environment, both directly, and indirectly. Contact your local politicians, and let them know that you want something done about light pollution. Visit www.durhamregion.com. Under Municipal Governments select your city or town, then the link for your council. You will find addresses and email links. Send a letter or email to your town's clerk and your councillor explaining how poor street lights and excessive lighting cause light & air pollution, unsafe glare, consumes considerable energy and wastes money that could be put to better use. Ask for a policy that requires FCO street lights like Calgary did. And ask for by-laws that prohibit excessive lighting and light trespass.