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Each of Us Can Reduce Light Pollution
Dear Editor:
The Milky Way used to shine so brightly it cast a shadow over earth. It still does, but we can't see it. Excessive earthly light - light pollution - makes the Milky Way almost impossible to see tonight or any other in the Hudson Valley.
The causes of light pollution are simple: unshielded outdoor lights that shine brighter than necessary and are positioned to point upwards or outwards rather than down. Think about your own outdoor lights. Are the bulbs shielded? How powerful are they? Do they point downwards or out at an angle? There are a number of steps each of us can take to reduce light pollution at our own homes and businesses. Some are free, others will save money. All will make more stars visible after dark.
Shielding naked bulbs. Simple, easy to attach light shields. Affix to bare floodlight bulbs and will do more than anything else to reduce glare and sky-glow. They also improve safety: glare produces dangerous shadows, interferes with night vision and reduces visibility. They might produce a "thank you" from your neighbors as well.
The Hudson Highlands Land Trust has a supply of free outdoor light shields available to interested residents as a part of their Light Pollution Reduction Campaign. Stop by the office at 1180 Route 9D in Garrison to pick up a pair.
HHLT is also offering a free informational brochure on combating light pollution and a "Dark Sky" Fixture Resource Guide. Use shielded light fixtures. Many manufacturers now make attractive fixtures designed expressly to reduce light spillage. They come in a variety of styles and are available through local electrical contractors, electrical supply companies or retailers. A selection can be seen at www.darksky.org. Point outdoor lights at the ground. Direct the light where you need it and away from where it produces unnecessary glare and sky-glow.
Use bulbs with appropriate wattage. A fixture eight feet off the ground needs only a 45 watt bulb; ten feet, 65 watts; 12 feet, 90 watts. Compact fluorescent bulbs use 1/4 the electricity of a comparable incandescent bulb. Replacing two 100-watt incandescent bulbs with shielded compact fluorescents, even if used dusk to dawn, will save almost $100 a year. Use motion sensors. Inexpensive, easy-to-install sensors turn on outside lights when people are around and turn off when they're not needed. They reduce light pollution and save you money too.
For more information, call the Land Trust at 424-3358.
MJ Martin
Garrison
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