How to Reduce Light Pollution From Your Outdoor Lighting

You love the way your house and yard look when they’re all lit up. Warm, cozy, and inviting are words that come to mind when you unwind and relax on your back deck in the evening. However, scientists have expressed growing concern about outdoor lighting’s environmental impact and light pollution. Is there a middle ground between outdoor lightscaping and being eco-friendly? Yes, there is, and it’s easier than you think.

What is Light Pollution?

When we think of pollution, we think about the water quality of our streams and lakes, pesticides contaminating our soil, or litter and debris along our roadways and sidewalks. Many of us remember Woodsy Owl’s admonishment, “Give a hoot, don’t pollute”.

We often overlook the environmental issue of light pollution, which is artificial light that brightens the night sky. It disrupts the natural patterns of wildlife, especially nocturnal animals. Artificial outdoor lights impact mating, migration, hunting, and eating. Endangered sea turtles on Galveston’s beaches rely on natural light to find their way into the gulf after hatching. However, the bright lights along the coast can lead them astray.

Light pollution also impacts our health. It throws off our circadian rhythms, which can result in sleep disorders, stress, and obesity.

Types

There are several types of light pollution, including the following:

Light trespass: Unwanted artificial light that enters another person’s property, disrupting their sleep and intruding on their privacy.

Glare: Everyone is familiar with the excessive brightness that comes from unshielded streetlights or car headlights, which can cause visual discomfort.

Skyglow: You can tell when you are approaching a highly populated area by the brightened night sky caused by streetlights, businesses, and billboards.

Clutter: An excessive grouping of lights, especially in urban areas, that can cause confusion and accidents.

We All Play a Part in Reducing Light Pollution

Light pollution may seem like a corporate or big city problem. In truth, everyone can help preserve the natural light from the night sky. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

Position your lights away from your neighbors’ properties
Choose warm LED lights that emit less blue light
Use motion sensors and timers to ensure your lights are only on when needed

What About Uplighting?

We love the ambiance that uplighting creates. It adds depth and dimension and highlights the architectural details of your home. True uplighting does contribute to light pollution, but that doesn’t mean you have to give it up completely.

Install cutoff fixtures to prevent light spillage. You can still illuminate specific features without affecting the night sky or light trespass. Another option is to use a targeted spotlight instead of the broad glow of uplighting.

Houston Lightscapes Can Help Reduce Light Pollution

There’s no need to turn off all your outdoor lights. Start by making small changes. If you’re unsure how to begin reducing light pollution in your backyard, contact Houston Lightscapes.

Our family-owned business has a professional outdoor lighting design team that has over 30 years of experience working with homeowners throughout the greater Houston area. We will discuss the various options for enhancing your property with exterior illumination while also reducing your carbon footprint.