Just Say No to Light Pollution

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and not been able to see the stars? Yep, that's some serious light pollution.

Too much or unwanted light shining into interior rooms or light that creates a glare bright enough to temporarily blind people is also considered light pollution.

Here are some solutions to combat the problem:

Point Your Lights Right

Be careful where or how you point your lights. After you install them, adjust how they are aimed at night to avoid problems.

Try to direct as much light as possible down towards the ground. Some outdoor lighting comes with reflectors and shielding to make sure that light only goes where you want it to go.

Dark Sky lighting fixtures were designed specifically to prevent light pollution. Many municipalities and Home Owners Associations (HOAs) are now requiring Dark Sky lighting to combat the problem.

A simple way to reduce light pollution originating from inside is to close your curtains at night – easy, right?

1. Vanira Place Outdoor Post Light

2. Sage Ridge Dark Sky Outdoor Hanging Light

3. Hinkley Luna Dark Sky Titanium Outdoor Wall Light

4. Kichler Energy Star Outdoor Wall Sconce

5. Hubbardton Forge Airis Mesh Outdoor Wall Light

6. Ripley Collection Dark Sky Outdoor Pendant Light

Keep Your Wattage Down

High wattage bulbs create harsh light and don’t improve aesthetics or safety - low wattage bulbs provide plenty of illumination and safety concerns are met with well-aimed lighting.

Believe it or not, you can actually see more in soft lighting than you can in spotlights because you can see beyond the point of illumination. Also, your eyes will take less time to adjust at night with lights that have lower wattage bulbs.

Pay attention to fixtures’ wattage recommendations so you don’t end up contributing to a light pollution situation. Dark Sky lighting uses lower wattage bulbs and the light is directed only where it is needed.

Use Light Efficiently and Effectively

Motion sensors, timers, and dimmers (both indoor and outdoor) are great for controlling your outdoor lighting. I firmly believe that you can never have too many dimmers! This actually is one of the easiest and most effective ways to combat light pollution.