Preserve Our Starry Starry Nights

Summary: Turn Off Light Pollution

Description

Light pollution is one of the fastest-growing—yet easiest to solve - environmental problems we face in Pepperell. Excess lighting in our community wastes energy (thereby contributing to greenhouse gas emissions), and it harms countless plants, wildlife, and humans.

Deep Dive

What Are the Problems of Poorly Designed Lighting?

• In Massachusetts, light pollution equates to 1½ billion kilowatt-hours and $180,000,000 in wasted electricity each year
• Causes harsh glare that blinds and distracts pedestrians and motorists
• Interferes with human melatonin production, impacting moods and quality of sleep
• Disrupts wildlife mating, eating, and sleep cycles
• Disorients many birds species during seasonal migrations, causing preventable deaths
• Reduces nocturnal plant pollination [need photo]
• Reduces our enjoyment of the night sky! [need photo of dark sky enjoyment]

Steps to Take

Tips for Earth-Friendly, Effective, and Efficient Outdoor Lighting

• Choose fully-shielded outdoor lights when buying new light fixtures
• Direct light only where it is needed, NOT up into the sky
• Position spot/floodlights so they point below the horizon 
• Install efficient lighting. Not all LEDs are the same; some waste more than 50% of their energy
• Do not over-light an area
• Install timers, dimmers, or motion sensors that turn on outdoor lights only when they are needed

Did you know? Pepperell's Lawrence Library has two telescopes, all you need is a your library card to borrow one!