Light Pollution
Light pollution is not just an issue for stargazers. It adversely affects local communities, disturbs plants, insects and other animals, wastes money and fails to deliver the promise of the right light in the right place.
A closer look at the diagram to the right illustrates the problem. The task light is the light that is needed. All the other light is a waste.
You might not know this – The UK wastes £100m a year on electricity to power lights that do not deliver the right light to the right places.
According to a 2008 study: 72% of people who are affected by light pollution don’t do anything about it. Only 28% make any form of complaint.
But it doesn’t have to be that way, the tide is slowly turning in favour of darker skies.
If you feel you have a light pollution problem or are suffering from lighting nuisance then here are a few steps you can take:
You can approach the “polluter” directly, personally and politely to explain the nature of the problem and ask them to fix it. Fixing it may include switching off, pointing downwards or away, fitting a shield, reducing power etc.
You may decide a more formal approach is needed by emailing or writing to them. This approach is often the best when dealing with local businesses. Again, be polite and be persuasive, but also be firm.
Here’s how:
- A script for starting a light pollution discussion
- Lee Cooper’s experience – FAS Newsletter Dec 2024 report: pages 8 and 9
Here’s a list of useful online resources on light pollution:
- Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (2005) – Clause 102 Lighting nuisance.
- DEFRA – getting it right leaflet.
- The Institution of Lighting Professionals (guidelines on obtrusive light).
- Research by the Royal Commission (HMSO report)
Other resources:
- The Campaign to Protect Rural England Dark Skies initiative
- East Riding of Yorkshire – Live Labs 2 (efficient highway-lighting)
- The International Dark Sky Association
- “Dark skies matter“.
BBC News reports: (Thanks to Nottingham AS)