Recent reports commissioned by the UK
Department of Energy and Osram Sylvania indicate that LED is slowly but surely
becoming the preeminent technology in new lighting
applications. This is great news for the environment, due to the
efficiency of LED lighting, but there are still other factors to consider when
choosing the right outdoor lighting. The brightest light for the fewest watts
might help with the energy bill, but it is not necessarily the best way to help
the planet.
Efficiency is a great selling point
for LEDs in an increasingly environmentally-conscious world. Reducing the
effects of global warming by decreasing damaging emissions from wasteful power
consumption is an important part of conservation efforts. However, many people
do not realize the direct, negative impact that the wrong lighting can have on
their immediate surroundings. In heavily populated areas, bright lighting
contributes to light pollution— that cloying orange haze that obliterates the
night sky. Astronomers, in particular, are pushing to significantly reduce light produced by cities, particularly
those that surround important stargazing facilities.
Light pollution also has a
detrimental effect on local wildlife. In coastal areas, the bright lights of beachfront properties has been directly linked to a reduction in the number of
nesting sea turtles. Not only does the excess illumination discourage pregnant
sea turtles from nesting, but it also lures the hatchlings away from the their
natural nautical habitat. Baby sea turtles hatch at night, and are programmed
to head for the brightest point on the horizon— generally the moon hanging over
the sea. On a dark beach, this is usually a reliable instinct, but glaring
white light from mankind inevitably leads many hatchlings away from the water to certain death.
Further in-land, other nocturnal
species feel the effects of bright lighting. Bats, which are crucial nighttime
pollinators and insect population control experts, are easily disoriented by
bright lights. Light pollution will drive out bat populations, which can topple
entire ecosystems. While many are afraid of them, there are others who
understand the importance of these flying mammals and the services they
provide. In some Florida towns, where the bugs are notoriously numerous, people
build gothic towers to welcome bats back to town.
The good news is there are energy
efficient options for outdoor lighting that will pose no threat to species who
are used to living in the dark. Amber LEDs are a cost effective way to protect
natural habitats. Amber LED emits light at a frequencythat nocturnal animals cannot see. To humans, the emitted light is a
deep orange color which provides plenty of illumination to see by.
Amber LED is not perfect for every
outdoor lighting application—you wouldn’t want to attempt a round of tennis in
a deep orange court. However, for outdoor lighting that is generally used on a
regular basis, there seems to be few reasons not to choose the most energy
efficient, environmentally friendly option.
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