Contemporary society requires outdoor lighting for a variety of needs, including safety and commerce. We advocate that any required outdoor lighting be used wisely.
Here are five basic principles to minimize the harmful effects of light pollution:
- Only be on when needed
- Only light the area that needs it
- Be no brighter than necessary
- Minimize blue light emissions
- Be fully shielded (i.e. pointing downward)
The illustration below provides a visual guide to understand the differences between unacceptable, unshielded light fixtures and those fully shielded fixtures that minimise sky glow, glare and light trespass.
