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 New products can reduce light pollution More and more communities across the United States are passing laws aimed at reducing light pollution. Excess light shining into the eyes of pedestrians and drivers can reduce visibility and night vision. Unshielded floodlights used for parking lots and street lamps can also cause other economic, health and social problems. Spillage wastes 30 percent of the light from an outdoor fixture, costing Americans more than $1 billion a year. The average single-family home uses 40 percent more lighting than 35 years ago. The dark of night is supposed to give the body a chance to repair and restore itself. However, because of light pollution, researchers say many people’s body clocks are disturbed, contributing to confusion, grogginess and depression. “Except for the last 150 years, most humans have been in the dark at night,” Missoula, Mont., light pollution reduction proponent Phyllis Burreson-Bookbinder explained. “Your campfire goes out, and you sleep under the stars.” Shopping malls and other businesses are being built closer to residential areas, bringing with them uncontrolled commercial lighting. The Glendale, Calif., neighborhood services department averages between five and 12 light-related complaints per year, according to the Los Angeles Daily News, and other communities report similar numbers. As a result, concerns about light pollution are increasingly voiced by community leaders as a reason to deny certain zoning permits. Now there’s a solution that reduces light pollution in any outdoor lighting application. INVUE Lighting Systems from Cooper Lighting is a complete architectural product line designed for commercial outdoor lighting uses. The entire INVUE product line offers dark sky-friendly solutions. Now businesses such as super store retailers have a way to reduce light pollution and address community concerns without compromising safety and style. The idea also has received support from the International Dark Sky Association, a nonprofit, education and research organization dedicated to preserving the nighttime environment. To learn more, visit www.invuelighting.com. The North American Precis Syndicate Inc. contributed to this article. |
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