Light pollution — the excessive or misdirected use of artificial outdoor light — disrupts natural cycles for humans, wildlife, and plants, while also wasting energy and obscuring the night sky. By making small changes like using timers, choosing warm-coloured lights, and directing beams downward, we can reduce our environmental impact and help restore the stars above.

What is light pollution?

Have you ever thought of light as a form of pollution? Surprisingly, it is! Light pollution, defined as “excessive, misdirected, or obtrusive artificial outdoor light” (Brisbane Astronomical Society), is a rapidly growing global issue.

The impact of light pollution

Natural light cycles are essential for all living things, influencing sleep patterns, reproduction, and overall well-being. However, excessive artificial light, particularly blue wave light, disrupts these cycles for humans, wildlife, and plants.

For example, lorikeets typically roost at night, but exposure to artificial light increases their visibility to predators and forces them to stay alert, leading to heightened stress and disrupted breeding patterns. Nocturnal animals like possums, flying foxes, and owls rely on darkness for critical activities such as breeding and foraging. Migrating birds can also become disoriented due to artificial night lighting.

Beyond its effects on wildlife, excessive outdoor lighting wastes electricity, increases energy costs, and contributes to fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions. It also diminishes our ability to see the stars in the night sky, impacting astronomy and cultural appreciation of the cosmos.

How can you reduce light pollution?

The good news is that everyone can take simple steps to help reduce light pollution, lower energy bills, and improve the well-being of both humans and wildlife. Here’s how:

• Use timers or switch off lights – Ensure outdoor lights are only on when needed.
• Install hooded or covered lights – Focus light on necessary areas and prevent unnecessary spread.
• Point lights downward – Minimize upward and sideways light spill to reduce glare.
• Opt for warm-coloured lights – Choose lights with minimal blue light to reduce biological disruption.
• Adjust brightness – Use only the required level of brightness, considering existing ambient light.

Real world solutions

Some environmental centres, such as the Mon Repos Turtle Centre, have successfully implemented low lighting solutions with an amber colour spectrum. This approach protects turtle breeding and hatching patterns without disturbing their natural behaviour. Similarly, Apex Park in Byron Bay has adopted similar lighting strategies to minimize environmental impact.

Additionally, when using torches at night, avoid shining bright white lights directly into animals’ eyes, as this can cause temporary or permanent vision damage. Instead, use a red or amber-coloured torch for night spotting.

Learn more

If you’re interested in exploring the impact of light pollution further, check out these resources:

• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Information on light pollution’s impact on mammals.
• Australian Dark Sky Alliance – Covers effects on the environment, human health, safety, and energy consumption, plus a global map of Dark Sky places.
• Brisbane Astronomical Society – Insights on light pollution and astronomy.
• National Light Pollution Guidelines for Wildlife – Government guidelines to protect wildlife from excessive artificial light.

By making small, thoughtful changes in outdoor lighting, we can help protect wildlife, reduce energy consumption, and restore the natural beauty of our night skies.