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On my way into Glasgow the other night I noticed how bright all the lights of the city were from afar and wondered just how much light is being wasted from street lights etc,that could be harnessed, has anyone else thought about this, there is no need for so many street lights when so much is going to waste shining up into the sky. Im now reading more about this, and found some interesting stuff
As well as blighting the view of the night sky, inefficient lighting wastes over £1bn a year in the UK alone, according to the Astronomical Association's Campaign for Dark Skies (CfDS).
It has been blamed for disrupting the migration of birds, the breeding patterns of nocturnal animals and insect populations. Research has also shown it disrupts people's sleep patterns, while one study has suggested a link to breast cancer.
So with increasing calls for artificial light to be used only "when and where it is needed", what are the possible solutions to help ease the problem?
It really depends on your definition of waste. In a big city light = safety. I wouldn't want my wife or children walking down a dimly lit city street at night. Heck, I wouldn't want to do it either. I also live near and work in Detroit, so my view may be tainted a bit.
If rural areas were needlessly lit up I'd agree, but I don't see any alternative to lighting up a big city.
It really depends on your definition of waste. In a big city light = safety. I wouldn't want my wife or children walking down a dimly lit city street at night. Heck, I wouldn't want to do it either. I also live near and work in Detroit, so my view may be tainted a bit.
If rural areas were needlessly lit up I'd agree, but I don't see any alternative to lighting up a big city.
Light can be made so that it is more directed and better serve the specific purpose without needlessly lighting other areas - this also saves energy.
I think it is a very basic belief...archaic...that light is "good" and triumphs over "evil". I'd have to look it up but I believe that more light doesn't always mean less crime, that has been assumed. So anyway, the overriding thought is that more light is obviously better, without examination of the costs. And perhaps in recent times it is a sign of prosperity - you can afford to put on a huge display of light? Starting with the Columbian Exposition, I believe?
Too much light throws off our circadian rhythms, is costly, and is not always effective at what it intends.
Light can be made so that it is more directed and better serve the specific purpose without needlessly lighting other areas - this also saves energy.
I think it is a very basic belief...archaic...that light is "good" and triumphs over "evil". I'd have to look it up but I believe that more light doesn't always mean less crime, that has been assumed. So anyway, the overriding thought is that more light is obviously better, without examination of the costs. And perhaps in recent times it is a sign of prosperity - you can afford to put on a huge display of light? Starting with the Columbian Exposition, I believe?
Too much light throws off our circadian rhythms, is costly, and is not always effective at what it intends.
If there is a better way to light cities that directs more of it where it is needed I am all for it. I stand by my assertion that lighting in a city setting is good for preventing crime. It is much easier to be aware of your surroundings when you can actually see them.
What Im getting at more is the waste of energy from lighting going upwards towards the sky, surely lighting can be diverted only downwards and street lights could be maximized by refelctive hoods saving loads of energy and allowing for less street lights...
If there is a better way to light cities that directs more of it where it is needed I am all for it. I stand by my assertion that lighting in a city setting is good for preventing crime. It is much easier to be aware of your surroundings when you can actually see them.
Of course we need lighting, and Im all for that but its the waste of energy with too many lights on motorways that can be seen from planes, all that energy is shining upwards , Why is this, its not required, then what about the big supermarkets and shops who burn electric lights all day, some never switch off with shops open 24hours, why dont they use more glass roof styles that were used in the old weaving sheds of the past, they had pointed two sided glass roofs to allow in as much natural lighting as possible, now almost every shop is just a headache with piercing strong lighting that is definitely not required, most shops could live with half that lighting . Im all for reflective materials being used , surely that wouldnt be so difficult. Electrical pollution is also affecting our health.
If there is a better way to light cities that directs more of it where it is needed I am all for it. I stand by my assertion that lighting in a city setting is good for preventing crime. It is much easier to be aware of your surroundings when you can actually see them.
People are very peculiar beings.
No lights - they beetch.
Plenty of light - they beetch.
And all it takes is ONE person to start the gobble.
You come here, Scott, and walk/drive on our back roads where there is slim to none lighting. Especially when it's pouring down. It may be an en-lightening experience.
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I'd have to look it up but I believe that more light doesn't always mean less crime, that has been assumed. So anyway, the overriding thought is that more light is obviously better, without examination of the costs. And perhaps in recent times it is a sign of prosperity - you can afford to put on a huge display of light? Starting with the Columbian Exposition, I believe?
