The electric lightbulb is one of the greatest human inventions. It can be a beautiful thing that guides us home when the sun goes down, keeps us safe, and makes our homes cozy and bright. However, too much of a good thing is known as light pollution. It is the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light. Recent scientific discoveries about the health effects of artificial light have convinced the American Medical Association (AMA) to support efforts to control light pollution. Studies also show that light pollution is impacting animal behaviors, such as migration patterns, wake-sleep cycles, and habitat formation. Migratory birds that are guided by moonlight may get confused and lose their way. Large numbers of insects, a primary food source for birds and other animals, are drawn to artificial lights and are killed on contact with light sources. Finally, it is affecting our personal ability to observe stars and other celestial objects. Being mindful of the effects of light pollution is important, saves energy, and is easy to do.
Lighting in Verandah
There is a global movement to reduce light pollution, and everyone can help. Outdoor lighting in Verandah comes primarily in two forms. The first is wall and overhead fixtures that illuminate entrances to our homes, walkways, lanais, and garage doors. The second is accent lights that highlight beautiful vegetation and architectural details outside our homes.
Our Design Review Guidelines require exterior lighting to be directed toward the house and be of low wattage (limited to 2,000 lumens) to minimize glare sources to neighbors. Lighting fixtures are to be dark colored so as to be less obtrusive. Low voltage (12 volts) lighting is preferable. Landscape lighting should be concealed where possible by ground recessing or placing in landscape beds. (Please review the Verandah Design Guidelines (pages 52 & 53). Read more on landscape lighting.)
We can all take small steps to save energy, be mindful of our neighbors, and reduce light pollution.
SIDEBAR
Smart lighting: helpful hints
• Use outdoor lighting only when and where it is needed. Use timers, dimmers, and motion sensors. Turn off exterior fixtures before you go to bed.
• Check the bulbs in your outdoor light fixtures. Use warm colored LEDs and compact fluorescents with proper wattages.
• Be sure outdoor lights are properly shielded to minimize glare, reduce light trespass to your neighbors, and direct light down instead of up into the sky.
• Close window blinds, shades, and curtains at night to keep light inside your home.
• Ensure accent lighting is properly positioned and not sending wasted electricity up into the sky.
• Use high-efficiency light sources that save energy.
