3 tips for reducing light pollution

Light pollution has negative impacts on wildlife, plant life and human health in general, apart from upsetting amateur and professional astronomers in their skywatching.

A large number of urban dwellers have forgotten the sense of wonder inspired by the sight of a starry sky; it’s a form of direct contact with the beauty of nature that we’ve lost and that we could regain with very little sacrifice.

In 2018, Ville de Montréal’s urban planning and mobility department began to replace its old high-pressure sodium bulbs with LED lights. In summer 2020, the team from the Planétarium analyzed the impact that the change had on light pollution in Montréal. This study made it possible to identify three recommendations to follow for limiting light pollution. You can let yourself be inspired by it in choosing the lighting for your own home.

1	•	Color Blue-colored LEDs of over 4000 K must be avoided at all costs. The use of lighting fixtures that emit amber light (therefore warmer, though not reddish) is recommended. LEDs that are 1800 K and under are particularly beneficial for reducing light pollution. Amber LEDs, often wrongly perceived as being too red, are similar in hue to old street lamps; they offer better color perception, and control that makes it possible to efficiently light the roadway while minimizing light pollution.
2	•	Orientation Choose a lighting fixture that directs no light above the horizon by opting for directional lighting (“full-cutoff” type). In selecting a fixture that diffuses light only towards the ground, you’re lighting the place that you want without causing any glare.
3	•	Duration Use a timer to automatically turn off lights during the night, or installing a motion detector, can reduce lighting time.

All these strategies will help get us another look at a fabulously beautiful starry sky, without sacrificing our safety. If we make the effort to illuminate strategically, there’s nothing but advantages!

You can learn more by reading our blog on the impact of LED technology on light pollution in Montréal.