Lights Out

In 1994, the Northridge earthquake knocked out power across Los Angeles. Soon after, numerous emergency centers and observatories in the area received calls from concerned locals reporting a “giant, silvery cloud” in the sky. And the identity of this mysterious cloud? LA’s night sky, long obscured by skyglow, was finally visible – many citizens were seeing the Milky Way for the first time.

Unfortunately, light pollution doesn’t only block out the stars; it’s also responsible for between 100 million and 1 billion bird deaths each year in the United States. As migrating birds navigate with the use of the moon and stars, light pollution can cause them to become disoriented, increasing their risk of dying from exhaustion, or flying into windows or other reflective surfaces.

Furthermore, human health may be negatively impacted by light pollution. In addition to obscuring the night sky and causing bird strikes, studies have demonstrated that light pollution also creates significant health problems in humans. A 2020 Harvard study looking at the effects of blue light exposure at night found that it can significantly disrupt our circadian rhythms. This effect leads to a substantial loss of sleep which further leads to a rise in related health risks such as depression, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. And despite concerns that darkening an area would lead to an increase in crime, a study in England found little connection between crime and lighting and another study in Chicago actually found an increase in crime after increasing lighting.

TAKE ACTION

Dimming the lights at night saves birds, saves money, and saves energy while also improving human health and allowing the enjoyment of seeing the night sky.  Here are some simple actions that can be taken by homeowners and business managers to help create a safer environment for both humans and wildlife.

 

Turn off lights between 11pm and daybreak during bird migration seasons.

   Fall: August 15 to October 31

Spring: March 15 to May 31

Actions for Everyone

●       Turn off or dim exterior lighting

●       Ensure outdoor lights are aimed down and are well-shielded

●       Install motion sensors to minimize unnecessary lights

●       Use task lighting at night rather than overhead lighting

●       Draw blinds or close curtains at night

●       Turn off interior light before leaving home or office

●       Chose bulbs in the warmer, yellow spectrum rather than cooler, blue bulbs

●       Share this article with others! More awareness often creates more action

Additional Actions for Businesses

●       Turn off lights at night on unoccupied floors and in unused spaces

●       Turn off or dim rooftop lighting and exterior architectural lighting

●       Schedule maintenance during daylight hours when possible

●       Ask custodial staff to turn off lights when they are finished with their work

Let’s turn out our lights and give the birds that migrate through Puget Sound the dark skies they need to make it on their way safely. And, we'll all see more stars!

Want to learn more about what you can do? Check out Audubon’s official Lights Out Program page as well as their flyer on bird-friendly buildings. The International Dark-sky Association has a wide range of information including specific recommendations on lighting fixtures.