Already nine American states have adopted legislation designed to limit light pollution. Some regional authorities in Europe have passed similar laws. And the Czech Republic has enacted legislation to tackle light pollution.
Energy conservation, improved traffic safety through glare reduction and a real desire for a better view of the night sky are among the rationales for enacting such measures.
Canada cuts back on light pollution
And changes are happening right here at home. Since 1994, as a result of Bolton's work, Richmond Hill has had a light pollution control bylaw. It inspired a similar bylaw in Markham, Ont.
"It has made a huge difference," says Bolton. "Sky brightness was increasing at a rate of 30 per cent a year. Now it's at less than 10 per cent a year."
Calgary, too, is doing its bit to reduce the light it throws into the sky. It has embarked on an ambitious program of retrofitting more than 40,000 wasteful, residential streetlights with fully shielded, low-glare fixtures that direct their light downward onto the street where it is needed.
These more efficient lower-wattage lamps will save taxpayers $2 million in electricity costs a year; they will also make the streets safer for both drivers and pedestrians.
And Toronto recently became the first city in the world to approve a migratory bird protection policy. As part of this move, the city, along with 15 partners including FLAP, downtown landlords and Toronto Hydro Corporation, have announced their Lights Out Toronto! initiative in an effort to get the message out to the public that light pollution is an issue that concerns us all and one that everyone can do something about.
So while turning off the lights at night is sure to be good for the birds, it is also something that just might bring you and your family health benefits and return dollars to your pockets. Who can argue with that?
Page 5 of 5 - What is light pollution? Learn about artificial light and its effects on page 1.
