Light Pollution

[John R]

But what really gets me is when places like the county extension office have six high watt sucking flood lights on the front of their building, not counting the incandescents that they are already using. And these are the people that are going around pushing energy efficiency, alternative fuels, and such. They make CFL flood lights now. Just think of the dollars that could be saved. The parking lof of the fairgrounds is another one. Government should be setting the example in the world today. Not telling us how to live while they go and do whatever they want.

Agreed. There is a lot of extra, unnecessary light floating around out there. Although there need to be a minimum amount of lumens to meet safety and navigation standards, government could set the example by using energy efficient lighting and have specific lights powered on to get the job done.

http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/12/29/new-york-city-to-install-led-streetlamps/

 

[scooterbug44]

The amount of light we need and the amount of light we use are two very different things.

Hopefully with the upcoming tight budgets, necessity will rule the day!

 

[AustinPowers!]

True, true, true. I certainly agree with you, IW, but you are preachin' to a deaf choir or at best, one which will never listen to rational debate.

What about not listening to rational debates?

 

[DuneLaker]

Turn Out the Lights!! Sea Turtles attract guests $$$

Check out this weeks DeFuniak Springs Herald/Beach Breeze (Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 Page 1-C) to see Dotty Nist's article "Sea turtles attract hotel/resort guests" that details how having turtle friendly policies and lighting is good business. This refutes often repeated mantra by those against protective turtle lighting saying it would hurt business. Someone that knows how to post might want to include article here.

 

[30A Skunkape]

Yet another good idea on how to market Walton County's beaches, a stargazing enclave. Unobstructed views of the Milky Way, which can't be appreciated by 2/3 of Americans because night lighting blots it out!

"We're certainly not living in the dark," said Lorna Inch, a real estate agent. "We've got a beautiful sky that we all enjoy many nights of the year. There's a lot of natural light from the stars," plus those dimmed residential lights.

New Zealand town is in the dark — and proud of it - Yahoo! News