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Access to electrical sources, especially light, is a privilege many people take for granted. Whether forgetting to turn the light or television off or using the lamp on a bright afternoon, millions of Americans squander the grifts of light and electricity which is not only detrimental to the environment but our electrical bills as well. If too much power and light is consumed, it can cause damage to the power grid and other electrical circuits throughout the area until the system cannot provide sufficient power causing a permanent blackout. While there are obvious methods to preserving light such as turning off the light and going outdoors more frequently, let us analyze these methods through the specific properties of light conservation: Useful, Targeted, Controlled, and Color
Useful: According to an article in Dark Sky Magazine, “All light should have a clear purpose and should not be squandered”. This principle applies not only to people but animal habitats as well. After all, many animals are nocturnal and behave differently without light. Ways to be useful with light is to, as stated previously, turning off the light when leaving a room and keeping it off during the daylight hours. It is also important to be self-conscious regarding how light affects wildlife and apply light sparingly.
Targeted: Even in circumstances where light is necessary, it is still crucial to consolidate it’s usage. Dark Sky Magazine notes that the best method of doing so is by “directing light only where it is needed”. Also called Targeted Light, directing light to a specific direction can be performed using a flashlight or desk lamp rather than an entire light switch. Shielding and aiming techniques can also be used to ensure light does not spill beyond the minimum.
Controlled: Controlled light is similar to useful light, except it makes us more aware of how much light we’re using. “Using controls such as timers and motion detectors ensures light is available only when it is needed”, says Dark Sky Magazine. Furthermore, new technology is being created to dim the lights automatically when the brightness becomes too heavy and vice versa. However, as humans, it is important to be reminded how much power we’re consuming and to turn the sources off when not in use.
Color: The “Color” property discusses light through a more scientific perspective. “Light comes in various wavelengths ranging from Indigo and violent (short wavelengths) to orange and red (long wavelengths)”, says Dark Sky Magazine. Typically shorter wavelengths produce more heat and, as such, use the most light so it is best to prioritize limiting our exposure to these sources to the lowest amount necessary. Dark Sky Magazine notes one exception: Sunlight is a natural renewable source.
Often enough, light is left on when not necessary or overlit in general causing environmental problems such as outages and light pollution. By applying these principles, however, humans can create and minimize their carbon footprint in the field of light and electricity and applying these principles will prove beneficial to humans and wildlife alike.
