This year’s Earth Day theme is “Invest In Our Planet” and we have some ideas here at beautifulPB on how you can invest in beautifying our community once the sun goes down—update your outdoor lighting!
Light pollution is often overlooked and underrated in its deleterious effects on community beauty and feel. It’s quiet, odorless and its effects are literally unseen. But light pollution has the potential to affect the beauty of our community for miles when too-bright lights are casted in the wrong area or position. However, lighting can also beautify and enhance our peaceful bay and ocean nights under the stars if it’s done correctly.
Lighting shapes the feel of a community at night. Is it warm and intimate, or harsh and industrial? Many claim they need blinding lights for security reasons, but is that the kind of community we want to live in? Is that the community you are projecting?
So what can you do to ensure your security as well as keep our community beautiful?
1. Familiarize yourself with the Kelvin color scale. Warmer lights in the 2000-3000k are pleasant and inviting, while the higher Kelvin ranges are cold and harsh.
2. Angle lights downward to avoid spillage. Light covers and shields can be used to limit the angle a light illuminates. Bulbs should always be covered by a filter that defuses the light, increasing the useful illumination and reducing glare. Naked bulbs create harsh, uninviting lighting.
3. For security, motion sensitive lights and cameras are a much better option than always-in public blights. They are a great deterrence without degrading the beauty of your neighborhood. Just be sure the motion triggers when someone is approaching, and not on every bypasser.
The PB community is a beautiful place and the bay boardwalk is particularly treasured yet blotted with light pollution. Let’s make sure we are creating an inviting and welcoming space by using appropriate lighting. Make changes to your lighting and talk to your neighbors about light pollution today. Let’s all enjoy a few more stars this year.
