The Dark is Good for You AND the Lake!
While the most obvious reason to consider turning out the lights is to allow your cottage neighbours to enjoy the most natural environment possible, there are other reasons to consider shutting off the lights at night! Most cottagers have spent an evening lying under the stars and catching a glimpse of the Milky Way.
On a clear night, when you look South, back towards Gatineau and Ottawa, you can see the encroaching light pollution from the city… nearly 60 Km away! There are little steps we can all take to reduce our own little unnecessary bits of light and make it better for everyone!
There are risks to wildlife including migratory birds, nocturnal animals, and our lake’s ecosystem. Light pollution along the waterfront can increase the production of algae by preventing phytoplankton from migrating to the surface at night to feed on algae.
Here are some great tips from the International Dark-Sky Association and other sources to help reduce light pollution which consists of GLARE, SKY GLOW, light trespass (light falling where it is not intended) and CLUTTER (excessive groupings of lights):
- Use fully shielded lights – shielded lamps that point downward
- Reduce wattage so lights are no brighter than necessary –try dimmer switches
- Minimize blue (or cool) light emission; try high pressure sodium lamps or warm light
- Only light the area that needs it – a directional reading lamp instead of the large overhead lamp for instance
- Dine alfresco with large hurricane candles instead of the porch light (be fire safe)
- Close the curtains or blinds at night – the darker they are the better
- Have flashlights by your bed instead of night lights
- Turn off all lighting including solar lamps when you’re not at the cottage
- When shopping for lights, search for ‘dark sky’ options
Where can you get dark-sky friendly lighting? http://darksky.org/fsa/fsa-products/ and http://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Ceiling-Fans-Outdoor-Lighting/Dark-Sky/N-5yc1vZc7qvZ1z0u5mk
Want to learn more?
http://cottagelife.com/environment/3-key-ways-that-light-pollution-negatively-impacts-nature
Embrace the dark, and let the moon and stars enlighten you!