Light Pollution Editorial

I have submitted this editorial to several local papers, it has been published several times.

Have you ever wondered why there seems to be fewer stars in the night sky? Do your neighbors flood lights shine into your house ? Are you having trouble driving after dark? And maybe you aren't getting a good night's sleep.
 These issues and more can all be improved by proper outdoor  lighting. Not familiar with the term 'Light Pollution'? It is time to learn.
 The adverse effects from improper outdoor lighting need to be recognized and addressed to insure our quality of life.The uncontrolled growth in Central Florida will continue to increase these problems if we don't make changes now .Proper outdoor lighting is readily available and exclusively in use in communities all over America. Those communities are now experiencing the many benefits of this change.
 Back when energy was cheap, many towns thought more was better. They  allowed the local power companies to install flood/street lights on existing power poles along major roadways and business districts. No consideration was taken as to what they were illuminating, or the dangerous glare these caused to drivers. These older fixtures not only spread light where it isn't needed, they also waste energy. We are all paying for that energy waste via taxes or homeowners dues. Newer fixtures are available in lower wattages that put the light where it needs to be, saving energy and reducing the dangerous glare and the unattractive skyglow seen over many small Central Florida communities.
     You may even have one of those old lights in your own yard, supplied and maintained by your power company. And that light my very well be trespassing into your neighbors windows or onto roadways, blinding innocent drivers. even your decorative outdoor home lighting can be changed to avoid these problems. You can contact your power company and request that the older fixtures be replaced or retrofitted to save energy and control direction . Many power companies across the country are actively involved in the lighting issue and making these changes.
   There are also governments and communities passing legislation to control bad lighting. Everyone can participate in change. Tonight when you are outside after dark, inspect your environment for poor lighting. A general rule is that if you can see the light source, it needs to be fixed. Maybe as you are driving around you will notice glare from commercial lighting, or wonder what the street lights are lighting. And when you look up, remember, there are many stars hidden behind that glow, and one day they can again be visible, shining and sparkling in all the glory of our amazing universe.
   For more information visit www.britelitesout.com