Have you heard? The City of Brisbane passed a “Dark Sky Ordinance” that regulates outdoor lighting.
You may not be aware of this, but your lights are:
too bright
shining in our window
interfering with our sleep
________________
________________
Please consider:
directing your lights downward
shielding the lamp
using a lower wattage bulb
using a “warmer” color temperature
using motion sensor and/or timer
________________
I would be willing to help with the cost and/or implementation of changes.
In addition to helping us out, these actions can help bring you into compliance with the City’s ordinance, reduce light pollution, and improve the environment.
Thanks so much for your time and understanding!
- your concerned neighbor
Learn more at brisbaneca.org/darksky
Adapted by OSEC from darksky.org/resources/what-is-light-pollution/light-pollution-solutions/lighting/my-neighbors-lighting/ Dear Neighbor...
Shielding reduces glare that can be dangerous and
unsafe. Glare can be blinding and create harsh
shadows where “bad guys” can hide. Shielded lighting
provides real security, not just the illusion of security, which I think we both want for our families and friends.
There are several other ways to improve lighting, save
money, and still be safe. One is using motion sensors,
which alert you if someone is in your yard after dark
and have the added benefit of reducing your electric
bills by keeping the lights off when they’re not needed.
Timers are another way to save money because these
devices turn off your lights when they’re not needed,
for example, when you retire for the night.
[Date]
Dear [insert neighbor’s name],
I’m your neighbor [insert your name] at [address], and I would love to talk with you about good outdoor lighting. I notice that you have installed outdoor lights on your property, and I applaud your desire to help improve our neighborhood.
You may not have realized that some of your lights are a bit too bright and shine in [pick areas as they apply: our bedroom window, the backyard, into our house etc.] and interfere with our [sleep, hobbies, view of the sky, etc.]. I don’t wish to tell you what to do with your home, but I’m hoping we can openly discuss this and come to a compromise that fulfills and respects everyone’s needs.
Please understand I’m not asking you to remove the lights, but perhaps make subtle changes that will work for everyone.
One idea would be redirecting the light by shielding the fixtures so that they are even more effective. Unshielded lamps create dangerous glare — this glare causes harsh shadows which can blind you to real, hidden hazards such as unwanted visitors (see pictures below). On the other hand, shielded lighting provides real security (not just the illusion of security) which I think we both want for our homes. As an extra benefit, shielding a lamp usually involves a lower wattage bulb, which would be a money-saver on your electric bill.
There are several other ways to improve lighting, save money, and still be safe. One is using motion sensors, which alert you if someone is in your yard after dark, and also reduce your electric bills by keeping the lights off when not needed. Timers are another way to save money, since they can automatically turn off your outdoor lights when you go to bed.
Thank you so much for your time and understanding! I would love to talk with you about how I can help, and how lighting changes can benefit your safety, budget, and the night sky.
Sincerely,
[your name]
[contact info]
Shielded lights protect the night.
Protect
the night
Preserving and restoring the
natural nighttime environment is
more urgent than ever.
Light pollution continues to grow at an alarming
rate, harming our health, damaging the
environment, and diminishing our view of the stars.
DarkSky International has a plan to save the night,
but we need your help.
The stars are disappearing
Join the movement and help
save the night
DarkSky is a global community
working together to save the night.
Sign-up today for DarkSky e-news
updates to learn more.
DarkSky International is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports a global community and movement
dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural
nighttime environment.
DarkSky International
5049 East Broadway Blvd #105
Tucson AZ 85711
USA
www.DarkSky.org
+1-520-293-3198
Light pollution isreversible!
Unlike other forms of pollution, light pollution is a
problem with solutions that are easy to implement.
These solutions deliver immediate and lasting
results.
SUCCESS STORY
In 2018, the City of Tucson,
Arizona, U.S.A. (population
500,000) upgraded its
streetlights. By doing so, it
saved $2.2 million per year in
energy costs and reduced
light pollution by 7%.
WE’RE MAKING AN IMPACT
1,000+
More than 1,000 DarkSky
Approved lighting fixtures are
available on the market.
2,000+
DarkSky supports more than
2,000 volunteer Advocates in
49 countries.
70+
DarkSky supports more than
70 chapters in 24 countries.
200+
More than 200 International
Dark Sky Places have been
certified, protecting over
160,000 sq km of dark places
around the globe.
Photo credit: Bin Chen
Light pollution...
What is light pollution?
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. When we over-light, fail to use timers and sensors, or use the wrong color of light, we negatively affect many parts of our world.
Destroys critical wildlife habitat
Plants and animals depend on
Earth’s daily light and dark
cycle to govern life-sustaining
behaviors. Research shows
that artificial light at night has
adverse and even deadly
effects on many species.
Wastes energy and money
Most outdoor lighting is
wasted. This energy waste
increases greenhouse gas
emissions contributing to
climate change and wastes
billions of dollars each year.
Harms human health
Studies indicate that artificial
light at night negatively affects
human health by increasing
our risks for obesity, sleep
disorders, depression,
diabetes, breast cancer, and
more.
Decreases safety and security
There is no clear scientific
evidence that increased
outdoor lighting deters crime.
In fact, glare from unshielded
streetlights can decrease
personal safety, contributing
to both crime and accidents.
Robs us of our night sky heritage
Our ancestors experienced a
night sky that inspired science,
religion, philosophy, art, and
literature. Now, millions of
children across the globe will
never know the wonder of
seeing the Milky Way.
Inhibits scientific research
Satellites in low Earth orbit
create visible trails in the night
sky, inhibiting astronomical
research and jeopardizing
NASA’s early warning system
for asteroid collisions.
What can I do?
DarkSky’s Five Principles for Responsible
Outdoor Lighting can help you make smart
choices to reduce light pollution. Do your
lights protect the night?
All light should have a clear purpose.
Use lights only when and where they
are needed.
Shield and aim your light so it only
falls downward and where it is
useful.
Lights should be no brighter than
necessary to save money and
reduce glare.
Lights should only be on when
needed. Use timers and motions
sensors.
Warm-colored light causes less
skyglow. Use amber-toned lights
whenever possible.
Is it useful?
Is it targeted?
Is it low-level?
Is it controlled?
Is it warm-colored?
Visit darksky.org to learn more
about the importance of the night
and what you can do to reduce
light pollution around your home
and community.
Learn more
Learn more about light pollution