Effects of Light Pollution

Light pollution disrupts our Health by disrupting our circadian rhythm, it increases our risks for obesity, depression, sleep disorders, diabetes, breast cancer and more.

Light pollution is a HUGE Energy Waste. IDA estimates that least 30 percent of all outdoor lighting in the U.S. alone is wasted, mostly by lights that aren’t shielded. That adds up to $3.3 billion and the release of 21 million tons of carbon dioxide per year! To offset all that carbon dioxide, we’d have to plant 875 million trees annually.

Light pollution has effected our Night Sky Heritage. Our dark sky inspired science, religion, philosophy, art and literature. The natural night sky is our common and universal heritage, yet it's becoming unknown to the newest generations.

Light pollution is affecting Wildlife and Ecosystems. Plants and animals depend on Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark rhythm to govern life-sustaining behaviors such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep, and protection from predators. Humans have radically disrupted this cycle by lighting up the night. Numerous studies indicate negative and deadly effects on many creatures, including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and plants.