Allow Starry Night Lights to help you ‘lighten up’! It is important to have lighting options, which allow you to both protect the environment and have the lighting you desire. Lighting is a nice, inexpensive way to update your home. By simply adding lights, or updating the fixtures you already own, you can make an entire room look different. Also, lighting can add a nice touch to a room or desired area. It can be a daunting task to pick the lighting of your home, but by buying from Starry Night Lights you can do more than just add a little light to your home, you are ensuring that the lighting of your home is night and environmentally friendly.
Wall Mounted Exterior Light Fixtures: These sorts of fixtures have the ability to greatly emphasize the outdoor beauty of ones home. Also, wall mounted exterior light fixtures come in various styles and forms, allowing a lot of diversity when choosing lighting. Another positive factor of wall mounted exterior light fixtures is the fact that they allow light to be directed to chosen areas.
Architectural Lighting: By choosing architectural lighting one has the advantage of having lighting fixtures which allow individuals to move about freely and safely. Also some advantages to having architectural lighting is that- it keeps light on the ground where it belongs, reduces light pollution and glare and so on and so forth.
Wall Scones: Are an excellent form of lighting designed to draw attention to a wall or highlite an area. They shine light downwards or on the area which needs to be lit and not into neighbors homes. They come in various styles such as; copper, aluminum, brass, ceramic and stainless steel and also in many different finishes.
Pendant Lighting: These lighting fixtures are an excellent way to draw attention to a room, while also giving you the ability to only light the areas you feel to be need to lit. Pendant lighting comes in many different forms, colors and shapes… do not be afraid to get creative.
Lighten up with Starry Night Lights, and be guaranteed variety and environmentally efficient lighting!
Why is it that city dwellers look up into the night sky and have a hard time seeing the stars? The answer is actually very simple- light pollution. Light pollution can be described as the brightening of the night sky, caused by large amounts of artificial outdoor lighting. In the case of light pollution, artificial light is frequently directed aimlessly into the night sky. Light pollution also includes light intrusion, which is the process by which light enters our homes from sources like a bright street light or such.
Light pollution comes from various sources, all of which involve poor lighting fixtures or unnecessary lighting. These sources include: street lamps and lighting, advertising and display lighting, commercial lighting, lighting for sports events and so forth. In any case, many forms of these various of lighting fixtures are typically bad because they allow light to shine upwards, rather than downwards.
How does light pollution affect us?
Light pollution has many effects on both mankind and wildlife, these effects include:
- unnecessary waste in money and energy
- death of migrating birds, who frequently collide with lighted buildings
- negative effects on bird’s behavior
- disrupt the habitats of plants which are dependent on light in their natural cycles
- death of insects who are drawn to the light
- choose outdoor lighting fixtures that shine downwards
- refrain from excessively lighting an area
- use motion sensors, so that lighting is only used when its needed
- buy energy efficient outdoor lighting products
- only light what needs to be lit
I recently read a “do it yourself” landscape lighting article. It listed all kinds of things that homeowners could do to light up their yards at night. My first thought was, “OMG. You guys are providing some amazingly outdated and wasteful ideas here”. One piece of advice… often seen on any landscape lighting website mentions “pointing outdoor lights up at the foliage” or “placing lights in trees”. Can you say “energy waste” or, how about “light pollution“? Haven’t these guys heard of global warming…. climate change… etc? We simply cannot continue with business as usual, and we can’t have supposed “thought leaders” continuing the myth that this kind of behavior is somehow OK. Get a clue. It is NOT OK to point lights up into trees and the night sky. It is NOT OK to light ones backyard like a federal penitentiary… however “tasteful” you may think it looks. I understand the desire to spruce up the exterior of ones home, but doing so in a way that degrades the environment is simply not acceptable. Because of all this tired old information on landscape lighting ideas, I’ve decided to put down a few of my own.
First up… and most importantly… Do Not Put Your Landscape Lights On Timers Or Photo Cells. This will only ensure that your lights are on way to much. Photo cells by their very nature will guarantee that your landscape lights are on about 12 hours per day. This is crazy… and incredibly wasteful. If you’ve installed landscape lighting so that you can make use of your backyard after dark… then just use a simple light switch and turn the lights on when you’re planning to go out side. This way, you will actually see the fruits of your labor. You’ll be able to entertain in a comfortable, attractive environment, and you’ll only be consuming energy while you’re actually outside enjoying the area. Think about this. For all the snide comments that Hummers get for their poor fuel efficiency, they’re at least turned off when they’re not in use. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an SUV owner leave their vehicles running all day/night long. I can think of a number of neighbors who leave their out door lights on all night long… and even all day long in some cases. Use your outdoor and landscape lighting only when necessary.
Secondly, light only the areas that you’ll actually be using. Light your patio. Light your deck. Light your walkways. Wonderful. This will enable you to enjoy these areas and to move about safely after dark. Please, please, please don’t light your entire yard. Don’t up-light your trees. I know you have trees. Your neighbors know you have trees. There is no good reason on Earth to shine lights on them. People can see them perfectly well by day… and have absolutely no need or desire to see them after dark. Checkout the accompanying image (provided by www.TheLightingPolice.com). Here’s what happens when you put your landscape lights on timers. You simply forget about them. You may enjoy them the few times you’re actually outside at night, but… you forget about them. This guy has a number of trees uplit by flood lights. There was over 3′ of snow in his yard when this picture was taken. His landscape lights were buried deep under the snow, but… because his landscape designer thoughtfully put the entire system on a timer, they’re on from 5pm until 5am 365 days a year… even when the lights are buried under 3 feet of snow. Can you say “wasteful”? How about “global warmer”? If you want landscape lighting so that you can enjoy your yard after dark… make sure that you’re actually outside to enjoy them. If you’re not… then the lights should not be on. Period.
Thirdly, don’t light any areas that don’t need to be lit. This sounds simple enough, but you’d be amazed at how often people shine their landscape lights in places they don’t belong. Don’t light up your entire yard. Especially don’t light up your neighbor’s yard. I can assure you… they don’t want your lights shining into their windows or into their yard. Don’t light up the night sky. Don’t light up any area that you won’t be sitting in our walking through. See, I told you it was pretty simple. Look around your neighborhood after dark and I’m sure that you’ll see a number of homes that really missed this one.
Lighting consumes over 1/4 of all the electricity produced in the US. Outdoor lighting is a very sizable portion of this. In a time of increasing energy costs and concerns over global warming, lighting everything up from dusk to dawn is simply not an acceptable option. Perhaps it was ok at some time in the past (this is debatable), but that time is certainly long gone. Anyway, as you can see… much of what passes for landscape lighting has been overdone or simply done wrong. With just a little thought and consideration, however, you can have the best of both worlds. A beautiful and functional night time backyard AND an responsible energy use scenario. Checkout our Outdoor Lighting Guidelines for more information on the topic.
What is more inspiring than a dark night filled with sparkling stars? There’s just something magical about looking into the dark sky and seeing a sky packed with dazzeling stars, it is certainly breath taking. In all reality there is no real way to communicate how much stars effect us, and how much the inability to see them, really takes away from our ability to experience the night sky. The inabililty to see the stars at night is the result of light pollution, which can be described as the biggest enemy of the night sky.
Light pollution is harmful, just as other forms of pollution are harmful. Also, it is relatively unnecessary, the glow that light pollution causes in the night sky, known as sky glow is not needed. One could might argue that light pollution is a ‘necessary’ effect of progress, but this is not true. Light pollution comes from inefficient lighting sources, which shine light aimlessly into the night sky. These lights that shine into the sky do not increase nighttime safety or security. After all, lights that shine downward or where they are more appropriately needed are those which increase safety and security. In all reality these aimlessly shining lights, only increase glare and expenses, costing tens of billion of dollars each year in the United States alone.
Lessening light pollution is not impossible. On an individual level, one can choose to light ones home with efficient outdoor lighting systems, which do not shine up into the night sky. By lessening light pollution, one will save money while also reducing the glare and glow, seen in the night sky. It is important for us to keep our night sky dark, being able to see the stars is a privilege, one which we should not take so lightly.
It is important to pick appropriate lighting systems, when lighting your home inside and out. Night sky friendly outdoor lighting fixtures can be found at Starry Night Lights, our lights are guaranteed to be both energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Every year millions of birds die from collisions with man-made structures, such as artificial lighting structures and communication related buildings. Not much has been done to curb this negative effect of urbanization, however recently some steps have been made to improve the decline of bird populations, who suffer most from these problems. A US Federal Court has issued a ruling pushing the Federal Communications Commission to create safeguards to protect the millions of birds killed each year by colliding into radio, cellular, telephone and similar communication towers. It was decided that those who seek to build such towers must comply with federal laws like the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
This has greatly excited individuals of the American Bird Conservancy, who are pleased that the FCC will have to consult wildlife experts before permitting decisions are made. The hope is that this will save the lives of many birds each year, exciting both wildlife specialist and bird watchers.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has estimated that between 5 to 50 million birds are killed each year, this is especially severe for birds that migrate and are more likely to come into contact with these buildings. The FCC has been rebuked by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for refusing to consult them, when constructing such structures. Though at this point, such structures will be regulated to fulfill the appropriate wildlife standards.
Birds also frequently suffer from bright artificial lights, which can daze them and cause them collide into buildings. Bright lights can temporarily blind birds, and they can cause them far more severe consequences as a result of the temporary blindness, which can lead to death. According to FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness Program), “Birds migrating at night are strongly attracted to sources of artificial light, particularly during periods of inclement weather. Approaching the lights of tall buildings or other brightly lit structures, they become vulnerable to collisions with the structures themselves. If collision is avoided, birds are still at risk of death or injury. Once inside a beam of light, birds are reluctant to fly out of the lighted area into the dark, and often continue to flap around in the beam of light until they drop to the ground with exhaustion.” Thus, outdoor lighting which faces downward instead of up aimlessly into the sky, is the best choice when lighting outdoor areas, in order to protect birds. Therefore Starry Night Lights encourages you to pick safe wildlife friendly lighting when you light your outdoor areas.
In your daily schedule you may leave the water running as you brush your teeth, you may leave the radio on when you leave the house and you may keep your home lit even when its not serving any practical purpose…. but it’s gonna cost ya! Unfortunately we, especially as Americans, do not pay much attention to all the resources and energy we waste. Everytime we leave the water running when we brush our teeth, or ‘rinse’ (more appropriately described as drown) our dishes, we are wasting great deals of water while areas around the world are suffering from drought. Recently countries like Somalia and Ethiopia, are suffering from severe drought, which has resulted in agricultural and lifestock decline. Unfortunately, this has been devasting for the people of these countries, who depend these resources to survive.
Energy waste is especially severe when it comes to lighting. Millions of people leave lights on all around their homes, even when they are not home. It is also a common practice for people to leave a room, without turning off the lights. This may seem like a small problem, but it does add up. By taking the time to merely turn off lights that are not being used, you help your wallet and the environment.
Access to energy is a huge international problem. This is because we all need energy to live and keep the world going. Thus we need easy and cheap access to energy sources. However, by depending on the non-renewable energy resources, we have placed a limit on the amount of energy we can use. Eventually all our energy consumption will hurt us, and we need to turn to renewable energy sources for all our energy. If we do not slow energy consumption and use renewable energy sources, we will have a big problem… that’ll cost us!
A by-product of improper exterior lighting is light pollution, and it’s a growing problem. However, with the flick of a switch this problem can be corrected.
Light pollution is any light that is shining into the night sky or into your neighbor’s window. It’s misdirected and misused exterior lighting. It creates that “sky glow” effect of an orange haze that wipes out the black night sky and all the stars above. It can cause a glare that affects people walking or driving by the offending source. Finally, another result is what’s known as “light trespass.” This is when the light from your neighbor’s property shines onto and into your own.
As far as the exterior of your house is concerned, you need to consider your lighting needs. Reducing light pollution does not mean you have to turn off all your exterior lights from dusk to dawn. There many options that you can do to help:
By installing quality dark sky friendly exterior lights that shine down and not out or up is a great start. Adding motion sensors to overhead lights and timers to your accent lights would be your next step. Finally, review your light setup to see which ones are crucial and eliminate the ones that are not absolutely necessary.
The obvious problems of glare and light trespass as well the fact that excessive exterior lighting requires a lot of energy are reasons why we should worry about light pollution. More energy consumption means the loss of valuable natural resources and the pollution of our air, water, and ground. Light pollution is harmful to wildlife and we know it can be harmful to humans, as well. Let us also not forget about the fact that the majority of Americans can never enjoy the beauty of night sky.
Those individuals, who aim to reduce light pollution, know the importance of using appropriate outdoor lighting systems that do not shine light aimlessly into the night sky. However many individuals, though they may encounter light pollution everyday, are actually unaware of the fact that it even exists. Light pollution is caused by excessive lighting shining brightly into the night sky. Excessive lighting is most frequently seen from: shopping centers, restaurants, corporate buildings, homes and so forth. Often time, these places have lights shining at impractical times, the lights typically shine up into the sky instead of downwards toward the ground, and thus the night sky becomes covered in a hazy blanket making the stars impossible to see.
As a result, many individuals are fighting back to reduce pollution and to save the night sky. In fact, this year the week of March 29th to April 4th is dedicated to this mission, this week is known as National Dark-Sky Week. It comes every year at a different time, typically coming in April at the time of a new moon. This week is designed to encourage individuals to reduce their outdoor lighting in order to temporarily reduce light pollution.
It may seem strange to think that a week of reducing outdoor lighting could actually help reduce light pollution in the long run. After all seven days of reduced lighting could not have the power to keep light pollution away. But, this week is not designed to merely reduce light pollution for a short period of time; its bigger purpose is to raise awareness. As mentioned above, many individuals do not even know what light pollution is, even though they can easily see it everyday by just looking into the night sky. The hope is that by encouraging individuals to reduce outdoor lighting, and to use appropriate. sky friendly fixtures which face downward and not up into the sky, we can make people aware of what light pollution is and assist them in taking the appropriate steps in making their home night-sky friendly.
National Dark-Sky Week only happens once a year, but its impact could be felt everyday if our goal is met. Please join in with us this week and cut unneeded outdoor lighting! Take time this week to look into the night sky and see its splendor. Is this a site we can afford to lose? Of course not!!! We at Starry Night Lights say give it a try and consider the results on both the environment and your pocket. Save the night sky, use night-sky friendly outdoor lighting fixtures and keep light from shining where it is not needed
Give your home a ‘face-lift’ change your lights! There are so many styles and forms of lighting today that finding the exact lighting that you want is easy. Find your indoor and outdoor lighting at Starry Night Lights, the night sky friendly lighting specialists.
Serve as an excellent way to draw attention to a wall or highlite an area. All wall scones sold by Starry Night Lights shine light downwards or on the area which needs to be lit and not into neighbors homes. They come in various styles such as; copper, aluminum, brass, ceramic and stainless steel and also in many different finishes.
Lanterns are an interesting outdoor form of lighting which are both appealing and functional. All the outdoor wall lanterns which can be found at Starry Night Lights are night sky friendly and can be easily placed at the most desirous location. Starry Night Lights lanterns come in many different shapes, sizes and patterns.
Pendant lights are great! They are a lot of fun, they come in many interesting forms with many interesting colors. They also really bring a presence to a room and area.
All forms of landscape lighting which can be found at Starry Night Lights are both neighbor and night friendly. They are designed to be both attractive and durable. Landscape Lighting is an excellent way to light your walkway, or specific areas of your yard. This way you may light the areas you seek to have lit, and not over due the amount of lighting you need.
What’s great about architectural lighting is that not only is it an excellent source of outdoor lighting, but it also allows people to move around safely and securely without worry. Architectural lighting serves as a wonderful to get a good amount of light, while also respecting neighbors and the environment.
These lights and many other great and fun types of lights can be found at Starry Night Lights. And all the lights that can be found at Starry Night Lights are guaranteed to be both neighbor and night friendly!
A low voltage exterior lighting system is safe, easy to install and allows you to create unique and attractive lighting for your landscape.
Safety is a major benefit of this type of lighting system. This system is designed for external and moist environments like soil and lawn areas and operates safely when exposed to moisture. The low voltage nature does not subject anyone to accidental electrical shocks.
Flexibility is another benefit of low voltage lights. This is because the attachment of the lighting fixtures supporting the low voltage setup is bundled in cables and is hidden only shallowly in the ground. This allows for flexibility in terms of design; the lights can be relocated if desired. Low voltage fixtures typically mount in the ground with a stake.
Overall low voltage lighting system allows for a great deal of creative control when planning your landscape lighting. The light bulbs are small, unobtrusive and designed for various lighting effects so they will blend into the landscape.
Finally, the lamps are designed so that they consume less wattage. This allows for more precise lighting effects and lower energy costs. We live in an age where energy conservation is paramount. Every landscape lighting installer has a responsibility to make conscious choices to best conserve energy. We at Starry Night Lights are here to help you with all of your exterior and interior lighting needs.
Secondly, light only the areas that you’ll actually be using. Light your patio. Light your deck. Light your walkways. Wonderful. This will enable you to enjoy these areas and to move about safely after dark. Please, please, please don’t light your entire yard. Don’t up-light your trees. I know you have trees. Your neighbors know you have trees. There is no good reason on Earth to shine lights on them. People can see them perfectly well by day… and have absolutely no need or desire to see them after dark. Checkout the accompanying image (provided by 
