Environmentally Friendly Lighting

When we speak about environmentally friendly lighting, we don't necessarily mean low-energy lighting options. While those are nice, the term also refers to those lights which are least intrusive on the darkness of the night. Sure, you want your property lit well enough to deter night prowlers, but if they do come, the cops will interrogate them downtown, not in your front yard. So be courteous to the night; use sensor controls and cutoff wallpacks, and stop light trespass.

Light Trespass!?
That's right, light trespass. It is common enough to have a name, and it basically refers to any instance in which one home's outdoor lighting system crosses over into the next home's yard. And we wouldn't limit it to just crossing over to the next home, but offensive bright lights in general. No general spots spanning the entire yard, and nothing hanging from the eaves. This is supposed to complement your landscape and provide security, not land aircraft.

Cutoff wallpacks is a phrase that might confuse some. They are outdoor wall lights that feature a fold-down cover to reduce the amount of light cast downward. With the cover raised, the light can illuminate a large swath of ground, but when lowered, it is more area-specific, reducing light pollution. Photocell Sense When motion detectors are too limited, you might want to try a photocell. These light-sensitive cells detect when the outside light is bright enough to turn off a bulb. Conversely, the cell will send electricity through the circuit when it is dark outside, illuminating the bulb.

ENERGY STAR
On a final note, a discussion about environmentally friendly lighting wouldn't be complete without including ENERGY STAR. This is a US government program intended to promote energy-efficient consumer products. Created in 1992, this program began as an effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions by power plants. Over a decade later, it is still going strong and recognized nationwide by its trademark ENERGY STAR logo.