Modern-day Feng Shui Insight - Light Pollution Is Another Form of Clutter
Laura Cerrano
Suburban light pollution on Long Island, NY
When you hear the word clutter, you may immediately think of a home or closet space. However, for this particular reference to clutter, we are referring to the excessive use of artificial outdoor lighting from cars, offices, school buildings, factories, outdoor advertising, and homes that leave lights on throughout the entire evening. This unconscious behavior of leaving lights on all night long may seem harmless, however, the negative implications of this act cause detrimental side effects for many.
View of a home with backyard outdoor lights left on all night. You can also see some sky glow from a local town nearby. This is not your high-density urban sky glow, but it for sure creates an unwelcomed contrast to the eyes when looking outside toward the evening sky.
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), exposure to excessive outdoor artificial lighting is detrimental to humans because it interrupts the production of melatonin - the sleep hormone. The body produces melatonin during evening hours when it’s the darkest and by doing so, helps the body maintain a healthy circadian rhythm. Insufficient sleep is proven to cause fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, and other health problems.
Studies referenced in the UN Environmental Program also say that light pollution is a huge problem for wildlife by negatively impacting animal behaviors with migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and habitat formation. This includes land, sky, and marine wildlife. Light pollution has also been recognized by entomologists as contributing to the decline of insect populations.
According to National Geographic, some of the most light-polluted countries in the world include Singapore, Qatar, and Kuwait. Vast areas of the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia are also notable light-polluted countries. Curious to see where your country and neighborhood stand in terms of light pollution? Click on the button below to find out.
Does this mean turn off all the lights and go completely dark? Of course not, though if you want to see the stars from your home again, it’s not a bad idea. If anything, this article is encouraging you to become more conscious of your surroundings and participate in the solution vs contributing to the problem.
Sky glow from a local school down the block, 11pm at night.
What can be done to help reduce light pollution?
#1 recommendation….turn off all outdoor and indoor lights that are not being used.
Put shields on outdoor lights to help direct artificial light where it’s needed vs spilling into the night sky.
Use motion-activated outdoor lighting. And again, when you don't need them, turn those lights off.
Use warm-colored LED lights instead of blue-white lights (more so to help our tiny insect friends).
Spread the word by educating your family, friends, and neighbors on how they can help reduce light pollution and be part of the solution too!
What can you do to set your bedroom up for better sleep when dealing with light pollution?
Purchase blackout curtains. They can also help in reducing noise (which is another form of clutter).
Remove all laptops, cell phones, Ipads, and any other digital device from your bedroom as not to have that subtle buzzing of EMFs around your energy field.
At least one hour prior to sleep, remove yourself from being on all digital devices. Instead, read a book or do a light meditation.
If there is a lot of outdoor light pollution clutter on the outside of your home, make sure that is not the case for the inside of your bedroom. Declutter your entire room, including the closets and drawers.
Only keep in the bedroom what is absolutely necessary and choose only visuals that will truly support a good night’s sleep.
There is plenty more you can do, but this is a great start!