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than having lights on all the time. A bright, unshielded light allows criminals a safe dark area around the light to work in, since the glare prevents you seeing into the dark.
A light that flicks on when motion is detected takes intruders by surprise because they do not know exactly where the borders of the lights are. A motion light can be adjusted to come on anywhere you wish. Several lights can be used to cover different buildings or large areas, providing light when you need it and warning if anyone is moving* around your property. Sometimes animals can set off the lights, but if the lights are adjusted with the sensors at the height of a person, the animals do not affect them very often.
Businesses can also use motion detector lights around their buildings at night, so the neighbors and the brightness of the sky remain undisturbed. If no one is using the building the only reason to keep lights burning all the time is to increase your electric bill or annoy your neighbors. Have you ever tried tv sleep with a bright light shining through the window?
When lights are needed in towns and business parking lots, there are several types of lights that provide a safer environment while reducing the light pollution. The best lights, which also happen to be the most economical to run, are called low-pressure sodium lights. When you add a shield that points all the light down you reduce the shadows and eliminate the glare, so you can actually see better. You can also use compact fluorescent bulbs, which are extremely economical to use and provide adequate light. The initial cost of healthy lighting can be a bit more than a conventional light, but the yearly cost goes down, saving money in the long run.
All over the world local ordinances are being created to help to protect the skies from light pollution. Arizona has been particularly active, having light ordinances in most counties. The city of Tucson has achieved a huge reduction in light pollution through an effective ordinance. The city is as safe as ever and the residents are happy.
As more building happens in Rappahannock County more lights will be added to the area. If those lights are offensive we will lose our night sky, our children will not know the Milky Way and we will spend a great deal of money on our electric bill. If those lights are down shielded and economical to run, everyone wins.
For more information about keeping our skies dark there is excellent information on the web at www.darksky.org and w w w . d a r k - skies, freeserve.co. uk.
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