Smarter Outdoor Lighting

Northern Minnesota is one of the few places left in the Upper Midwest where you can still step outside, tilt your head back, and see a clear, star-filled sky. Our quiet nights, reflective waters, and dark horizons are part of what makes Long Lake special. But those skies are changing faster than many realize—they are getting ruined by too much outdoor lighting. This isn’t just an environmental problem; it’s a neighborhood courtesy issue that affects everyone’s enjoyment of the lake.

The biggest cause of increasing light pollution around the lake is bright, unshielded residential lights that spray light everywhere. In some cases, inexpensive, overly bright LEDs are to blame. It is an issue of not only light that is too bright and very white in color (as perceived by the eye) but is a flood of light—that creates a widespread area of light with much of it aimed up into the sky and outward rather than down.

When your light is too bright, or aimed poorly or not at all it:

• Shines into your neighbors’ homes and ruins their lake view and stargazing

• Disrupts wildlife (like loons and fish)

• Creates a harsh glare across the water that boaters and neighbors find distracting and impossible to ignore.

• Wastes energy

The Lighting You Select Matters

Here are some things to think about when selecting a new exterior light fixture or purchasing new, more energy efficient replacement light bulbs (also called lamps):

Use shielded fixtures:

• They direct light downward onto your property and light your path or driveway, not up into the trees or sideways across the water or towards your neighbors home.

Choose the right light bulbs:

• Avoid harsh, blue-white LEDs. Instead use LEDs that are 3000 K for warmer, yellow light that causes less glare and skyglow. No matter which light bulbs (LEDs, incandescent, or halogen) you use, make sure that they are not overly bright. Think about how well you can see your way in a darkened movie theater when walking down the aisle.

Use motion sensors

•  Replace dusk-to-dawn floodlights that stay on all night. Motion sensors provide security without disturbing the animals or your and your neighbors’ appreciation of the night sky.

Place light fixtures only where needed

• Light up your pathways and doorways—not the shoreline, trees, or across the lake. Appropriately placed lighting will keep you safe from tripping and get you where you’re going. Well placed lighting can create a beautiful outdoor environment. Most of all, keep the light pointed downward.

Update older yard light bulbs and/or fixtures

• Replacing old fixtures that have exposed bulbs that scatter light everywhere or retrofitting them with more energy efficient light bulbs (3000K or less) can reduce the unwanted spread of light into the night sky. Use a modern, shielded replacement.

Rethink flag lighting

• If you must light a flag overnight, use a low-intensity, shielded light fixture that points down. A vertically or horizontally aimed spotlight is typically disruptive, spreading the light into the night sky.

Have a conversation with your neighbors

• Most people don’t realize their outdoor lighting is a problem. A friendly conversation can identify issues that your neighbors might have been hesitant to bring up.

Educate Yourself

Understanding some common terminology about lighting to help you decide what to do with your current lighting is key. For more information than what is provided here, head to the Department of Energy’s explanation.

Color temperature: this describes how your eye perceives light—cool or warm. Temperature is measured in Kelvin (K). We are used to warmer color temperatures (2750 K) like the color you get from your incandescent light bulbs in your home. LEDs are considered cool in color temperature (3000-5000 K), though when 3000 K, the temperature can be visually warm.

Footcandle: this describes the intensity or brightness emitted by a light bulb within a one-foot square area. For instance, if you’re sewing, you probably would prefer 100-150 footcandles of light versus 30-50 footcandles while eating dinner or having a conversation in your family room. Contrary to those levels of brightness, only 5-20 footcandles are needed to find your way in the dark—if the lighting is aimed properly on your path. For additional information about how lighting can be effective and visually pleasing, examine websites from landscaping or exterior lighting companies. Midwest Lightscaping is one example.

Yes, LEDs can be overpowering in terms of lighting output, especially if you have purchased a light fixture that is ultra bright and throws off much more lighting than you need or want. Often, that is what the big box home supply stores sell. Buy a light fixture or replace your current light bulbs with LEDs that have a color temperature of 3000 K. That way you can get the light you need and protect your view of the night sky.

In conclusion, light pollution does not have to be a consequence of progress. Take on the task of educating yourself to learn more about light fixtures and different lamps. Typically, with just a few small changes in our outdoor lighting, Long Lake can remain one of the clearest, calmest, night-sky environments in Hubbard County. Let’s work together to keep our skies dark, our lake peaceful, and our neighbors comfortable.