WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT LIGHT POLLUTION

1. Only add light where and when you really need to, says Buglife. Using external lights to move around your garden and in and out of the house safely makes sense. Leaving them on all night does not. Make sure to turn them off or use a sensor to help limit your use. This will not only help reduce light pollution but also lower your energy consumption.

2. Use only the brightest light you need. There is now a huge range of choices when it comes to lighting, but you don’t need “daylight bright” light at night. Choose “warmer” lights, this reduces the amount of blue-violet light being emitted, which is considered more harmful to invertebrates and reflects upwards adding to ‘skyglow’.

3. Shield your lights. Directing your lights to light up only the places you need can make a huge difference. Adding shields to existing lights can help stop casting light into unwanted places such as trees, hedges and even up into the night sky. Shut curtains and blinds when you put the lights on inside.

4. Share the message of reducing light pollution. Reducing your light pollution is a great step, but everyone needs to do their bit to help. Sharing the messages about the impacts of light pollution with friends, family and neighbours will help generate the collective effort needed.

5. Contact your elected officials. Raising the issue of light pollution with parish or local councillors can help implement local action plans. MPs can help push for a national target on reducing light pollution.