Wasting Energy On Outdoor Lighting When It Isn't Dark Outside
By Ashu M. G. Solo
12 July, 2013
Countercurrents.org
In the early morning hours, numerous street lights are on around the world
long after it is no longer dark outside. Also, in the evening hours,
numerous street lights are on around the world long before it is dark
outside. This is a significant waste of energy and money. The street
lights should be equipped with better controllers or properly adjusted
timers.
Also, the light bulbs in all street lights should be replaced with light
emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs can produce the same amount of luminance while
consuming much less power and lasting much longer. LEDs cost more
initially, but allow for cost recovery from energy savings and a less
frequent need to replace them.
In places where street lights are left on after it is no longer dark
outside, where street lights are turned on before it is dark outside, or
where LEDs are not used for street lighting, people should complain to the
organizations responsible.
Furthermore, numerous businesses and houses have their outdoor lights on
long after it is no longer dark outside or long before it is dark outside.
People should complain to businesses that do this. These lights should have
timers. Energy conservation doesn't just save money.
Energy conservation results in less burning of non-renewable fossil fuels
(coal, oil, and natural gas) to generate electricity. Less burning of
fossil fuels leads to reduced global warming, decreased air pollution and
acid rain, diminished dependence on foreign oil, and reduced harm to the
environment and wildlife from obtaining fossil fuels.
Reduced global warming elicits diminished severity of natural disasters
caused by global warming, less extreme weather, diminished spread of
infectious diseases, and less loss of life. Decreased air pollution and
acid rain induce fewer health problems, less harm to plant and aquatic life,
and reduced damage of materials. Diminished dependence on foreign oil
reduces skewing and inequities in foreign policy.
With nuclear power plants, energy conservation results in diminished uranium
consumption and hence less nuclear waste.
Energy conservation is of extreme importance to the future of our world.
Don't waste energy on outdoor lighting when it isn't dark outside.
Ashu M. G. Solo is an interdisciplinary researcher,
interdisciplinary engineer, mathematician, entrepreneur, former infantry
platoon commander understudy, and progressive activist.
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