Light Pollution

For my research paper I decided to write about light pollution. I feel that light pollution is something we tend to look over and fail to see the destruction it causes on a day to day basis. Not only are we hurting our self as human but we are affection other organisms ( including animals and plants) around us. The reason for this all is the lack of awareness of the issue. When looked at the problem really is not that hard to fix, with the right information and the will power this issue can be solved. Simply things such as making sure your outdoor lights are directed down to the ground where it is needed, picking the correct light bulbs for the task, Control the amount of light for the job required,using the right amount of light for the task, not overkill. Light pollution can be solved one town at a time, if we really wanted to.

My research will consist of four sections – What is light pollution? Why is light pollution awareness important? What can we do about light pollution? Lastly, my conclusion.

1. What is light pollution? This section will explain the components of light pollution such as light trespass, sky-glow, and glare. In this section I will identify the problem of lighting hat is commonly used in and around homes like street lights, upward aimed lights, flood lights, and lights without hoods.
2. Why is light pollution awareness important? In this section I will discuss the astronomical, ecological, and environmental consequences of light pollution. For example, I will explain how visions of night sky is obscured, how common animals are affected, and how humans are affected, linking this with information provided from the documentary City Dark (sea turtles, visibility of stars in well-lit cities). I will also include information about the energy, and the money that could be saved with the use of appropriate artificial light.
3. What can you do about light pollution? In this section, I will discuss ways that homeowners can reduce light pollution along with businesses. This will included easy suggestions for appropriate wattage, light covering, and reducing the use of outside lighting. Here I would use some of my secondary sources, that explains simple designing and their suggestions to fixing light pollution.
4. Conclusion. This will be the final section of my research paper where I summarize what was discussed and put a final stress to the issue.

I feel that my paper will demonstrate both kairos( due to the fact that light pollution is becoming and issue and its on high rise) and ethos appeal ( because I will be using the the participants from the documentary and their claims in my research).