More and more studies are showing the impact light pollution is having on our health. Last week we identified the different types of light pollution and the effect on people, animals and the planet. In our 24/7 go, go, go world we need light, but how do get it where we need it, when we need it, and in a healthy way so we can still sleep at night.
Here are our top 10 ways to use light in a way that is healthy for you and everyone around you.
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Timers - Does the outside light really need to be on all night long? Install timers so lights go out. |
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Motion Sensors - Do you leave a light on for when you come home at night? Set a motion sensor and the light will go on when you need it. |
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Full Shield - These outdoor lights direct light down where you need it most, protecting the sky and your neighbors from any unwanted light source. |
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Too Much Light - Think about the type of light you need for the task before turning on every light in the house. |
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Shades / Blinds - Keep your inside lights, inside. Draw the shades. |
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Dimmers - Set the mood and install dimmer switches. You will save energy and your eyes. |
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Color Temperature - Look for Kelvins around 3000 for a natural daylight color that is safer for your eyes. |
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Blue Light Glasses - Also called anti-fatigue for a reason. |
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Screen Filters - Physical protectors you can put over your phone or computer to filter out blue light. |
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Apps - Most technology today have settings to adjust for day and nighttime use. If not there are some good apps such as F.lux for iPhones and iPads or Twilight for smartphones and tablets. |
What do you do to limit light pollution? Leave a comment below and we will add it to the list.
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Doing It Right - Santicler
A family run business committed to circular design principles Santicler manufactures beautiful women's apparel that is easy to care for and made with nontoxic materials from renewable resources for the lowest environmental impact. Santicler's Transylvania factory is socially responsible including fair payment, health insurance, maternity and parental leave, regulated working hours, protected labor conditions, banned child labor and ISO certified. Every material is ethically sourced from Italy, eco cashmere GRS certified to be 65% recycled + 35% virgin cashmere fiber, ethically sourced extra fine merino wool, and more with a zero waste mentality. Packaging is recycled or biodegradable materials without compromising on quality. As summer winds down we encourage you to jump to their site and get ready for cooler weather with soft against your skin apparel.
Inspiring Reads - 
Fund literacy programs and protect the planet when you buy classic reads from Certified B Corporation, Better World Books.
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Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea |
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In Case You Missed It -
Responsible living is more than just caring about the environment. Woven into the ethos is taking a stand for social equity and East Fork Pottery has been fully committed to that from day one. Partnering with community outreach organizations to stretch outside their comfort zone; always paying employees a living wage, they are now working towards increasing wages to a family living wage. Receiving their Carbon Neutral Certification in April has been another huge milestone. All these steps and more have earned them B Corporation Certification, read about the journey here. Instead of seeing this accomplishment as the finish line, they view it as an inspiration for making additional changes. Reading East Fork's About Page was part of our inspiration for starting The Savvy Elephant. AND we haven't even touched on how stunning and beautiful their pottery is! See for yourself by clicking through to the East Fork Website.
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