McLean Envirothon Wants to Bring Back the Stars

On a chilly Thursday in January, students from the McLean Envirothon Club and the Longfellow Middle School Eco Action Club assembled students, scientists, educators, and local environment advocates for one cause: bringing awareness to one of the most ecologically devastating problems— light pollution. This form of pollution is often overlooked, yet it is one that has the ability to endanger countless species. From altering migration patterns, to interfering with pollinators, and even disrupting the circadian rhythm of humans and animals, light pollution disrupts virtually every part of the ecosystem. Although this event has now passed, these environmentally conscious youth continue to expand their message: contacting politicians, disseminating information to the community, and continuing to log data about our community. Their impact can best be seen in the promotion of best practices for outdoor lighting, encouragement of voluntary adoption of lighting practices, empowerment of students, and the support of dark sky-friendly legislation, such as HB407, “Light pollution education and dark sky preservation.” The McLean Envirothon Club continues to urge homeowners to address their own light fixtures through changing blue lights to warm lights, using the least amount of lighting possible, and shielding outdoor light fixtures. If you remember one thing about light pollution, McLean Evirothon hopes to share that light pollution is an environmental challenge that individuals and communities can address quickly, through implementing simple changes.