ECOCAMP
LIGHT & NOISE POLLUTION
WHAT IS LIGHT POLLUTION?
Light pollution is defined by the dictionary as the “brightening of the night sky caused by street lights and other man-made sources, which has a disruptive effect on natural cycles and inhibits the observation of stars and planets.”
Did you know that birds get confused about day and night because of light pollution? It disrupts sleeping patterns of all life, not just our own. Here is a list of the different types and sources of light pollution as per https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/types-causes-and-effects-of-light-pollution.php
1. Over-illumination: This is caused by misuse of lights. Lights that are left on, or even street lamps that aren ot adjusted for daylight savings time, can cause millions of barrels of oil to be wasted. It can have the immediate effect of raising utility costs in an area as well as disrupting natural sleep patterns.
2. Glare: Glare is a two-fold problem in which lights are reflected off surrounding surfaces so that the light scatters and causes vision problems. It does not interfere with night vision, but makes it difficult to identify and place objects.
3. Light clutter: Light clutter is a uniquely man-made issue and it stems from poor placement design. A cluster of business lights, or streetlights, can create a contrast illumination that interferes with night vision and illumination. It can also be strong enough to throw off the natural nocturnal systems of animals.
4. Sky Glow: is a term used to refer to the almost dome-like cover of light to city areas. The light that is escaping from street lamps, signs, homes and businesses goes up to change the quality of light in the atmosphere, and it bounces back down to the city from the atmosphere. It can affect natural growth patterns, and the ability of planes to navigate at night too.
5. Light Trespass: This refers to unwanted light entering someone’s property and is illegal
Video Lessons
This 5.07 National geographic video shows how our night skies are supposed to look. Have you ever experienced the power of silence and darkness?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FXJUP6_O1w
Equally harmful is how our lights are affecting our animal friends. Let’s watch this 3.58 mins D news video to find out how harmful light pollution can be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYAzTYmXMBg
30% of the light we use is wasted. We can bring down light pollution by switching off lights at home and outside when not required. By doing this, we can help our parents save money too and those little birds out there too.
Diane Turnshek wants to change how we see the sky at night. She wants to light up our night skies with stars. Based on her work as an astronomer and Carnegie Mellon University lecturer, she outlines how we can Carpe Noctem (seize the night) through a series of changes that can help us balance urbanization with a perspective-inspiring view of the cosmos in this 30 minute inspiring TedEd video
WHAT IS NOISE POLLUTION?
Noise is unwanted sound. Noise pollution has a harmful effect on human, plant and animal life. ASHA) American Speech0 language-Hearing Assocation sounds at 85 dBA can lead to hearing loss over extended hours. Normal conversation is about 60 dB, a lawn mower is about 90 dB, and a loud rock concert is about 120 dB. As increased noise levels are leading to deafness, sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases, communication problems and increased stress amongst humans. Highway traffic, aircraft, factories and construction sites, in that order, generate the most annoying noises afflicting people in Europe and North America, a United Nations report says.
Noise disrupts the natural rhythm of life and is therefore one solid pollutant. As per https://www .conserve-energy-future.com/causes-and-effects-of-noise-pollution.php, the factor causing noise pollution are Industrialization , Poor Urban Planning, Social Events ,Transportation, Construction Activities and Household Chores
Video Lessons
Let us learn more about what noise pollution is from this 1.15 mins Cinekids video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1-W7gz6Znk
While humans can wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, animals who have higher hearing levels suffer more. Listen to this 1.12 minute video to know how our noise affects marine animals. Unlike us the whales can't turn the volume down. #MuteTheSea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilFeoUVDFvU
Ocean Noise Pollution
The NJDEP is tasked with enforcing noise pollution codes where we live. We can reduce sound pollution by self declaring our rooms as No Noise zones
KIDS CAN HELP
School children in West Bengal, India held an anti-firecracker rally urging government to take action against cracker sellers who do not abide by the prescribed pollution and noise limits. Holding posters and placards depicting messages opposing firecrackers, the students urged people to celebrate the festival of lights without polluting the environment. Teachers also accompanied the children to send out the message of a pollution-free Diwali. Locals in the city were impressed by children’s pleas and promised to protect the environment.
Watch this 1.30 minsvideo and be inspired
MEET THE EXPERT
Subhas Sen is President and CEO , and Environment conscious South Plainfield resident
Sen: I am a business professional managing a $50 million business in cosmetics and beauty industry. We manufacture ingredients for the industry. I have been managing the business for 9 years in NJ, USA
Puja: Please share your thoughts about noise and light pollution
Sen:
This is a real concern. We need to be conscious about it and do everything in our power to reduce it. The noise pollution is a bigger concern in my mind than the light pollution. We should reduce the decibel levels when we are in a group situation or partying around with family and friends.
Puja: Can Enviroment awareness initiatives like Ecocamphelp in controlling light and noise pollution? How?
Sen:
Absolutely. You are being a pioneer in creating awareness and I am sure the youth and the children will learn on what is right and wrong and be absolutely conscious to reduce the pollution levels in their life. Keep up the good work and you will help The world we live in with great initiatives like this
Puja: What are some specific ways citizens or kids can helpin bringing down light and noise pollution?
Sen:
I think being aware of the issues and hazards of what pollution can do. I am sure you will highlight the do’s and donts and have these programs more often.
I would like you to steer the awareness and consciousness program in the school and community
Puja: thank you so much for your time!!!
Thank you so much again to give me the opportunity. God bless you for doing this hard work!!!
SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS & ACTIVITIES
NOISE LOG
Let us keep a Noise Log where you record what they see, hear, feel, and smell in the air( Adapted from GS journey, Breathe, Pg 4)
What sounds did you hear that came from your house?
Eg: TV
What sounds come from outside? Eg: Car
What noises were from nature? (Eg raindrops, birds)
What else did you hear?
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? : SOUND VS NOISE
Decibel X & headphone:
: Understand what noise is in your life
DISCUSSION & SPEAKING: LET'S PRACTICE AND DEVELOP OUR ADVOCACY SKILLS
WHY MY ROOM IS A NO-NOISE ZONE
TURN OFF THE LIGHTS PLEASE
WHY WE NEED DARK SKIES
EARTH ART & RECYCLE CRAFTS
NO NOISE ROAD SIGN
CLEAR SKIES ART
TURN OFF THE LIGHTS SIGN
GREEN GAMES & ECO-MOVIE
PUZZLE
1) Name two causes of sound pollution
2)What are the harmful effects of noise pollution?
3)Why are animals more affected than us by sound pollution?
4)At what decibel does sound become noise
5)Who enforces noise levels in our state?
6) What is light pollution?
7) How does light pollution affect you?
8) What percentage of the light we use is wasted?
9) How can we help with we kids help with noise pollution?
10) How can we help with we kids help with light pollution?
PUZZLE ANSWERS
1) Name two causes of sound pollution
Vehicles, industries
2)What are the harmful effects of noise pollution?
Hearing loss, headaches, sleep
3)Why are animals more affected than us by sound pollution?
They have higher levels of hearing
4)At what decibel does sound become noise
At 85, it affects hearing over an extended period of time. Above 100, it hurts
5)Who enforces noise levels in our state?
NJDEP(New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection)
6) What is light pollution?
It is the brightening of the night sky caused by street lights and other man-made sources, which has a disruptive effect on natural cycles and inhibits the observation of stars and planets.
7) How does light pollution affect you?
You cannot see the night sky .It affects our sleep and calm.
8) What percentage of the light we use is wasted?
30%
9) How can we help with we kids help with noise pollution?
By making our homes/rooms “No Noise zones”
10) How can we help with we kids help with light pollution?
By turning off the lights while not using them
MOVIE TIME
'Over the Hedge' is a good movie to watch. It deals with the theme of overpopulation and the impact of human lifestyle on animals