What is light pollution (and why is it a problem) with Caitlin Johnson - Ep. 13

Artificial light pollution at night - what is it? Why is it a problem - especially for us and our kids? In this week's episode, I'm talking with Caitlin Johnson, founder of the Twin Cities (Minnesota) chapter of the International Dark Sky Organization.

Here are the questions we answer and topics we cover:

• What is light pollution (specifically artificial light pollution at night)?
• Why is artificial light pollution at night bad?
• How does light pollution affect humans? What about pollinators, birds, bats, and other creatures?
• What can we do to reduce artificial light pollution at night?
• Resources for reducing artificial light pollution at night
• Lights at night and safety: how can we find a balance?
• How can our kids get involved?

I LOVE this episode, because the resources and action items are super easy, absolutely do-able, and for some of them, include things you're already doing (like buying lightbulbs).


Resources mentioned in this episode (some links may contain affiliate links, which helps support our amazing guests and this podcast):

• Darksky.org 
• Project Drawdown
• Episode 5 with Jess Purcell
• National Geographic
• Bell Museum of Natural History
• Dark Sky Sanctuary 
• Dark sky approved light fixtures 
• Take back the night
• Nextdoor
• American Natural History Museum
• Audubon Society
• Bee Lab
• Pollinator Friendly Yards
• Find a chapter (for Dark Sky International)

Where to find Caitlin: 

• Instagram (personal, sewing, and low waste)
• Twin Cities Dark Sky Association Chapter
• Instagram (Twin Cities Dark Sky Chapter)

Let's connect!

Email me: Laura@raisingecominimalists.com