Leelanau County libraries are the recipients of new books, donated Leelanau Dark Sky, a local advocacy group focused on preserving the natural night sky and reducing light pollution. The library directors are receptive to providing engaging books discussing the topic of light pollution and its effects on human and the environment. Are you curious about these topics?
“The Darkness Manifesto: On Light Pollution, Night Ecology, and the Ancient Rhythms That Sustain Life” by Johan Eklof, a Swedish bat scientist and writer who explores the unique benefits of natural darkness. He reveals the startling domino effect of diminishing darkness: insects, dumbfounded by street lamps, failing to reproduce: birds blinded and bewildered by artificial lights: and bats starving as they wait in vain for nocturnal insects to appear. For humans, light-induced sleep disturbances impact our hormones and weight, and can exacerbate chronic stress and depression.
Eklof’s book is educational, eye-opening and ultimately--encouraging. Simple steps are outlined that we can take to benefit ourselves and the planet.
