“We need to dispense with the total misnomer 'light pollution'. Photons do not damage the environment and given the choice between seeing where I'm going or a few extra stars I'll take the former.”

“Much as I like to stargaze, safety and security trump astronomy every time.”

“We need to dispense with the total misnomer 'light pollution'.

Agreed, wasted light would be a better description. Better designed lights that reflected more light downwards rather than allowing it to 'leak' upwards would lead to better lit streets or a reduction in the energy required to provide the current level of lighting.”

“It's not a misnomer, look at the definition of pollute.

You also don't have to chose between seeing where you're going and seeing the stars - the problem is most street lighting for example is not fit for purpose. We pay a lot of money to make that orange glow and it doesn't help anybody do anything.”

“Turn them all off after a certain time at night, apart from those at road junctions. The money saved can be used for other things and saving the planets resources at the same time.”

“"It's not a misnomer, look at the definition of pollute."

Pollution: the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects.

So, not pollution then.”

“pol·lute

2. To make less suitable for an activity, especially by the introduction of unwanted factors: The stadium lights polluted the sky around the observatory.

http://tinyurl.com/clb383x”

“Oh joy, a game of link wars with the resident pedant.

http://tinyurl.com/bnhmmgb
http://tinyurl.com/cvmqbnt”