We all know that LEDs are better for the environment, mainly because they use less energy than incandescent, fluorescent and halogen lights. And less energy usage means fewer carbon emissions, which in turn creates a healthier planet. But it turns out that LEDs are the better choice for some life forms inhabiting our planet as well. Case in point: endangered sea turtles living in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Florida coast.
Your browser may not support display of this image.
Summertime in Florida means nesting season for three types of sea turtles: threatened loggerhead, endangered green and endangered leatherback. Both nesting females and hatchlings have evolved to search for the bright horizon above the open water as they make their way into the ocean at night. This means that the light from beach houses, flashlights and lanterns can confuse the turtles and cause them to remain stranded on the beach.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has asked residents and night-time beach goers to shut off all lights after dark to help preserve the turtles, and ensure they make the trek from land to water safely. The FWC suggests instead to use red or amber LED lights, since they give off a longer-wavelength light, which does not interfere with the turtles’ mating, nesting and migration habits.
So if you live on the beach and still want to safely light your beachfront staircase, deck or patio, try using our LED Multi Color strips in red or orange, our RGB led strips or maybe our dimmable led lights. Or, if you use our RGB Remote Control LED Light Bulb, which will allow you to use a turtle-friendly colored light during the nesting season, and switch to a brighter white or yellow during the winter months. Trust me, the turtles will thank you.
