'Lights Out' aims to protect birds and curb light pollution in Greensboro

An annual program designed to protect our avian friends kicks off later this month. 

The initiative is called “Lights Out,” and it's a partnership between the City of Greensboro and a local chapter of the National Audubon Society. It aims to safeguard migrating birds and help reduce electricity usage.

The program asks that people who run tall and large buildings and facilities in the area shut off or conceal interior and exterior lights, to whatever extent they can, between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

According to a press release, data from the Audobon Society shows that up to a billion bird deaths in the country are caused by colliding with glass windows. This statistic is thought to be a contributing factor to a nearly 30% decline in bird populations over the last five decades.

An added benefit of “Lights Out” is reduced light pollution. That’s the excessive use of artificial lighting that’s linked to sleep disruption, night-sky obstruction, and increased carbon dioxide.

Almost 50 cities in the United States utilize the program, including Charlotte, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem.