Turtle Friendly Lighting
At Lightstar, we don't just make design or commerce choices, we make the right choices, and a sympathetic approach to our fragile ecosystem is essential.
Throughout the Caribbean female turtles return to the exact same beach they were born on to nest. The hatchlings normally emerge at night, between 6 pm and 6 am and use moonlight to guide them into the sea. Sadly, pollution from artificial white light emanating from our ever-increasing beachfront hotels, condos, and restaurants affects thousands of sea turtles every year. These lights disorientate the hatchlings, causing them to crawl inland towards it instead of into the ocean.
Research has shown that sea turtles are less affected by lighting within specific wavelengths. Long-wavelength lighting such as Amber LEDs is less disruptive than white light. Typical area and site lighting producing white light contains higher blue content and can confuse baby hatchlings relying on moonlight to guide them. In a 2000 STC study at Gulf Islands National Seashore, a worrying 45% of the nests hatched were disoriented by the lights from the neighbouring buildings. Amber LED sources that are low-glare and properly shielded help minimize this confusion.
Hunza, known internationally for exemplary quality, durability and design, can adapt any of their downlights to be turtle-friendly, which is quite impressive. They use a specific amber light source that meets the required nanometer range and add cut-off accessories to ensure total compliance. Likewise, with their bollards, using their hood accessory, and if the placement is waterside, a 90-degree shield. Each Hunza light is meticulously crafted using the latest CNC machining technology and then hand-assembled by people who take personal pride in the quality of each product. They use only high-quality, durable materials and components, including natural copper, 316 stainless steel and machine-grade alloys. Their designs withstand climatic and environmental extremes with a focus on customer safety, functionality, ease of installation and low maintenance while keeping sustainability top of mind.
The Hunza Spike Spot Stake Mount is designed for easy insertion into the earth and can be easily aimed by angling the luminaire in the desired direction. This fixture is ideal for illuminating bushes and trees from ground level. This version of the Spike Spot has the power wires exiting through the knuckle under the stake.
The Hunza Euro Spot is an extra compact luminaire, designed for situations where the fixture needs to be very unobtrusive or concealed. This luminaire has a built-in glare guard and can be mounted in a variety of outdoor situations.
Hunza Glare Guards are a modular accessory suitable for many Hunza MR16 luminaires. They serve two purposes: firstly, to protect the eye from the direct glare or sparkle effect from the lamp; secondly, to provide an adjustable shield to direct unwanted light away from passers-by.
