Imagine sitting in front of a plate of your favorite seafood meal; let’s say sauteed shrimp and crab with cream sauce over pasta. Sound good? Now imagine devouring every single scrumptious bite. Next, imagine never partaking in this meal again because it no longer exists. It sounds a little farfetched, but this may be our reality in the not so far future. Unless you are a marine biologist or turtle enthusiast the importance of lighting technologies may not register. Our latest innovative lamp is certified by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and aids in creating a less unsettling environment for nesting and hatching sea turtles. But why does this matter?

According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, sea turtles are in big trouble, particularly the hatchlings. More than ever before, mother turtles are experiencing difficulty nesting due to an influx of human development along shorelines. As homes and businesses pop up near the sea, they introduce an increased usage of artificial lighting, disrupting nesting mother turtles looking for a place to produce her hatchlings. When tiny hatchlings emerge they are naturally drawn to light reflecting off the ocean. In the past this natural light came from the moon. Confused and eager, the tiny turtles are captivated by false lighting that draws them away from the ocean. Misdirected baby turtles may fall victim to thirst, moving vehicles or the unwanted grips of predators, ultimately resulting in death. Our new environmental bulb is 125 lumens, emphasizing amber lighting which is not as troublesome for sea turtles. The lights are especially effective when paired with fixtures that help in guarding the light. Using less power than your typical incandescent lights, the Lighting Science My Nature Coastal LED lamp provides a whopping 50,000 life hours, plenty of light to enjoy the greatness of the sea safely and be a turtle hero.

Though the species is endangered, sea turtles still play a major role in the ecosystem, helping to maintain healthy sea grass levels. Green sea turtles live off an abundance of sea grass. Just like the grass on your lawn, sea grass must be trimmed and cut for proper maintenance. Think of green sea turtles as living ocean lawnmowers. The sea grass beds serve as breeding grounds for many shellfish, fish, and crustaceans. Without proper breeding grounds these organisms cannot thrive properly which creates the threat of scarcity or worse, depletion. 

But there’s hope. Today is a great day to do something for the environment. Many companies are making the conscious decision to become more ecologically friendly with their products, like the Lighting Science My Nature Coastal lamp. This lamp helps to ensure that hatchlings are guided right into their home, the ocean. Another awesome thing about this 65 watt equivalent bulb is it’s 100% recyclable, free of mercury and lead.

So, the next time you are walking along the shore, take a moment to see the ‘light.’ Just think, with only a few bucks you could change the environment and save lives. Plus, you will still be able to enjoy seafood for less than the cost of a car payment. 

Interested in learning more about our lights or have anything to add to this article regarding lighting and sea turtles, comment and share those awesome thoughts. Feel free to stop by our Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest or Twitter!