Restoring Darkness

Join hosts Mark and Michael as they sit down with Larry Boxer, an optical engineer with over 30 years of experience in lighting innovation. This episode dives deep into the science behind lighting design, discussing its impact on human health, night environments, and the evolving challenges brought on by LEDs. Larry offers an insider’s perspective on optical engineering and shares groundbreaking insights into creating illumination that's effective and people-friendly. 💡✨ Perfect for professionals in lighting, design, sustainability, or anyone curious about how light shapes our world. 

Connect with Larry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-b-6117b67

Highlights from this episode:
 - Dark Sky Week!
 - Hospital Design
 - Migration Season
 - Policy Engagement

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/

Headlines and Sources can be found at www.RestoringDarkness.com

In a thought-provoking episode of Restoring Darkness, Michael Colligan, Mark Baker, and Dr. Amardeep Dugar rethink lighting design, challenging outdated metrics and advocating for life-centric lighting—an approach that considers the broader ecological impact of artificial light. 

🌍 Key Takeaways: 

🔥 It’s time to move beyond “brighter is better” and embrace sustainable, thoughtful lighting that respects all species. What’s your take on life-centric lighting? Let’s spark the conversation! 🚀 #LightingDesign #DarknessMatters #SustainableLighting #RestoringDarkness 

Connect with Dr. Dugar: 

Facebook - @lightingrnd / Amardeep Dugar 

Instagram - @lightingrnd / @amardeeppm 

 Sponsor: Tesla Induction Lighting Company www.TeslaInductionLightingCompany.com

Highlights from this episode:
 - 3-Way Conflicts
 - Alignments
 - Dark Sky Week
 - Lawsuits

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle

Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/

Headlines and Sources can be found at www.RestoringDarkness.com

In this episode of Restoring Darkness, Michael Colligan, Mark Baker, and Scott Wachter unpack the hidden dangers of light pollution, from LED-induced migraines to its role in societal chaos. They expose how the lighting industry’s shift from bulbs to LEDs dodged accountability, while personal responsibility narratives shield systemic failures. With the NHTSA banning flashing LED vehicle lights and lawsuits looming, the trio challenges the myth that brighter nights mean safer streets, revealing a world where light might just be the spark for unrest—and a call for industry reckoning grows louder.

Key Takeaways

Highlights from this episode:

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/

Headlines and Sources can be found at www.RestoringDarkness.com

Scott Wachter takes a break, from talking about light pollution to explain why the 2003 Sunrise TV anime, Planetes, informs his coverage of space junk on the Darkness News Update.

This review episode is sponsored by Hobbylink Japan

Highlights from this episode:

Intro and outro music by Doctor Turtle 

Sponsored by The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors visit https://naild.org/

Headlines and Sources can be found at RestoringDarkness.com

Nadine brings us a completely different perspective on the light pollution issue. We in the peaceful, prosperous parts of the world debate how to deal with light pollution, what color temperatures to use, and when to turn it off. There are parts of the world where light is scarce and whether it is 2200k or 5600k, it doesn’t matter. Some people just need light for survival. When missiles are landing and you need to get away from the window, you need to see where to dive on the floor. Nadine has experience in a place where light pollution isn’t on the radar. Nadine Baalbaki, holder of a Master’s Degree in Architecture, commenced her journey in lighting design two decades ago at Hilights, an esteemed lighting design firm in Lebanon renowned for shaping iconic projects across Lebanon and the GCC region. In 2013, she transitioned to Viabizzuno's Dubai office, assuming leadership of the design team and integrating light and architecture to create immersive environments. Amidst the pandemic's challenges, Nadine founded Light the Detail, a social media platform dedicated to raising awareness about lighting and its profound impact on mental and physical well-being. Today, Light The Detail stands as an independent lighting design practice boasting a diverse portfolio spanning commercial, office, landscape, restaurant, and hospitality projects, with a particular focus on high-end residential spaces. Nadine was guest speaker at Light+Intelligent Building Middle East, and took part in several lighting workshops in Dubai. She recently joined The Lighting Police as a core team member, driven by a mission to highlight the significance of proper lighting. Beyond her professional endeavors, Nadine is a mother of two teenagers, constantly seeking the right balance between family and work. Her personal escape? The 3S recipe—Sun, Sand, and Sea—her go-to mental detox. Through her journey in lighting design, Nadine has learned to discern and prioritize what truly matters, shedding light on the essential and finding beauty amidst the shadows.

Connect with Nadine: linkedin.com/in/nadine-baalbaki-b43ba39a

When’s the last time you spoke at the U.N.? Well, 15 year old Rushil Kukreja has done it. This smart kid is taking action on light pollution. His website, princia.org, is dedicated to “combatting light pollution and preserving the natural beauty of our night skies.” As part of a science fair project, Rushil invented a window that will turn opaque when it senses more light inside the building than outside. If you can’t help fight light pollution, get out of Rushil’s way.

Rushil Kukreja is a junior at TJHSST and the Founder and President of Princia, the only student-run nonprofit dedicated to solving light pollution, leading over 250 advocates across six continents. He has spoken at the United Nations General Assembly, earned a grant from Cornell University, and is working with lawmakers in 8 states, advocating for policy changes to mitigate light pollution’s environmental and health impacts. As an astrophysics researcher and aerospace innovator, Rushil combines scientific expertise with advocacy to drive sustainable lighting solutions worldwide.