Nowadays, a truly dark night has become a rarity. Excessive artificial light, also known as light pollution or light nuisance, has a significant impact on our environment. It disrupts the nocturnal biorhythms of humans, plants, and animals. Nocturnal creatures such as owls, bats, and moths are particularly affected by bright outdoor lighting.
By participating in the Night of Darkness, Riemst aims to show that things can be done differently. By occasionally turning off the lights, we save energy and restore peace to the nocturnal nature.
During the weekend of October 10, targeted measures will be taken throughout the municipality: the street lighting in all villages of Riemst will be turned off on the night of Saturday, October 10 to Sunday, October 11. The exterior lighting of the 12 churches will be switched off on Friday evening, October 9, and will remain off until Monday, October 12.
Residents can also contribute by simply turning off their own garden or facade lighting on Saturday evening. The municipality encourages everyone to step outside briefly to truly experience the silence, tranquility, and the magnificent starry sky above our Riemst villages without the disruptive glow of streetlights.
More information about the initiative and the impact of light pollution can be found at nachtvandeduisternis.be. For questions, please contact the environmental department of Riemst at milieu@riemst.be.
