[Seasons: Autumn IV]
After the summer solstice, days begin to shorten, but it’s not until the fall that we see the effects of less sun on the farm. The chicken egg production, for example, takes a noticeable dip. We could add artificial light to the chicken coop to maintain high productivity, but we choose not to. Honoring the circadian rhythms of chickens, while negatively effecting immediate output of eggs, is easily made up for in their longterm health (and happiness).
Somewhere in late October or early November, I notice that my morning routine requires artificial light. This is a critical milestone in the cycle of the seasons because artificial light not only gives light where natural darkness ought to be, it disconnects us from the natural timing of the sun, and therefor from nature.
Chicken egg output increases but their longevity decreases under conditions dictated by artificial light. It makes me wonder what the longterm effects might be of flipping on all those LEDs two hours before the sun awakens. I’m no luddite, but I’m growing more aware of the drawbacks of living a life disconnected from nature.
Often times the darkest place is just on the edge of the brightest (artificial) light. And from within the light, it’s impossible to see. What darkness is our artificial light blinding us too?
