After hearing a minister decry the commercialized
trivialization of the important messages associated with the holidays during
this year's Christmas Eve service, I was struck by the power of a candle in its ability
to stir the soul. And yet, two nights later, my wife and I joined the thousands of people who are flocking to Morton Arboretum
to see
Illumination, a new kind of holiday
lighting display. The display is truly
enchanting and unique. The display
requires visitors to walk around Meadow Lake and up the small hill. Walking the
path reveals an enchanting display of color and motion with interesting
opportunities for visitors to interact with the display. There are stations along the route for
buying hot chocolate and cider (and yes, “spiked” if you want it) and there
were several warming campfires. I must say the
Arboretum did well in making this an enjoyable family experience.
The light changes colors and brightness, with spotlights
shining up into the trees. Some of the
lights are in motion, while others were stationary but revealing the beauty and
texture of tree bark and branches. There
are several opportunities for interaction between trees and visitors, including the ability
to cause trees to light up in response to a tight tree-hugging. My favorite is the ability of visitors to
project images of their own faces into the tree canopy.
Although Illumination allows us to see trees in a new light,
I noticed it has a tendency to reduce human interaction with nature on nature’s
terms; it becomes a more abstract entertainment experience. You may disagree with me on this point, and I
welcome your thoughts.
If nothing else, Illumination shows how far light-emitting
diode (LED) technology has come in just a few years. The lights at Illumination, which are mostly
focused beams of light, are absolutely intense when viewed up close, and can be
used more creatively than incandescent lamps.
As a side note, some incandescent bulbs will soon be disappearing from
store shelves due to tightening federal
energy efficiency standards, but this may not be noticed once consumers find
out how many amazing new bulbs that are now becoming available. We are in the midst of the most significant
lighting revolution since the light bulb was made practical over a hundred years
ago by Thomas Edison.
ComEd is a
co-sponsor, and is a promoter of LED technology, as is the Cool Cities
movement.
Because of environmental concerns about the promise and
peril of LEDs and the possibility of the exhibit encouraging more backsliding
on society’s efforts, such as they are, to reduce light pollution, I had
engaged the Arboretum staff in some discussion about the sustainable aspects of
this display. The brochure states the
display uses as much energy as three homes. I have not seen the math used to arrive
at that figure, but there is a fallacy in arguing that LEDs are “green” when you are
burning energy to save energy, a lot like spending money at a retail store
where they say “you saved money today.”
We all know better. Don’t we? LED lights are indeed more energy efficient
than older incandescent lamps, but adding this new event at Morton Arboretum –
even if we judge it worthwhile – represents a carbon footprint increase for the
institution.
The Arboretum correctly points out that this is a family experience
for the holidays. In that respect, the
display truly shines. It also offers visitors a new experience at gazing at the
structure of trees. And of course, it is
bringing in more money to support good tree advocacy and research
programs. Finally, Arboretum staff claimed they gave
serious consideration to ecological concerns such as having a winter time display that has minimal effects on insect life.
So should you try this at home? Arguably not! The
Arboretum had access to a professional lighting company known for supporting
sporting events and rock concerts that has access to the latest technology. The Arboretum has large grounds suitable for
such a display.
But as soon as this
technology begins to trickle into big-box retailing environment, I expect to
see more amateur lighting projects popping up in suburban backyards. I do not believe homeowners are as
knowledgeable or sensitive as the Arboretum may have attempted to be. Homeowners will try to make it a year-round
experience, and may have a negative impact on neighbors. It will also make it even harder to see the
stars at night. As pointed out by
darksky advocates an entire generation of Chicago area residents has grown up
without seeing the moist magical light show of all - the aurora borealis and
the Milky Way. My suggestion: we leave
displays like Illumination to the professionals, as we should do with large fireworks. The environmental movement should not
deprive us of the human need to celebrate the darkness of winter and the magic
of holidays with light. It is indeed
important to us. So leave home with your
family and visit a large display such as Illumination. With the money you save
by not buying all of the latest gadgets and technology that will soon become
available, consider making a donation to an institution like Morton Arboretum,
or any environmental group you choose, with the money you save.
Perhaps it is another zoo-light experience done differently,
but soon it will be over, and the natural environment of the Arboretum will
return to peaceful slumber during the stillness and darkness of night as nature
rests for the winter.
Illumination continues through January 4, 2014 at the
Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
-Jeff Gahris
