Most people do not think about the stars when they are putting together a lighting package for their home. As time passes and more homes are built, more lights are added to those homes and more light is added to the sky. All of this light pollution takes stars from our skys every day. If you have ever flown in an airplane you have seen how our home lights leak into the sky.
What is being done to police lighting pollution?
Not enough! There are organizations world wide that play a big part in trying to control the growing rate of light abuse in our night skies. So many people are unaware of light pollution and how it effects insects, animals and our own eyes wishing to see the beauty of the stars. These effects go deeper than just our needs now but to the creatures and children of the future.
The International Dark-Sky Association and how they help
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is an organization that has lead the fight against energy waste and light pollution since 1988. The IDA is based out of Arizona the home of the Grand Canyon land in its most beautiful form. There main focus is to inform and educate members and the public of the following effects.
- Light pollution on dark skies
- Air and water pollution from energy waste
- Harm to human health
- Harm to nocturnal wildlife
- Less safety and security
- Less nighttime visibility
- Less starry nights
- Raise awareness of light pollution
- Raise awareness of these issues
- Educate the values of efficient outdoor lighting
- Help stop other threats such as radio frequency interference and space debris
They are also a portal to all the other similar organizations around the world, light pollution forums, outdoor lighting installation guides, lighting issues and lighting laws. All these links are found on the IDA resources page.
You can participate in IDA’s rating lighting installations program. This program allows the IDA to gather information about how the average person is educated on light pollution. This is an easy 3 to 5 minute exercise that will assist the IDA with there fight against light pollution.
What type of light fixtures are Dark-Sky approved?
Dark-Sky approved light fixtures have received a Fixture Seal of Approval from the IDA. This approval is only given to light fixtures that minimize glare, reduce light trespass, and don’t pollute the night sky. The Minka Group is a supplier of full line of Dark-Sky approved outdoor light fixtures. The Minka Lavery Outdoor light fixtures come in a variety of styles and finishes.
Our night skies are precious to everything that experiences them. As individuals we can make a difference by educating ourselves and the people around us about light pollution and how to reduce it. Take an hour to do a little research and if you have a little extra cash donate it to the remaining stars worth fighting for.
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