What is Light Pollution? Light pollution is the result of poorly designed, improperly installed, and overly bright outdoor lighting. Some of the components of light pollution are Urban Sky Glow, Light Trespass, Visual Clutter, Glare, and Energy Waste. Surprisingly there are solutions to all these problems in which everybody is a winner. Modern outdoor lighting fixtures are being introduced that effectively address these issues. Many of these new fixtures are made to look nostalgic, while still offering quality lighting. This is important if you or your town like the historic look, yet demand a safe environment for pedestrians and motorist.

Components of Light Pollution 1) Urban Sky Glow This is what you see when you look at a city from a distance, a dome of light covering a large area of the sky and blocking your view of the stars. Proof that you don't have to live in the city to effected by it wasteful lighting. 2) Light Trespass The light from a neighbor, business, roadway, billboard etc. shining onto your property without your consent. This is similar to someone playing their stereo loudly late at night keeping you awake. 3) Visual Clutter Simply put, too much light. This can make it difficult to find your way around at night, Confusing to both visitors as well as the elderly, not a nice welcome mat. 4) Glare This is when light shines directly into your eyes, like an oncoming car with high beams. Glare often makes it difficult to see the traffic lights, roadway & lane boundaries and even pedestrians. There is nothing good to said about glare, it is most often the result of poorly aimed lighting. Remember if you can see the light bulb, it is probably causing glare. 5) Energy Waste Light shining outward and upward into the sky is wasted. This waste is estimated at costing over One Billion Dollars a year in the United States alone, with recent figures reaching as high as Two Billion Dollars. This is a lot of money to see the bottoms of clouds, birds, and airplanes.

	Take Action NOW! Learn more about Light Pollution by visiting the following web sites. Then start contacting local schools, astronomy clubs, environmental centers, city, county, and state officials asking that a comprehensive outdoor lighting ordinance be developed that can address these problems. We CAN have effective outdoor lighting without destroying our view of the stars, but not unless YOU help make it happen! Citizens for Responsible Lighting (CRL) & International Darksky Association (IDA) Go to Top