Curbing Light Pollution

Most of us live in urban areas, comprised of streets, homes, offices, parking lots and other buildings. We use artificial light to brighten our homes and path ways in the dark. Rarely do we see stars. Maybe only a handful of them, and they seem to be few and far between. We plan vacations around being in the openness of the desert, mountains and valleys to soak up the beauty of the world's natural nighttime light.

As civilizations arise into industrial societies, artificial light is necessary to live, work and play. However most of the lights are being used improperly, compromising both the night sky as well as other inhabitants of the wild. Birds rely on night for proper mating and hunting, and turtles are distracted by artificial light and don't hatch eggs properly. While the necessity and use of lights are not in question, their design most certainly is.

All cities have ordinances preventing the incorrect use and design of lights. However, we've still tried to find a house for the first time and the porch lights are illuminating the garage or a tree instead of the address. We've all had to squint from the glare produced by lights to see if someone was on the other side of the door, car, or tree because drastic shadows were preventing us from seeing someone instead of allowing us to see that person.

There is a solution to light pollution, angle lights down towards the path you wish to illuminate, and create shields from preventing the light shining on the sky.

The International Dark Sky Association is the only non-profit created to preserve and protect the nighttime skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. It has created a program for communities, parks and reserves to aspire to be included in, for all who achieve this association are exceptional in their efforts of limiting light pollution.

For practical products and tips:

Guideline for Residencial Lighting.

Search approved fixtures.

Earth Hour 2013

Earth Hour began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia. People congregated on the harbor while homes and businesses turned off all of their lights. The city was dark, people were united and inspired.

Since then, Earth Hour has become the largest voluntary action for the environment, spanning 7000 cities and towns in 152 countries and territories on all 7 continents. On Saturday March 23, from 8:30-9:30 PM, you are encouraged to turn off your lights to conserve energy, and be part of a global effort for good.












Earth Hour was created to unite and empower people regardless of where in the world they live. It was created back in 2006 when sustainability was merely a blimp in our vocabulary radar, and definitely not affecting our every day lives. But as the world progressed towards deforestation, overpopulation, and exploitation of resources, we find ourselves in the middle of oil crises, superstorms, floods and the like.












Another goal of Earth Hour is to challenge people to change the world. Pledge what they can do to help save the planet we live on. Beyond the Hour and the 'I Will if You Will' campaign were launched in 2011 to continue the people's efforts throughout the year. The Girl Scouts of America changed over 130,000 light bulbs in community centers and homes in the US (equivalent to planting 7,000 acres of woodland every year!), in Russia after using Earth Hour efforts to get over 100,000 signatures, marine legislation was passed in Parliament. In France, legislation was passed that businesses turn lights off after 1 AM, saving both business money and emissions effecting the environment. But the ultimate goal of Earth Hour is to create a catalyst for sustainability efforts, and that 100% of power will be generated by renewable resources.

View the official Earth Hour video.

To find or create a local event, go here. Visit beyondthehour.org to see how you can make a difference all year or click here to make a pledge of what you would do to save the Earth.