Birds, insects, mammals, and even humans, evolved a circadian rhythm. The balance between day and night has tipped decidedly toward 24 hour daytime. Below are estimated impacts by the International Dark Sky Association.
Light Pollution News
A Podcast Shedding the Light Only Where Needed
Featured Episodes
March 2025: Follow Where Others Are Going.
Host: Bill McGeeney
Guests:
- Art Hushen, National Institute of Crime Prevention
- Jeff Schmalz, Founder of r/DarkSky
- Spencer SooHoo, Los Angeles County based Starry Sky Advocate.
Today, we talk lighting and crime, look at the importance of coalition building, and what would you say about some visually impressive light art?
This month, on the show I welcome Los Angeles dark sky advocate, Spencer SooHoo; the founder of the Dark Skies subredit, Jeff Schmalz; and the law enforcement veteran and educator, Art Hushen!
April 2025: Shadow Cast!
Host: Bill McGeeney
Guests:
- Stephanie Vermillion, Travel Writer and Author.
- Shane Ludtke, Host of the Actual Astronomy Podcast
- Traci Cardinal, President, Dark Sky Ohio.
This week, we learn about an airport that has started down its path to become Dark Sky certified, have you heard of the cautionary tale of Goldendale, WA? We’ll be sure to fill you in!…and we learn about the one noctourism adventure that you need to check off of your list in 2025!
This month, I welcome Dark Sky Ohio’s Traci Cardinal, the Actual Astronomy Podcast’s Shane Ludtke, and author, travel writer, Stephanie Vermillion!
April 2025: Typerwriters and Candlesnuff!
Host: Bill McGeeney
Guests:
- Stephanie Vermillion, Travel Writer and Author.
- Shane Ludtke, Host of the Actual Astronomy Podcast
- Traci Cardinal, President, Dark Sky Ohio.
Today, are e-ink outdoor displays the wave of the future? More proof that shielded street lights do more than just keep the light out of your bedroom! And have you ever wanted to stargaze but live in a bright night city, hogwash, we help you find something great to look at tonight!
This month, we welcome back author and travel writer, Stephanie Vermillion; Dark Sky Ohio’s Traci Cardinal, and the Actual Astronomy Podcast’s Shane Ludtke!
Helpful Tips!
Solution to Reduce Light Pollution: 10 Easy Ways
When we start thinking about the issue of light pollution, like many other environmental issues, it can seem like an impossible problem to fix. Luckily, light pollution is technically the most easily reversible form of pollution. If you are interested in reducing light pollution, the best way to start is at home. We have 10 easy steps you can follow to inventory your home lighting to decrease the amount of light pollution coming from your home.
How Many Lumens Do You Need for Outdoor Lighting?
When installing or replacing outdoor lights, brightness of the lights (lumens) is an important factor that needs to be considered. The amount of lumens needed will depend on the application. This will range from 12-800 lumens depending on the purpose of the light.
We recommend going on the lower end when possible, this will not only save on energy costs, but it will help to decrease your contribution to light pollution. You can also add additional lights, or go with a brighter light bulb if you find you need a brighter light for your outdoor lighting.
Best Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Backyard Landscape.
Many people put a lot of time, money, and effort into their outdoor spaces. Lights are a great way to enjoy your outdoor living space at all times of the day. We believe that less is more when it comes to lighting. Too much lighting and everything will be bathed in a generic glow, the play of light and shadows allows for a much more dramatic effect and will allow certain areas and features to be highlighted. We have some great dark sky friendly lighting options for all your outdoor lighting needs.
Do We Need All Of That Light?
Protect Our Night
Annual Estimated Cost of Exterior Lighting
50B USD
US Department of Energy Estimated Percentage Resulting in Wasted Light
99%
Annual American Consumption of Outdoor Lighting.
308 tWH
Light Pollution in Numbers
Excess and Unnecessary Light Have Consequences.
875,000,000
Trees Needed to Offset CO2 Emissions from Outdoor Lighting in the US Per Year, via the International Dark Sky Association.
99%
Americans and Europeans who can’t see the Milky Way, per National Geographic.
1,000,000,000
Estimated bird deaths annually due to factors including building lights, per NPR
2x
Black, Hispanic and Asian Americans are 2x more likely to live in heavily light polluted environments according to 2020 Study.