A story by Michael LaTour. This article is also featured in the July 7, 2023, issue of The Ripple.

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The first time I laid eyes upon the Milky Way was a moment of profound beauty and revelation. It happened when my wife and I were vacationing in Arizona a few months before our daughter was born. Tears welled up in my eyes as I gazed up at the night sky, devoid of light pollution, and connected with something so fundamental to the human experience. My encounter was a transformative one which planted a seed in my mind, prompting me to take action to protect and preserve this awe-inspiring wonder for future generations.

The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) stands as a leading force in the battle against light pollution, spearheading efforts to preserve our pristine night skies. Guided by the IDA's Five Basics of Lighting, a beacon of wisdom for individuals, communities, and businesses, we gain access to invaluable insights on mitigating light pollution. With a commitment to minimizing our own impact, our family has consciously adopted practices that prioritize responsible lighting. When we retreat indoors, we ensure that all exterior lighting remains switched off, embracing the darkness, and allowing the natural beauty of the night to prevail undisturbed. When illumination is necessary, we opt for warm color temperature (< 2700K Kelvin) lighting, keeping brightness levels no higher than essential and implementing motion sensors to prevent unintentional waste. As part of our ongoing dedication, we envision a future where our outdoor lighting fixtures will be replaced with fully shielded alternatives, purposefully designed to eliminate light scatter, preventing unnecessary illumination in outward and upward directions. In embracing these measures, we strive to champion the cause of dark sky preservation and inspire others to do the same.

Over the past decade, there has been a growing recognition of the ecological impacts of artificial lighting, leading to a surge in scientific studies and research initiatives. The introduction of violet-blue spectrum lighting, prevalent in the installation of modern LED streetlights, poses a grave threat to nocturnal pollinators, as it disrupts their behavior and can also have repercussions on human health. Mounting evidence suggests that blue-spectrum lighting can disturb our circadian rhythms and contribute to various health issues. Moreover, the adverse effects of light pollution extend beyond pollinators, encompassing a wide array of animals, plants, and ecological processes that rely on darkness for hunting, concealment, and overall ecological balance.

As our understanding of the profound impacts of light pollution on ecosystems deepens, we have embraced interpersonal action to amplify our efforts. We passionately share our growing knowledge with friends, family, local businesses, and neighbors, striving to raise awareness and broaden our sphere of influence. Engaging in conversations with others about light pollution may not always yield immediate success, but we remain steadfast in our hope of gradually changing hearts and minds on the subject. We approach these conversations with empathy and compassion, recognizing the significance of building understanding over time. Though the task may at times seem daunting, we find solace and support in being part of a larger community of like-minded individuals who share our interests and passions. The IDA's Advocate Network stands as a testament to the power of a global community united in its dedication to protecting the night from light pollution, and our participation in this network has been heartwarming. In furtherance of our interpersonal action, we harness the power of our nightscape photography to capture and convey the mesmerizing beauty of the nocturnal sky, even in our near proximity to the urban environment. Through captivating visual narratives, we strive to unveil the sheer magnitude of the celestial wonders above us, fostering a collective fascination that inspires a shared commitment to safeguarding this irreplaceable natural resource. In our united pursuit, we utilize education, visual storytelling, and advocacy as our tools, diligently working to instill a sense of urgency and ignite a call to action.

Driven by a commitment to civic action, I have taken steps to address the issue of light pollution by reaching out to one of my state representatives. While I recognize the importance of engaging at the state level, I understand that effecting change may have a more meaningful impact at the local level. Like many others, I am relatively new to community involvement and city council meetings. To enhance my skills and knowledge in effectively communicating and participating in such endeavors, I enrolled in an online course called The Ripple Effect offered by the Cincinnati Nature Center. The Ripple Effect course equips students with the tools to create change by embracing personal, interpersonal, and civic action, emphasizing the value of empathy and compassion in conversations and interactions.

Though I have yet to attend any city council meetings in my immediate vicinity, I am actively planning to do so in the near future. The essence of the issue lies not in a complete elimination of artificial lighting, but rather in utilizing the right kind of lights in appropriate ways. Implementing measures such as a light trespass ordinance, reducing light intensity during non-peak hours overnight, or imposing restrictions on particularly detrimental lighting types can significantly mitigate the amount of light pollution emanating from my local town. Small adjustments to existing lighting systems can also make a notable difference.

By advocating for sensible and responsible lighting practices, I believe that we can make a positive impact on reducing light pollution. It is through these individual and collective efforts, supported by education and engagement, that we can pave the way for a more harmonious coexistence between our human communities and the natural world.

Click on the links below to learn more:

Click here to read Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting

Click here to read The Night Shift: Moths as Nocturnal Pollinators

Click here to read Satellite Megaconstellations are Threatening Astronomy. What can be done?

Click here to read AMA Report Affirms Human Health Impacts from LEDs