5 Ways To Reduce Light Pollution - Core Glow with the International Dark-Sky Association

For hours into the night, well past midnight, light pollution is spreading across the globe - lights are on everywhere, sucking up precious electricity, disturbing the circadian rhythms of macro and microorganisms, and blocking the view of our galactic neighbourhood. Very bad indeed!

Light pollution - beautiful and deadly.


Organizations such as the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) are taking up the cause; approving dark-sky friendly appliances, offering tips to reduce your light-impact, and working with policy-makers to improve light-pollution legislation. 

Here is an interview with astronomer, Dean Regas, discussing the importance of protecting our night skies along with a brief introduction to the work of the IDA. 

Here are five ways you can reduce light pollution and help preserve Dark Skies in your area of the world. 

1. Use Core Glow stones for all your Outdoor Night Lighting:

Core Glow stones only emit 5-7 candelas of light and do not 'cast' light as electric lights do. The ambient glow from Core Glow stones is not a source of light pollution and does not contribute to bright skies at night. Use Core Glow stones to line pathways, steps, and more outdoors instead of bright electric lights. Even better - Core Glow stones do not break and do not require technical expertise to use. Reduce your resource and light pollution impact by choosing Core Glow. 

In fact, Core Glow stones can be used as light pollution indicators. If you are able to see the glow at night, that means you are in an area with low light pollution (lucky you!). If the glow is faint or not visible, that means you are in an area where light pollution is high. Use your Core Glow stones to test your home, yard, and neighbourhood for light pollution hot spots, as well as to find the best Dark Sky spots. 

2. Only purchase IDA Approved light fixtures:

The International Dark Sky Association certifies dark sky friendly light fixtures that meet their rigorous guidelines. Look for this symbol when you are purchasing new lights: 

The Fixture Seal of Approval provides objective, third-party certification for luminaires that minimize glare, reduce light trespass, and don’t pollute the night sky. You can also help by using energy-saving features such as timers, motion sensors, and dimmers; ensuring your light fixtures are shielded so light shines down, not up; and installing lights only when and where they are needed.

From IDA Light Pollution Brochure

3. Talk to your local representatives and support Dark Sky initiatives:

From the IDA website: in 2011 IDA and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America approved the Model Lighting Ordinance, an outdoor lighting template designed to help municipalities develop outdoor lighting standards that reduce glare, light trespass, and skyglow. Follow the tips on the IDA page to set up a policy in your own community, or to support a policy that is already in place. 

4. Set an example - Turn your lights off!

Join Core Glow in the easiest way to help reduce light pollution - turn your lights off! Not only does this help reduce light pollution, but it also reduces your energy bill and carbon emissions, as well as revealing the beauty of our world in darkness.