·    Talk about light pollution and dark sky efforts with friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and anybody who will listen. Many people do not think of light pollution as an environmental or energy problem, but it is! The energy that we use lighting up our cities at night is mostly produced in coal powered plants for us here in Texas, and we all know that coal plants produce CO2, which is a known Greenhouse Gas. Thus, light pollution not only takes away our night sky, but further contributes to the warming of the Earth. When you tell people about the implications of light pollution, not only will they listen, but they will want to get involved.

·    Present your knowledge and data to local city leaders and committees. Recommend to them that they need an outdoor lighting ordinance to curb ineffective and poor outdoor lighting practices. Many Texas cities already have outdoor lighting ordinances and restrictions in place.  See our “Local Ordinances” section. Sometimes it is easier to look at one of these while creating your own ordinance.

·    Be persistent! We have received countless emails from Texans who have been involved in some dispute over outdoor lighting with their neighbors, local businesses, or a city. Many times they will just want to give up, but it is important to work things out with them. Approaching a situation with a good attitude, facts and figures, and an understanding of the issue, will usually resolve any dispute. It is important that you approach neighbors who have lights that shine in your yard. Recommend a shield or new light fixture. Many local hardware stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot sell effective, dark-sky friendly, outdoor lights. Whatever you do, stay with it!

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