Dark Skies

You are an important force for protecting the night.

Here are some steps you can take to get started:

1. Get alerted to our calls to action!
   If you’re not one already, become an IDA member and receive our periodic action alerts giving you the opportunity to have your voice heard on late-breaking issues. And let us know what’s happening in your area as new threats and opportunities to protect the night skies arise. You are our eyes and ears on the ground.
2. Assess the lighting around your residence.
   Poor lighting not only creates glare and light pollution but also wastes enormous amounts of energy and money. Take a few moments to inspect your property for inefficient, poorly installed, and unnecessary outdoor lighting. Learn how by visiting our Residential/Business Lighting page.
3. Use dark sky friendly lighting at your home and business.
   Look for the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) Fixture Seal Of Approval on any outdoor lighting you purchase. IDA maintains a searchable database of lighting products certified to minimize glare, light trespass, and skyglow. These products are recommended when replacing outdated or inappropriate lighting fixtures.
4. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors.
   You can be a powerful dark sky advocate for your neighborhood, your city, and even your state and country. Solving the light pollution problem involves raising awareness of the issue so that people are empowered to make better decisions as consumers, voters and community members. Use some of our resources like our General Brochure, “Losing the Dark Film” or Mobile Apps to help spread the word.
5. Spread the word online!
   Engage your online community about the issues and explain why to support IDA. Also, be sure to let them know about joining our email list to receive our monthly e-newsletter and other timely information. They – and you – can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
6. Become a citizen scientist.
   Be part of a global community that is helping scientists measure and study light pollution. There are several ways to help. No experience necessary!
7. Join IDA’s advocate network.
   IDA’s Advocate Network is a global community united in its efforts to protect the night from light pollution.  Check out the work of some of our advocates, see a map of advocates around the world, and submit your interest in joining here.
8. Shop IDA!
   Buy things you love and support IDA with a percentage of your purchase going to save dark skies. IDA participates in the Amazon Smiles Program.Show your support for dark skies with IDA-branded t-shirts and other merch in our online Bonfire shop.
9. Set up an outreach table at a local event.
   We have public outreach materials that you can use to educate your community about light pollution and protecting the night skies.
10. Advocate for a lighting ordinance in your town.
    Local lighting ordinances ensure that your municipality is addressing artificial light at night. Find out if your town has a lighting ordinance. If not, try working with them to pass one. If your town does have an ordinance, make sure that it’s being enforced.
11. Visit an International Dark Sky Place!
    IDA’s Dark Sky Places program recognizes locations with exceptionally dark skies and local efforts to keep them that way. Many of these places are state or national parks. By visiting these locations your tourism dollars help sustain and protect these rare and fragile locales for the benefit of future generations. Find a Dark Sky Place.