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A New York Times editorial stated: "Scientists are only now studying how perpetual twilight affects the lives of birds and other animals, but there is no doubt that a clear, starry night has become a diminishing human pleasure."
"America's public spaces and commercial centers are purposely lit all night: rationalized as a weapon in the "war on crime", but showing, really, a rigid child-like fear of darkness," writes John Laumer at TreeHugger.com.
The Times adds: "Environmentalists, most notably the Arizona-based International Dark-Sky Association, have begun pushing for ways to preserve as much of the night sky as possible. The organization also helps promote dark parks where visitors can observe a starry night, if not like Galileo's, at least like those still visible a few decades ago."
Here are the goals of the International Dark-Sky Association:
1. Stop the adverse effects of light pollution, including:
- Energy waste, and the air and water pollution caused by energy waste
- Harm to human health
- Harm to nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems
- Reduced safety and security
- Reduced visibility at night
- Poor nighttime ambience; and
2. Raise awareness about light pollution, its adverse effects, and its solutions; and
3. Educate about the values of quality outdoor lighting.
In case you're wondering, here's why the sky is dark at night.
Interested in getting started with a green lifestyle? Checkout Planet Green's How To Go Green: Lighting.
