The Republic | azcentral.com

1. See if your lights conform to the dark-skies checklist.

2. Approach neighbors about their lighting. People are usually receptive to changes as simple as putting security lighting on motion sensors.

3. Contact local officials. Does your homeowners association have lighting restrictions or guidelines? Does your city have a lighting ordinance?

4. Write local, state and federal officials. Explain why you're passionate about ending light pollution, whether it's to save energy, save tax dollars or to preserve nighttime views.

5. Ask lighting retailers what dark sky-friendly lighting they carry. Some pressure on retailers can get such lighting better positioned in stores.

6. Seek out environmental or conservation organizations in your community and ask if dark-skies preservation is on their agenda.

7. Visit certified Dark Sky Parks and sites. This helps sustain an economic incentive to protect the places that are still dark against the encroachment of city lights.



Source: John C. Barentine, International Dark-Sky Association

