Other significant concerns exist as well. Important also are the environmental effects of that energy, especially since so much of it is generated by coal-fired plants that are frequently older facilities exempt from Clean Air regulations. As a result of these and other considerations, a number of organizations have fostered solutions for light pollution. The IDA promotes the use of sensible and efficient lighting in both private and public applications. The organization also acts as an educational advocate for the implementation of lighting ordinances across the whole jurisdictional spectrum, from township to county to state, an endeavor that has seen many such efforts become law.
Most lighting ordinances share common sense guidelines for outdoor illumination.
Thus, good lighting uses only the amount of light necessary for a specific purpose, and that light is properly directed. Similarly, all lights should be mounted at the proper height to do their job while still avoiding glare and light trespass. Well, the next time you are out at night, inspect your own outdoor lighting. Do the same for your neighborhood and local commercial establishments, and share this information with your neighbors and with officials in charge of publicly funded lighting. Lastly, support the efforts to establish a statewide lighting ordinance by writing your state and local representatives.