Dark Sky Ordinances

What are dark-sky ordinances and why are they important?

The movement for dark-sky ordinances started when a few amateur astronomers realized that urban lights were blotting out the stars, causing a disruption in sleep for both wildlife and humans alike. This nocturnal light pollution hurts the environment and affects the feeding, mating, and living patterns of local wildlife.

To combat this effect, more and more communities are adopting dark-sky ordinances designed to limit the negative impact of artificial light. Compliance with the dark-sky regulations is the responsibility of not just the city, but homeowners within those zones as well, all designed to stop skyglow.

Skyglow is the reflection of light caused by the saturation of artificial light. It’s the orange glow in populated areas that prevents one from seeing the stars. Dark-sky rules are designed to combat this and use a variety of methods to reduce or illuminate this light pollution. In addition to limiting the time and type of lighting, they also employ specific light strategies to comply with the ordinances.

Homeowners in a dark-sky location must also adjust the lighting on their property to avoid citations. As with commercial properties, the use of directional lights, lower “lamp” bulbs, and compliant fixtures allow the homeowner to have adequate lighting, while observing dark-sky practices.

The International Dark-Sky Association, or IDA, offers resources for communities, business owners and homeowners that identify best practices and compliant lighting strategies. As more cities recognize the benefits of dark-sky policies on the environment and their citizens, expect to find more dark-sky ordinances across the country.

Even if your area does not have one of these ordinances, it is interesting to understand why they are being put in place and how an individual homeowner can do their part to help.

9 Solar Powered Products

Almost every homeowner has at least considered adding solar panels to their home to take advantage of the energy savings they promise. But reducing energy consumption with solar does not stop at solar panels on the roof. Here are 9 great products that can help you cut energy costs while adding comfort and value to your lifestyle:

1. Solar Power Bank – Charge phones and tablets at home or on the go with a solar power bank.

2. Portable Power Station – Need to power larger devices? A power station can power more devices and is attached to a small frig or laptop, can keep you connected in a blackout.

3. Security Cameras – Save money and enhance your family’s safety by deterring burglars.

4. Outdoor Wireless Speakers – Enjoy music where you want it in your backyard by going cordless.

5. Camp Lantern – Whether actually camping or for emergency use during a blackout, a solar lantern is a great way to light up the dark.

6. Attic Fan – Keep your home cooler while harnessing the power of the sun with an attic fan.

7. Animal Deterrent – Save energy and your flowers by deterring pesky critters anywhere in the yard.

8. Solar Radio – In an emergency, a solar radio keeps you connected to information. Take camping or or to the beach to add fun tunes to your outdoor experience.

9. Portable Stove – A light solar-powered stove makes the old gas camp stoves obsolete. Safer and lighter, you can cook anywhere.

While whole house solar gets all the attention, smaller solar devices also offer strong benefits without the cost or hassle. As the demand for more electricity continues, offsetting it with solar for your most common items help you and your family do your part!