We support enacting strong legislation to eliminate light trespass, to protect human health, to protect the environment, to protect nocturnal creatures, to eliminate the costs of wasted energy from excessive outdoor lighting and to protect dark skies by adopting the 5 Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting as developed by DarkSky International and the Illuminating Engineering Society.

• 1. Useful - All light should have a clear purpose. 
• 2. Targeted - Light should be directed only to where it's needed.
• 3. Low level - Illumination should be no higher than necessary.  
• 4. Controlled - Light should be used only when it is useful.  
• 5. Warm-colored - Use warmer-color lights where possible

Only you can protect the natural night and our shared spaces.

Ask your Board of Supervisors, City and Town Councils in Northern Virginia to become the models for well written outdoor lighting ordinances which will protect us all.

Fairfax County, Town of Vienna, City of Falls Church, City of Fairfax, City of Alexandria, Arlington County

Please use this link to donate directly to Dark Sky Friends to fund our work if you feel so inclined  https://www.darkskyfriends.org/donate

Dark Sky Friends was established in 2022 and is a Virginia non-stock corporation, qualified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code- dedicated to advocating for local, state, regional, national outdoor lighting ordinances and legislation and global protection from light trespass including regional master lighting plans and the education of responsible outdoor lighting at night.

Photo credit: Bettymaya Foott

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