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Florida Section of the International Dark-Sky Association |
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Updated Jan. 7, 2004
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Light Pollution What is it?
When we consider the benefits of the light bulb, we typically think of reading lamps, headlights and night clubs. With a little more imagination, you might realize many other improvements and gadgets that stem from Thomas Edison's invention, such as motion picture projectors, microscopes and heads-up-displays. Lighting helps doctors during surgical procedures. Lighting allows us to enjoy more outdoor activities, such as football, baseball and tennis. Traffic lights tell drivers when to go and when to stop (most of the time, anyhow).
But did you ever pause to consider that we might have too much of a good thing?
From the smallest organism to the largest telescope, light pollution plays a major role in degrading our environment, both day and night!
The impact of light pollution is not just a bane for astronomers. Outdoor lighting, particularly poorly designed and placed fixtures, can disorient one of Florida's most precious resources - wildlife. Poor lighting impairs the vision of motorists and law enforcement officers. Excessive lighting contributes to unwarranted air pollution - something Florida residents of old never thought would be a problem here. When you flip on that switch, remember it takes an entire pound of coal to illuminate a 60 watt light bulb for just 16 hours! And that's just a 60 watt bulb! How many watts is that security light on your porch or driveway?
The IDA and its members are not opposed to outdoor lighting. They are, however, opposed to glare, light trespass, energy waste and urban sky glow.
All of these concerns, and more, are outlined and described at the web site of the International Dark-Sky Association.
To learn more about the purpose of the Florida Section of the IDA, please read on.
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It's more than an eyesore! |
FLIDA in 2004
The Florida Section of the IDA was established in January, 2004. Our goals:
How you can help
- Establish and promote an E-mail list for FLIDA topics.
(completed February 5, 2004)
- Establish and promote a web site for FLIDA (this web site).
- Alert IDA members in Florida that FLIDA has been established. (underway)
- Alert others with a vested interest in quality outdoor lighting that FLIDA exists, and establish a liaison within those organizations and corporations.
- Determine what related efforts are presently underway across Florida, and evaluate how those efforts may benefit from one another.
Right now, you can assist us in any of the following manners. Other projects and needs will be posted here in the future.
- Contact us. Let us know who you are, what organizations and companies you represent, and how we may help one another.
- Let others in your organization, company and neighborhood know that we can be found on the web.
- Become a member of the International Dark-Sky Association. Please consider, while your organization may be a member, the IDA needs your individual memberships to sustain its efforts!
| Light pollution is reversible! | |
Questions? Comments? Visit the Contact page.
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Some materials courtesy of the International Dark-Sky Association
© Copyright 2004 |