New initiative wants to reduce light pollution in Texas

AUSTIN (KXAN) – DarkSky Texas launched a new program to decrease light "waste" and pollution.

Called the BOLD initiative – Better Outdoor Lighting Decisions Initiative – DarkSky Texas' goal is to help organizations, businesses, landowners and government entities decrease their light pollution output. DarkSky Texas said that around 35% of lights shining at night are not helping and polluting. 

“We have put up lights indiscriminately and spend millions and millions of dollars putting light in places that don't help us see or make us safer,” said Cindy Luongo Cassidy, DarkSky board president. 

In addition to wasting money, light pollution at night disrupts plants and animals, Cassidy said. 

Around one in three birds migrating in the Spring through the United States also passes through Texas. Bright city lights disorient birds, sometimes causing them to crash into buildings, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 

“Turning your lights out at night between 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. is really important to keep these birds safe,” said Kenzie Cherniak, of Texan By Nature. “Let’s show them some Texas hospitality and get them through our state safe at night.”

DarkSky Texas has five principles of outdoor lighting. It recommends:

1. Only using lights outdoors when necessary
2. Directing light downward, only where it is needed
3. Ensuring the light is dimmed
4. Using timers
5. Using warmer-hued lights when possible

“As long as we're just taking the right measures to make sure that light is being used effectively, it can save a lot of money, it can save energy, and it can it can be a really great way for people to get involved in conservation,” Cherniak said.