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Light Pollution

Earthsense

Pollution comes in many forms and in 1988 the International Dark-Sky Association was founded to combat the problem of light pollution.  The IDA defines light pollution as any adverse effect of artificial light including sky glow, glare, light trespass, light clutter, decreased visibility at night, and energy waste.  Their mission is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. 

Artificial nighttime lighting negatively affects the world’s wild species including the Sea Turtles on South Carolina’s beaches, as well as birds, insects and other plant life.  Light Pollution is also the reason that the starry night sky isn’t visible in the city.