What about Light Trespass from Businesses?

Ideally, you should keep abreast of what new businesses are coming into your area. Contact these businesses in advance about their lighting plans. You can also speak at community planning meetings or to your building department to help them be aware of the light trespass issue. Speak to local civic associations, Chamber of Commerce representatives, seniors' groups, and so forth. These upfront contacts will help prevent bad lighting from ever being installed.

Check out our resources page, the IDA's web site, and the Dark Sky Society's web site to become informed about light pollution and its effects. On our resources page, you'll find handouts, articles, and a PowerPoint presentation you can download and use when you speak to community groups.

If it is too late for that now, you may want to contact the business owner. Your approach here varies depending on the size of the establishment, but you should start with the store manager. The manager may be able to handle the problem herself, or may direct you to an owner or a representative who can handle the problem.

Getting a business to change existing lights is a tough sell. Lighting systems can cost thousands of dollars, which a merchant is not likely to want to spend if they don't have to. Perhaps instead you can convince the business to add shielding to cut down on glare and trespass. For example, RAB Lighting now makes add-on shields specifically designed for various sizes and makes of wallpack fixtures, which are commonly used on business properties.

If you do not get satisfaction, you could write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper, or gather signatures on a petition to present to your elected officials.

Remember, if you do these kinds of things before there is a problem, you will gradually raise awareness and will have fewer problems later on.