Contemporary society requires outdoor lighting for a variety of needs, including safety and commerce. We advocate that any required outdoor lighting be used wisely.
Here are five basic principles to minimize the harmful effects of light pollution:
Only be on when needed
Only light the area that needs it
Be no brighter than necessary
Minimize blue light emissions
Be fully shielded (i.e. pointing downward)
The illustration below provides a visual guide to understand the differences between unacceptable, unshielded light fixtures and those fully shielded fixtures that minimise sky glow, glare and light trespass.