For much of human history, the night sky has always been filled with too many stars to count. Today, however, it’s estimated that 99% of the U.S. and European public lives under light-polluted skies. [Source] And except for that 1%, most of us might have trouble seeing any stars at all.

The Disruption from Light Pollution

If you live in a city like New York, Chicago or Atlanta, your night sky view may be limited to seeing a few lights in the sky and a wave of air traffic. But even in suburban and rural areas, most of the world’s population is greeted by the hazy glow of streetlights, porch lights and sky glow. [Source] The light meant for the ground scatters upwards, washing out the star view humans have been able to see for centuries.

While streetlights and security bulbs may be necessary in many situations, artificial lights like these can have ripped effects in the natural environment that are impossible to ignore:

  • Birds have trouble navigating: This is especially true for ones that migrate or hunt at night and navigate by starlight. Artificial light can cause them to wander off course, resulting in millions of birds unfortunately colliding into lit-up buildings. [Source]
  • Light pollution wastes energy: According to Dark Sky International, at least 30% of all outdoor lighting in the U.S. shines where it’s not needed, like into the sky or across properties. That misdirected light costs up to $3.3 billion and generates 21mm tons of unnecessary Co2 every year. [Source]
  • Artificial lighting causes sleep deprivation: For thousands of years, humans slept by night and woke by light. The rise of artificial lights means that most of us no longer experience truly dark nights to protect our circadian rhythm. [Source]

About a third of outdoor lights are either pointing the wrong way or too bright. We’re wasting billions of dollars in energy every year. Birds, people, and even fireflies and trees can’t naturally adjust to the abundance of artificial light. [Source]

The Solution? Dark Sky.

The good news? Fighting light pollution is easier than you think. And Dark Sky International – a community of more than 193,000 supporters, members and advocates globally – can show you how without compromising safety or design. The key is responsible lighting design, or in other words, making simple changes to make a big difference. You can start by following basic rules:

  • Is your light pointed in the right direction? Does the light fall only where it is needed? Make sure your light fixtures are designed to direct light down to keep artificial light only where and when it’s needed. [Source]
  • Is your light the right color and intensity? Choose as warm-toned LED lights as possible (under 2,700K is best) and avoid overly bright lights that create harsh shadows and glare. [Source]

Seeing Dark Sky Change a Community for Good

When you look up to the night sky in Flagstaff, Arizona, you might see something rare: not just one star, but a full canvas of them. That’s because in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places program was established with a mission to recognize communities that utilize quality outdoor lights, effective policies to reduce light pollution, ongoing stewardship practices and more. Flagstaff proudly earned its title as the world’s first International Dark Sky City.

Today, over 200 communities in 22 countries across six continents have been certified by the International Dark Sky Places program. From Texas to Colorado to Florida and across the globe, communities have stepped up to create a healthier, darker sky. They’re supporting local wildlife and saving energy, all while reconnecting people to one of time’s most awe-inspiring observations: the night sky. [Source]

The Home Depot Can Help

Today’s smart lighting technology available at your local Home Depot store or online makes it easy to take part in preventing artificial nighttime light pollution.

You can find Dark Sky-friendly solutions online or at your local Home Depot:

  • Shielded wall lights that direct light downward
  • Motion-activated security lights
  • Glare-free pathway lighting
  • Smart outdoor fixtures you can control from your phone

Lights that are controlled by motion sensors and automatic timers, as well as those with warmer tones, help ensure that you’re using nighttime light responsibly. Options like the Hampton Bay Integrated LED Outdoor Wall Light or solar pathway lights can make your outdoor spaces more attractive, functional and healthier for the environment.

Act Today

To make your lighting more Dark Sky-friendly, start with a couple simple questions. Ask yourself:

  • Are my lights shielded and directed downward?
  • Could I upgrade to more appropriate, Dark Sky-compliant fixtures?

Dark Sky Week, April 21–28, 2025, is the perfect time to start making these changes. Head to your local Home Depot or visit us online to explore Dark Sky solutions like shielded fixtures, motion-activated lights and smart outdoor lighting systems.

By making thoughtful choices about lighting, we can restore the night sky’s natural wonder while creating a brighter future for our planet, our animals and ourselves. The stars are still up there, we just need to turn off the lights to see them.