Episode 27: Fireflies Don’t Have Blackout Curtains with Eileen Kragie

Restoring Darkness

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Eileen Kragie, founder of Dark Sky Friends and passionate advocate for DarkSky International, to explore the urgent issue of light pollution and how it's transforming our night skies. Eileen shares how her lifelong awareness of light trespass evolved into a full-scale movement for legislative reform and community action. From securing state and local proclamations to educating the public at events like the Wolf Trap National Park’s Bat and Firefly Festival and National Book Festival, she’s rallying support to protect our starry skies and the health of both humans and wildlife.

The conversation digs into:

✨ The surprising health impacts of artificial light at night

✨ Problems with over-lit homes and the era of “darkness pollution”

✨ The role of LED technology and utility companies in exacerbating the issue

✨ Creative ways communities and individuals can embrace responsible lighting

✨ Why lighting designers must rethink their approach With insights from co-hosts Mark Baker and Michael Colligan, this episode challenges assumptions, sparks critical questions, and celebrates the growing movement toward night preservation.

📢 Want to support Eileen's mission? Visit darkskyfriends.org

Connect with Eileen:

https://bio.site/eileenkragie

https://www.darkskyfriends.org/

https://www.darkskynova.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/taooflila

https://x.com/chandi31216

https://www.instagram.com/darkskyfriends

https://www.facebook.com/darkskyfriends

https://www.youtube.com/@darkskyfriends685

Connect with The Soft Lights Foundation: www.softlights.org