It's that time of year when neighbours roll out their festive lights, dressing both their front gardens, trees and homes.

Often, this annual game of one-upmanship reaches spectacular proportions with light displays on a scale visible from space.

However, Habitats & Heritage, the local environment group, is asking people to think about the environment, energy use and cutting back on carbon emissions.

It comes at a time when there is pressure to rein in other aspects of wasteful festive bling, whether it is plastic glitter, cracker toys, wrapping paper and even sequins on sparkly party dresses.

In a social media appeal to residents, Habitats & Heritage, said: "Saving electricity is a way of giving this Christmas as conserving resources helps everyone.

"A smaller Christmas lighting display can still be attractive while saving valuable electricity."

It also suggested that making a change to LED lights will reduce energy use by some 95per cent compared with using traditional bulbs.

Other options include solar powered lights which store up power during the day, even on a dull winter's day, and yet can still provide a bright display.

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Habitats & Heritage is the leading environmental and heritage charity in the area. It launched last year and is the result of the merger of Environment Trust and South West London Environment Network.

It works alongside volunteers to restore and enhance green and urban spaces, as well as campaigning to encourage sustainable behaviour.

If changing festive traditions to save the planet is not enough of an incentive, cutting back on the displays will also save a few pounds as well at a time of rising electricity prices.

One recent study suggests the UK spends around £22 million a year lighting just their Christmas tree in the month of December.

If you keep your lights on for six hours a day, the average month costs just £2.48. And keeping your Christmas lights on for 24 hours a day for a month will cost around £9.79, which might be better spent elsewhere.