A WANGARATTA group is backing a new federal government campaign asking people to use less light to minimise light pollution and help wildlife.
Russell Sully from Wangaratta Sustainability and Landcare said he thinks people should re-think their outdoor Christmas lights due to their impacts on local animals.
“The lights are a problem as they lift our spirits but disrupt the life patterns of insects and wildlife,” he said.
“Over recent times there has been concern about the impact on Bogong moths and Christmas beetles among others.”
The Biodiversity Council is also backing the government’s campaign and has tips for people to still can get into the festive spirit while minimising light pollution.
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Their first tip is to switch to daytime decorations such as red bows on trees or plant a garden with festive colours.
Another suggestion is to create decorative light displays in your windows instead of covering your house or fence in displays.
They are also encouraging people to have timers on so lights aren’t left on all night.
Mr Sully agrees that turning off your lights at a certain time can help reduce light pollution.
“A 10 o’clock curfew might be a good compromise,” he said.
Other tips include thinking about what lights you're using, for example using warmer toned colours instead of bright white or blue lights or using low-intensity lights.
They also suggest keeping any spotlights angled downwards and focused only on where you need them and to leave lights out of your trees and shrubs as these could be used as refuge for nocturnal wildlife.
