Our Home

How can you help a worldwide problem and save money at the same time?

Heating, Lighting, Water, Food ... four of the most fundamental things in our homes today. Can you imagine a day when these essentials were not simply available by turning on a tap, flicking a switch or opening the fridge?

We have a very real problem which exists today, and it is no longer one being raised just by "sandle-wearing loonies in trees", but being discussed by leaders throughout the world. The problem is this:

1) The lifeblood of modern society, Oil, is running out (pessimistic views say by 2015)

2) We use oil to power everything we do today. Heating, Lighting, Water, manufacturing and delivery of food to our kitchens... And that's just for starters.

3) Collectively, as homeowners we are very wasteful.

4) Collectively, as homeowners, we don't really understand the issue, how it may affect our lives, and what we can do to help.

As a result, HouseWeb is launching it's "Our Home" Campaign to raise homeowner awareness and provide a ten-step practical plan for homeowners, so we can all start to make a difference at the most important level - our home. The added bonus? We'll save money! (Look out for our Money-Saving Rating: £££ and our Energy Saving Rating: £££).

== "Our Home" - The Ten Step Plan==

1) As homeowners we need to take the responsibility to understand the issue. We've put together some links to help today.

2) Convert all your lightbulbs to energy-saving bulbs.
(£££ Save £7 per bulb/yr on electricity bill. £££)

3) Turn off lights in empty rooms (we are all guilty of this!) and save 15% on your annual electricity bill.
(£££. £££)

4) Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth.
(££ - Metered water properties. ££)

5) Don't leave electrical appliances on standby (TV's etc).
(££. ££)

6) Stop Junk Mail - register with the Mail Preference Service. We've tried it and it really works! Whilst you are there, why not stop junk phone calls and faxes - ahhh bliss!
(£££)

7) Recycle everything you can. Clothes/shoes/books to charity shops. Put food off cuts in the compost bin. Take Cardboard/Paper/Cans/Tins/Plastic to your Local Recycling Center (and write to your local MP if these aren't collected from your doorstep yet!).
(£££)

8) Contact your Water company and get "hippos" installed in your toilets.
(£££ 25 litres per day. ££)

9) Switch to energy-conscience Gas and Electricity suppliers.
(£££)

10) Post your questions and share your tips with other HouseWeb visitors. We've set up the "Our Home" Forum for this, so please get involved.

== FURTHER LINKS ==