Helping people make their homes healthier and use energy more wisely has been a core part of EcoMatters Environment Trust’s kaupapa for two decades now, and this advice is always well-received by attendees and group organisers.
Feedback from recent Healthy Homes workshops has included:
“It was such an informative and interactive session, and parents found it incredibly useful, with lots of tricks to minimise the power and water bills and keep the house warm in winter and free from mould,” – Finlayson Park Community Education Trust.
“We always appreciate the workshop content which covers a wide range of kaupapa – warm, dry homes, water, money-saving tips, DIY-skills, composting etc. Each of these is dealt with in detail but with a real straightforward, easy-to-understand approach. Whānau are valued for the knowledge and experience they bring and the kōrero is always very practical; simple steps we can all take to save money and care for Papatūānuku,” – Max Calder-Watson; at the Te Ahiwaru Healthy Homes Workshop in Ihumātao, Tāmaki Makaurau.
Sustainability advisors from EcoMatters host workshops for groups to help people save money on power and water, create a healthier home and reduce their carbon footprint. Community Healthy Homes workshops are supported by Auckland Council and various local boards across Tāmaki Makaurau. EcoMatters also offers in-home water use checks, in partnership with Watercare.
Healthy Homes workshops are for everyone – homeowners, renters and house-share situations, whether they are paying bills or not. They cover topics such as what makes a healthy home, how to keep heat in and damp out, how to save water and energy, and reduce food waste. There’s time for questions at the end.
The advice is designed to be easily put into action in any home and has a focus on tips and tricks that are low cost or free. Core workshop content is adapted for the needs of each group, to provide a bespoke experience. In some cases, attendees are also given items to help them make changes at home, such as door snakes to reduce draughts, squeegees to remove condensation from windows and low-energy lightbulbs.
Feedback from attendees and organisers show that the workshops are giving people the confidence to make changes and put the advice received into practice.
Find out more about EcoMatters Homes initiatives at ecomatters.org.nz/homes.
