A call for volunteers!
Word of mouth is the most effective way to engage people, spread knowledge and encourage uptake of environmental footprint reducing measures. Our previous Open Homes Weekends, held in 2010 and 2012, saw homes across Southampton open their doors to the public to showcase a range of energy and water reducing, eco-friendly features and tips. The weekends enabled visitors to see what’s possible and get unbiased opinions from people who had already made changes, whether major purchases like solar panels or simple lifestyle hacks like using shower water to flush the loo.
Much has changed since then and we are now planning an event for September 2025. We are seeking offers from people prepared in principle to open their homes – or local small businesses – to show visitors what they have done to reduce their impact on the environment. This could be anything from low-cost improvements or behaviour changes to big ticket items. We are looking for properties of all types, from flats to detached houses, from rental to ownership, because there are things you can do whatever your situation. You won’t have to open for the whole period and we are proposing to run a booking system to make sure you are in control of who comes when. We are also looking for volunteers to help run the event, everything from organising to marketing. Please get in touch via chair[at]transitionsouthampton[dot]org
We plan to follow the guidance from the green homes network. We will provide help and advice to householders opening their homes. Please note we will not be publishing addresses of open homes on the website.
Does your home/business/lifestyle have any of the following?
- Growing your own food – whether in a garden, patio or balcony
- Composting
- Home insulation – including cheap and simple options
- Recycling and waste reduction
- Rainwater harvesting and water saving
- Solar panels and batteries
- Solar water heating
- Heat pumps
- Low cost improvements and behaviour changes
- Sustainable travel methods
- Something else we haven’t thought of which helps the environment
