To not want to build an extension after watching 'The Human Planet'?

[Bunnyleroux]

Just been watching this amazing series with my dh. It is truly eyeopening how other people around the world live and it's really got me thinking about how much I and my family consume, how neurotic we are about the comfiness of our house, when there are people who live such simple lives, where their only concern is the welfare of their families and ensuring they have enough food.

So, we are not going to build an extension, because, actually, we don't need one.

Instead, we are going to make a donation to our local dog and cat rescue centre and the local homelessness project because we need to give something back.

Of course, mine and dh's parents think we are bonkers!

Are we bu?

That is lovely.

Good on you.

bonkers.

You could think of it this way that by building your extension you are providing work in a trade that is really struggling in this recession.

Its a good gesture for the environment - although I wouldn't give the money to the cats and dogs

Ditto nectarina. I imagine you can guess that I would give to a charity for people. Each to their own.

Hmmm true about providing work to local trades, however, our local dog and cat rescue centre are really struggling and could do with the help, same as the homelessness project. Not talking thousands but a nice sum that we probably would have spent on furniture.

I don't know, I think that I'm just aware of how preoccupied and insular I've become with what is essentially just shelter from the wind and rain. I know a home is so much more than that but it is totally adequate for our needs.

Nice, but i too wouldnt donate to an animal charity.

If you want to help the rescue centre then build your extension and then adopt a cat or 4 who can sleep in it.
You are allowed to have thing just because they are nice to have and you want them. It doesn't make you a bad person or less caring of people who have less.

Good on you OP...glad you are giiving some to the homeless....I don't want to jump on the bandwagon trying t put you off donating to the animals...but you could do well giving the mone to your locaal primary school towards an "Eco Awareness" award...to be given every year to the chil who has shown most Eco awareness....the money would buy a cup and if it were pt in a bank account then the school can also give a book token every year.

YABU IMO unless you are talking about donating the whole cost of the build to charity.

Seejanekick good idea will look into that

What about spending some of the money on making your home more energy efficient and green-for future people who live there as well as yourselves?

Would also be good for economy.

YANBU, well done!

YANBU. Not enough selfless peole in this world, can't see why anyone would say YABU.

people.

YANBU, in principle. I think the energy-efficiency suggestion is a better one than giving money to a school for an eco-prize though. I think it's the adults with the power to do something about it who need educating about environmental issues. By the time children grow up the damage will have already been done.

Also it would be good for your bank balance in the long term to save on heating bills!

YANBU.

Wot pinkthechaffinch said. Spend some of the money:
? draftproofing
? insulating
? installing solar hotwater or a heat recovery system for all that nice hot shower water chucked down the drain (Shower Save).

We put in a solar hotwater system while replacing our old boiler. It's been amazing - we use so little gas we actually can't measure it in some summer quarters.

Even in winter, I've had hot water out of it when there's snow on parts of the panel. This dark, daaark winter has been the first time it's been anything less than wonderful - but the combi automatically cuts in as soon as the water temperature drops, so there's no inconvenience.