If you have good quality, used curtains you no longer need, then Sustainability Options needs you!

The Tauranga-based 'altruistic business” provides free environmental and social sustainability advice and assistance to those in need.

'We work with homes in the Bay of Plenty to get them to a warmer, healthier, drier standard,” says programme coordinator Maya Bellass.

'Having good quality curtains that are double-lined is one of the most significant ways we achieve this.”

Sustainability Options marketing and communications coordinator Teri Dawson says the biggest area of heat loss in homes is through the windows.

'With double-lined curtains, air gets trapped between the linings where it sits. This is what creates insulation.”

Teri estimates there are currently 29,000 homes in the region that are exposed to unhealthy living conditions.

'Cold, damp homes negatively impact the health of residents – particularly children, elderly or those with respiratory conditions,” says Teri.

She believes many Bay of Plenty families are feeling the repercussions of increased living costs.

The added expense of heating a poorly-insulated home is also a factor in the company's urgency to provide curtains to as many homes as possible.

'We visit around 1000 homes annually, and last year our specially-trained housing assessors discovered about 400 of them needed curtains,” says Teri.

'However, we only had enough for one-third of these homes, so that's why we're putting the call out now for more donations for winter.”

While Sustainability Option receives funding from Te Whatu Ora, Teri says they are extremely reliant on donations. 'These are a gift for someone's home, and we want them to feel proud of these curtains.” To donate curtains, drop them at 59 7th Avenue, Tauranga, or the Hillier Centre, 31 Gloucester Rd, Mount Maunganui.