I keep hearing that the Government is committed to building affordable housing and wants to cut environmental waste and embrace a more greener future.

This sounds fantastic but just where are these homes and which sector of society are they aimed at who can afford them?

Certainly not many single income workers or even two income workers come to think about it. The amount of deposit is eye watering even for just a 5% stake.

Maybe this is where our Government should step in to help the developers and rule against massive profits going to chief executives and shareholders when more investment is needed.

We waste millions of tonnes of plastic, paper, rubber and textiles every year and much of this ends up in rivers, seas, landfill or incinerators.

Non recyclable plastics and paper could be pressed together to make bricks, car tyres chopped up for other building materials and once rendered or faced then their existence wouldn’t be noticed.

Solar panels air/ground source pumps and reclaiming rainwater systems are all there to be used to make more efficient homes which require much less demand on the national grid and waterways. Better lightbulbs and electrical systems, lower use showers and plumbing and better thought out formats of home design to allow a much greater emphasis on rooms using space should be enforced and in some cases rooms could be made multifunctional by useful storage or integration.

I know it is expensive at the moment but with help these products would become cheaper as more could be made and sold.

The microchip was a hugely expensive piece of technology 40 years ago but look at is now; just a few pence and a hell of a lot more efficient and powerful.

If the average income of a worker (and vast sectors of our society are included in this band) is between £15,000 and £25,000 a year then we surely need homes starting at £75,000 to £120,000 for them to be classed as affordable housing.

Anything else is just forcing people into rent, multiple occupancy, homelessness or living with parents.

We have a limited amount of space so boxing clever is the only way forward to protect future generations from a toxic environment, overcrowding, a lack of wildlife and dumb use of waste.

The only other option is to have 100 to 200 year mortgages that can be passed on from generation to generation or back to the lender if the family line dies out or the current owner doesn’t want it. These mortgages should be flexible to move from area to area and either upgrade or downgrade according to circumstances.

We must change to keep up with technology and open our eyes to green abuse.

Like most people I get it, no I really do. The NHS is overburdened and dangerously flawed. Money wasted left right and centre by top-heavy management and too many people needing help.

Trying to get a non-urgent appointment often results in weeks of waiting and even emergency consultations are hard to get. Often one has to take time off work, venture out in bad weather or wait until the end of surgery just to get seen. Many appointments are taken up by repeat visits by folk with little or nothing wrong. Paracetamol, rest and a change in diet usually cures the ailment.

So what about online?

At present one would have to sign off from a NHS GP’s list in order to join the online one. This seems logical but what happens if one needs a physical examination or treatment other than a printable, online prescription? Visiting the local GP is not an option as one is no longer registered.

So the answer could be to have your local GP’s surgery offer this same online service. Maybe a triage nurse could evaluate one’s symptoms and if required pass you over to a Doctor. If is is something less sinister then other advice could be given.

This system could also be used for A&E prior to visiting. If its a minor problem then ask to visit their GP or there will be a cost at the hospital. It may even be suitable for the ambulance service.

I am not saying to turn people away who need treatment but many can be treated at home, over the phone or with a simple visit to the pharmacy.

This in turn may cost to set up and require training and different attitudes but in no time at all it could save more lives and cost far less.

So many are connected to the internet today via phone, tablet, laptop or computer and so a quick online question can be done anywhere.

For the more hands on treatments or in depth investigations then a visit to the surgery or hospital could be arranged.

As technology improves society and methods should change to keep up as at present our health and safety is being compromised by a failing system on the verge of collapse.

When buying things does one go for second hand, used and refurbished or brand new?

When selling is it okay to ask for a reasonable price and feel comfortable with selling rather than giving to charity?

Once one has decided to buy a used car for example it’s a minefield and it’s a problem where to look or even start. Who can you trust and what do you need to avoid?

Private purchases can be cheaper than dealerships but warranties and guarantees are seldom given. So if there is a problem then it’s the buyers tough luck which can be very costly. The dealerships on the other hand have a reputation to protect, future business to ensure and legal responsibilities to cover so higher prices can be expected.

On high value items it’s often better to go with the dealerships if knowledge is limited and expensive outlays want to be avoided in the near future.

However, for the more experienced buyers then private deals or auctions could be much preferable.

eBay Gumtree and Amazon and many other online retailers of second hand goods are okay as sellers and buyers have a feedback score to see if they are genuine and it’s wise to check these out before bidding or embarking on a deal. Research potential problems with second hand goods and read the detailed descriptions. If limited on information then walk away.

We all like new things and a bit of bling but sometimes it is beyond our reach so used, refurbed or seconds could be a way or realising these dreams.

One word of warning is to stay away from knock offs, fakes and reproductions. These are so often poorly made, dangerous and lack the lasting quality and functionality or the genuine articles.

If it’s too good to be true then probably it is so research and if in doubt walk away yet again.

I told you it’s a minefield but with the right detectors and thought one should be able to get through to the other side unscathed and armed with a sensible purchase or sale.

Honesty is the way forward but not everyone has this integrity or conscience so try and stay one step ahead.

It’s fun but time consuming.