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100th Post

June 15, 2008 @ 15:00 By Gavin Webber 3 Comments

It seems like yesterday that I first started writing about my family’s journey towards a sustainable lifestyle. Since the 13th of February 2008, I have now written 100 entries on The Greening of Gavin. Boy, does it feel good to have accomplished so much in such a short space of time, and I still feel that our journey is still at the very beginning. Trying to live a sustainable lifestyle is always interesting, with some days being more difficult than others, and I have found that I learnt something new every single day of our 19 month journey. I am also so proud of all my family. To see them all rise to the challenge have been the most satisfying moments of being their father and husband. I have met some wonderful people along the way, who also have a common goal to tread lightly on the planet. They are some of the nicest people I know.

What amazes me most are not the technological solutions for solar power, solar hot water, and energy efficiency measures that we have implemented, but the daily cycle of the vegetable garden. It is in this small, vibrant, space that I derive the most pleasure each and every day, however, I have been caught a few times standing and staring at the solar panels like a love struck teenager!

Nature is a wonderful leveller, and it has the power to bring you back to reality very quickly. Just by spending a day in the garden fills me with joy, knowing that I am growing our own food as nature intended. To be in touch with the seasonal cycles uplifts your spirit, and keeps you in tune with your surroundings and helps you be at one with yourself. It certainly takes the steam out of a tough day in the office! If asked if I would do anything differently over the last 19 months, I would answer no. It is the journey so far that has made it all worthwhile and fun. We are closer as a family, and all understand the ramifications of our actions upon the planet. It is a pretty cool thing, when your eight year old son thinks you are a Scientist who is trying to save the planet. I have told him what I really do, but he doesn’t believe me. I suppose actions always speak louder than words in a child’s mind.

The only thing I would have changed, was to have woken from the dream that I used to call my life, one hell of a lot earlier. It took a movie (albeit a good one) to make me understand what was wrong with my lifestyle and to cause my green epiphany. It all feels so surreal to me now, that I used to lust after the latest dodad or gizmo, then seek instant gratification by using one of the many credit cards and I had to purchase it. That part of me is gone for good.

I now want for nothing. Kim mentioned to me only a few weeks ago, that it was so hard to buy something for my birthday. She did well though with the pressure cooker. It is something I use every week. To understand how far we have all come, all of my presents were wrapped in newspaper, as were everyone else’s this year, and we made all of the cards we gave, and recycled the ones we received. I wouldn’t have even thought simple things like this were possible a few years ago or even thought of it, let alone actually doing them ourselves. I am still gob smacked at the way everyone around me have followed me down the rabbit hole, and actually enjoyed it. It makes you have renewed faith in the real human spirit, and that we will overcome the major global issues that now face us all.


“`Who are YOU?’ said the Caterpillar.
This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation. Alice replied, rather shyly, `I–I hardly know, sir, just at present– at least I know who I WAS when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.'”
Lewis Carroll – Alice in Wonderland

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Related

Filed Under: An Inconvenient Truth, Family, Sustainable Living

← Vegetable Deeds as Nature Intended Bag Overhaul →

About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

Comments

  1. Kate says

    June 16, 2008 at 06:54

    So so good to read, Gavin. It is very hard to understand what it is all about before you start, isn’t it, but now it is hard to remember what all that other life was all about because, actually, it didn’t really have a meaning. Now it has meaning and a connection with the earth and with other people who also have more depth to them. Life is good (as I keep saying on my blog!). Get there fast and take it slow! When people ask me “what do you mean ‘get there’?” I think of you and how you have got there and tell them to read your blog!

    Reply
  2. Julie says

    June 16, 2008 at 16:41

    Well done! So good that your family has joined in too 🙂

    Reply
  3. Eleanor says

    June 16, 2008 at 19:14

    I will be thinking of you and send all my prayers and love for a speedy recovery Love Mum

    Reply

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About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

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Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

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