• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

Head in the Sand Looking for Oil and Gas

June 10, 2008 @ 22:42 By Gavin Webber Leave a Comment

Just check out this latest story regarding the saga of petrol prices. It was featured in The Age newspaper today, and is titled “Rudd to seek Japan’s help on petrol prices“. It describes that our PM is asking Japan to ask his G8 buddies to put a bit of pressure on OPEC to pump more oil for the growing demand.

HELLO, McFLY!!! (Back to the Future reference)

Mr Rudd, don’t you think that the G8 have already tried this. Why only last week President Bush was begging to the Saudi’s to increase capacity. I think they said “No”. A clear sign that either they cannot increase capacity, which is most probable, or are holding back to reap the rewards of higher prices (unlikely, due to the falling US dollar against most major currencies).

The only solution, oh glorious leader, is to reduce demand at home, which is what most people are doing anyway. Kind of catch 22 really. The price of fuel goes up, people drive less. Easy really. With the decrease in driving, there is a corresponding decrease in CO2 emissions, which can only be a good thing for the planet!

Have you also noticed that here on the east coast of Australia there has not been a lot of coverage regarding the natural gas disaster in Western Australia. I find it very unusual that the largest state in our great commonwealth lost 30% of its natural gas production last week, and we don’t hear too much about it, certainly not on TV media. I only became aware by reading the WA media online. It looks like the issue at Apache Energy’s Varanus Island gas processing plant will not be fixed for 3 months, and Alinta (who are another natural gas provider) are struggling to cope with increased demand. People are being laid off because businesses have been restricted gas flow. One of the states main laundry companies, Prime Laundry, was at the brink of collapse, so no clean sheets to most of major hotels and hospitals in Perth. They were given a reprieve by Alinta Gas, but only for so long. I also read somewhere that the major brickworks has had to close down, which will have a flow-on effect to the building industry, and that the Aluminium smelters Alcoa are going to loose big profits until they can source alternate energy needs.

Here we have a classic case of what could happen as we hit peak natural gas and oil. Crazy things are happening all over the world at the moment, especially due to peak oil. Notice that in The Age article, there was no reference to Peak Oil at all. Better not tell Joe Public, because we might all get scared and do something rash like buy all the petrol all at once. Food for thought, sounds like a plan.

I am glad I have decided to use public transport instead, and let Amy drive the hybrid to Uni. Our fuel bill is only $50 per fortnight as Amy gets about 700km per 40 litre tank. Pretty good going, and as I only travel to the city twice a week, it costs me $20.20 for the two Metlink tickets which can be used on all Buses, Trams and Trains throughout the greater Melbourne area for the day. Try doing that in a car for that price once you add up fuel costs, insurance, roadside assistance, and registration! I know I have bagged Victoria’s public transport system, but compared to a lot of western cities, we have a very good system. A little bit of spending on further electrification wouldn’t go astray, but all in all, not too bad! Unfortunately, if about 25% of the current car commuters changed to public transport, the system probably would not cope with the increased demand.

I think that as the oil crunch gets worse, Melbourne will fare better than most.

Happy Motoring, or better still, get on ya bike!


Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: bicycle, Government, natural gas, Peak Oil

← Chicken House Update and other Stuff Stuff I Have Stockpiled →

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 build lively communities. Let me know your thoughts, but keep it clean and green! Spam is removed instantly.Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search This Blog

Follow my work

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.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

Curing Black Olives
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Black Aphids On Garlic
Growing Queensland Blue Pumpkins (Winter Squash)
Hot Chilli Chutney
The Seven Stages Of Change
Herbal Remedy for Laryngitis
VegTrug Repair
Secret of Good Soap
How To Regrow Spring Onions

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

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

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2025