• 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

A Bit Disappointed

April 23, 2009 @ 22:39 By Gavin Webber 10 Comments

As you know, our Sustainable Living Group had a spot in the local paper this week promoting our existence.  I kind of expected a massively full inbox just from enquiries.  Maybe it was just a pipe dream.

I have had three enquiries from wonderful people wanting to join the group or help out.  Yes, just three.  I am disappointed to say the least.  Don’t get me wrong, I am most grateful for the members that we have, but lets just hope that the “Awareness” meeting draws a few more people in.  In a town with a population of 35,000+ you would think that more people would like to know how to live a sustainable lifestyle, and save a bit of money in the process.

Maybe people just don’t read the local paper anymore!

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 Skype (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: Media, Sustainable Living

← Spreading The Message In the Spirit of ANZAC Day →

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. greenfumb says

    April 23, 2009 at 23:02

    Don’t despair, like the song says – from little things big things grow. I would definitely join if I lived in Melton x Deb

    Reply
  2. Silver Rookie says

    April 23, 2009 at 23:45

    Hey Gav,
    Think about how many people were reading your blog when you first started, think about how many comments you get now from your posts. We think you’ve come a long way and influenced a lot of people – including us. It all takes time…you’ve come so far – it will happen.
    Jane and Sim

    Reply
  3. Kate@LivingTheFrugalLife says

    April 24, 2009 at 01:27

    I agree. I won’t lie: I’d be disappointed to. But I think you should give it some time. I’d bet a lot of people saw the article, said to themselves, “that sounds great; I should get in touch,” and then promptly were sidetracked by their busy lives. Carry on with your group, and in six months or so, contact the journalist who ran the story and see if they want to do a follow up piece on what you’ve accomplished in the meantime. I think you’d see a bigger response the second time people hear about it. It’ll jog their memory and they’ll be more likely to act.

    Reply
  4. daisymum7 says

    April 24, 2009 at 07:59

    You’re the carbon accounting king if these three people take on board half of your suggestions how much carbon reduction is that??????????

    Then if those three people tell three epople – who don’t join the group but do something anyway and then they tell three people each – then how much is that???

    Keep your chin up Gavin tomato seeds don’t look like much to start with either.

    daisymum

    Reply
  5. Darren (Green Change) says

    April 24, 2009 at 09:04

    Don’t be disheartened, Gav. At this stage your group is still in start-up phase and doesn’t have any runs on the board, so you’ll only get the hard-core people who are willing to put in the work.

    Some people would have interpreted it as a meeting group to just sit around and talk about sustainability, rather than an action-oriented group. Others might have been interested but don’t have the time to attend meetings or help organise events. Others have probably seen similar groups come and go in the past and think this will just be another flash in the pan.

    Once you undertake a few projects and raise your public profile, you’ll get more people showing an interest. Keep blogging about it, keep letting the newspapers and local radio stations know about what you’re doing, and you’ll get more involvement.

    Reply
  6. The Mrs says

    April 24, 2009 at 10:42

    Gav,

    All very good advice above, I’d still continue on the path you are on, as well as contact the paper again in a few months to follow-up the story, I would also do a leaflet drop or door knock in the area also put a notice up on the community noticeboard and the local church noticeboard, and also talk to the principal of Eco-boy’s school and ask for a space in the weekly newsletter, the more it is in their face the more people will be curious about what the heck this bloke is on about. Grab the communities attention first then follow through with directives and action. You are doing a wonderful thing Gavin, one small setback will give you the thinking time to gain back your strength and your own direction. “If you build it, they will come”. That phrase is so true on soooo many levels!

    Keep your chin up hunny. Loving you sick.

    Teena
    xoxoxox

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    April 24, 2009 at 15:57

    Hey, just cos I didn’t join your group doesn’t mean I won’t be following your blog, which was included with the article.

    Cheers
    Leah (Silent Supporter)

    Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    April 24, 2009 at 17:10

    Hi Gavin do you actually have a fulltime job? If so, how do you manage it along with what you are doing with the “Green” stuff?

    Curious to know!

    Long time lurker, Allison

    Reply
  9. Gavin says

    April 24, 2009 at 21:56

    Hi everyone,

    @ Deb, thanks, and I know what you mean. It will grow over time.

    @ Jane & Sim, Yes, I should take a step back sometimes and have a look at the road behind me. It has been a long and eventful journey which is far from over yet. Cheers.

    @ Kate. I think that you are right, I have had some time to think today, and we need to focus on the things that matter before expanding.

    @ Daisymum7. You are 100% right about the cascade effect. It will happen.

    @ Darren. Thanks mate, once we have a few wins under our belt we will get a good name for ourselves in the community. Trust has to be earned.

    @ Sis. Thanks for the media tips, I hadn’t thought of some of those!

    @ Leah. If you change your mind, let me know. But keep reading, it has only just begun to get interesting. Community building is always good fun.

    @ Alison. Yes, I have a full time job, and I manage to keep doing green stuff in my own time. One of the keys is no TV (gasp). In fact you have inspired me to right a post about how I do it. Stay tuned and thanks for the idea!

    Thanks to all how cheered me up no end. I was a bit down when I wrote the post (can you tell), so all of your encouragement has got me back on the straight and narrow.

    Kind regards, Gav

    Reply
  10. littleecofootprints says

    April 25, 2009 at 20:38

    I agree with Daisymum – these 3 may each tell 3 others etc.

    Also – one (or all) of these three may turn out to be an invaluable addition to your group. With any community group I would go for quality members rarther than quantity any day.

    Cheers,
    Tricia

    Reply

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

Strawbridge Family Inspiration
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
The Seven Stages Of Change
Quince Paste
Broad Bean Rust
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Selling Your Own Soap in Australia
Black Aphids On Garlic
Clay Oven First Layer
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete

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 © 2023