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Archives for December 2009

2009 Goal Update

December 31, 2009 @ 12:34 By Gavin Webber 5 Comments

It is that time again to give everyone an update as to whether I met any of the goals I set out to achieve this year.  Here is a recap of the three goals I set myself and a description on whether I achieved or got sidetracked;
  1. Our first goal is to find a substitute for our fortnightly take-away meal
  2. Our second goal is to build a backyard oven
  3. Our third goal is to join/start a local sustainable living group
Takeaway:  We managed to get into February with the first goal, which in hindsight was a good effort do to the extreme heat we were experiencing over summer.  The hottest day on record (48C) occurred on the 9th February, which is now known in Victoria as Black Saturday due to the massive bushfires that burnt out of control for many days, with a large loss of life and property.  My heart goes out to all of those who suffered during that dark period of the year.
Fires aside, it was bloody hot with 3 days in a row of 45C!  You couldn’t cook in the kitchen because it felt like it was hotter in the room than in the oven.  So, we relented and got takeaway, and changed our goal to once a month instead, which has worked out fine for us.  During a month worth of home cooked meals, you occasionally need a break from the kitchen, and even though Kim and I take turns at cooking during the week, it gets a bit monotonous.  So we are very happy with this arrangement because it is still saving us swags of money.

Backyard Oven:  No movement whatsoever on this one.  I set a start date of April for this one, but unfortunately Kim got very ill and had to go into hospital for 20 days.  She was out of action for at least 4 months after her release until she was back on her feet again. It was a really emotionally charged time of the year for all of our family, and we just wanted to see her well again.  Wouldn’t you believe that just as she was recovering, I had a back injury relapse in August and only just came good again in early November.  So, the year went by, and no backyard oven.  I will put it down as a project for the new year (again).

Melton Sustainable Living Group:  Well this goal was achieved well beyond my wildest dreams!  I managed to gather 5 concerned individuals to start the group, and the first meeting was held on the 28th March.  From there we incorporated as a non-profit community group on the 7th May where I was elected/nominated President of the group, and started up our own website.  This gave us access to community grants from our local council and we have spent the initial $2500 establishment grant on getting ourselves up and running.  We have held the following workshops and events;

  • Energy Efficency in the home demonstration
  • Organic gardening demonstration
  • Visit to CERES Community Evironment Park
  • Presentation by ecoMaster, Gisborne
  • Presentation by myself titled “Saving money with Energy Efficiency”
  • Presentation to the Caroline Springs Lions Club about Sustainable Living.
  • A stand at the Environment Hub during the Djerrawarrah Festival to promote the group.

We have also appeared quite a few times in the local press many times now and have found this a good avenue to promote our activities and raise community awareness about the issues of climate change and peak oil.  Have a read of the articles below if you like;

  • Report calls for change ahead of petrol price hike
  • Michael’s Garden features on Vasili’s Garden
  • Solar seekers shut out
  • Power to the people as they take up offer
  • Melton green group backs solar
  • Green gospel spreads
  • Duped! Permit Me to Make a Difference

The Melton Shire Council also gave us other support, for instance, 3 free community room hires so that we could hold “awareness meeting” to get the word out that we existed.  We have 15 keen members, a marquee, display boards for photos of sustainable living stuff and have an alliance with the Australian Conservation Foundation Greenhome program, and I will be attending Climate Champion training in February 2010.  All in all, a fantastic and well achieved goal for 2009, and one of the proudest moments in my life.  All thanks to Kim’s support during the year, who kept me going when times were tough.

Other than the three main goals, we have achieved many, many things around our home, and strive to further live my life in a more sustainable way and lead by example.  Other highlights were lots of cheese making, a new chicken yard, a low pressure drip irrigation system for the veggie patch, a few new vegetable beds, fruit trees in the front yard which is now known as ‘the orchard’, made beer, and paid cash for my ex-lease Honda Civic Hybrid.

I am looking forward to a productive 2010, and sharing it all with you whether it is the good, the bad, or the ugly.  Warts and all!  Tomorrow, I will be posting my new goals for the new year, and leave 2009 feeling like I have really accomplished something good and meaningful.

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Filed Under: Sustainable Living

You’re Not Done Yet!

December 27, 2009 @ 06:00 By Gavin Webber 2 Comments

Thanks to the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, this message from the youth of today goes out to all our world leaders.   

You’re not done yet.  And neither are we!



A powerful message. I don’t feel alone anymore!

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Filed Under: activisim, climate change, community

Some Days I Feel Like Ed

December 26, 2009 @ 07:00 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

Some days I feel like Ed Begley Jr trying to combat the media bullshit that is reported everywhere. This man gave as good as he got!

I like Ed, and his TV show “Living with Ed“.  Finally, someone who walks the green talk in show biz, and not a jump on the bandwagon type of person.  Sounds like my type of guy!  Hey Ed, want to be friends?

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Filed Under: activisim, climate change, Media

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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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