• 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 Great Soapy Outcome

February 3, 2010 @ 22:21 By Gavin Webber 8 Comments

Fantastic news everyone!  Remember all of those wonderful comments on my post “Lather Up Folks!“, where some of you started a conversation about the damage that the clearing of Indonesian and Malaysian Rainforest for Palm Oil plantations is doing to the habitat of the Orangutan due to western demand for the product.  Well, I received an email yesterday from Yvonne Cowell, who owns Aussie Soap Supply.  I would just like to point out that, I have in no way, received any financial or material gain from Aussie Soap Supply at any time.  I simply want to thank her for a good deed and thought I would share it with all of my readers.

Here it the email, reproduced with Yvonne’s permission;

Hi Gavin and Kim,
 
Not quite sure where to start.  I have received quite a few enquiries from your Website – The Greening of Gavin.
 
I would like to say that I’ve had a look and am very impressed with what you’ve done here.  Thank you very much for referencing Aussie Soap Supply in your work.
 
I have read your blog, and think that you have done a marvellous job. I have added some information on your comments section for your followers.
 
I’d like to add a few comments for you – (just for your info) this is not on the comments posted.
 
*  You are quite right about Palm Oil.  Unfortunately its been used by soapmakers for years as it is a fantastic oil that aids in producing a harder bar of soap, along with other desirable qualities.
 
But, the use has serious consequences on our environment as you’ve explained.
 
In response and in an effort to do something myself for our planet – I would like to limit the use of this product myself (ie. NOT USE IT and deter other people).  I will also include a message to people informing them of the consequences of its use, on the product details. So everyone can make an informed decision before purchasing it.
Unfortunately there are many soap makers that do use it and are reluctant to change.  There are plenty of other Oils to use in its place that are a much better choice, in my opinion.
 
The Soap Calculator you’ve included on your blog – is the one I use and is the best in my opinion, as it basically tells you the qualities your finished soap will have and also the amount of Caustic to use. Other soap calculators tell you the amount of lye to use – but they don’t tell you the finished properties which is fantastic if you are not a chemist. (Like me)
 
I feel in the interest of our Planet and our Wildlife and in an effort to do something myself – I am going to change my kit to not contain this ingredient.  The new kit will contain Olive Oil and Coconut Oil and a new recipe to go with it.
 
It is so great that lots of people such as you and me actually “THINK” about the impact their footprint has on our environment.
 
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing my business as your supplier for this activity and hopefully many more.
 
Talk soon,
Yvonne Cowell
Aussie Soap Supply – QLD
Well, sometimes talk is cheap, however not in Yvonne’s case.  She is a lady of action!  Have a look at the contents of the Cold Pressed Soap making kit now!  Don’t forget to read all the way to the bottom of the kit page, it is humbling.  I was so impressed that I sent off this reply.

Hi Yvonne,

I just checked out your site and I am humbled!

Thanks for the kind words and for linking to my soap making tutorial.

I have also noticed that you have beefed up the kit.  Kim just informed me that you have included the mould and caustic soda now.  That is probably the only complete CP soap making kit in Australia.  Great work.

Also, on behalf of the orangutans and other wildlife of Borneo and Sumatra, I thank you very much for making the decision to remove the palm oil out of your kit.  If there were more folks like you out there, no one would have to worry about the future of this wonderful ape.  No action is too small as far as I am concerned.


Warm regards,

Gavin

It just goes to show that every small action (i.e. my blog post and decision to make soap) has a consequence, and no action is too small to make a difference.  Thank you so much Yvonne for caring enough to make a positive environmental change.  As I said, if more companies took simple actions like this, the world would be in much better shape.
 

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: activisim, Soap Making

← Bob the Office Zombie Transition Decade 2010-2019 →

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. Kelly says

    February 3, 2010 at 23:22

    yay blogging. Power to the people n all. Its amazing how blogging can change not only ones own life but others as well.! onya

    Reply
  2. Mia @ agoodhuman says

    February 4, 2010 at 02:52

    Well done Gavin and a big thanks to Yvonne! If we can all keep making these incremental steps, perhaps we really can change the world.

    I really agree with supporting businesses who do the right thing, so I will be buying a soap kit from Yvonne soon. Since I’m in the USA I might have it sent to my Mum in QLD. She’d get a real kick out of it I think.

    Thanks again!

    Reply
  3. Toria says

    February 4, 2010 at 05:25

    What a fantastic outcome! I’ve been getting my soapmaking supplies from Aussie Soap Supplies for over a year now & they have always had fantastic service, so I’m not too surprised that they have done this. BTW, your link to the kit didn’t work for me.

    Reply
  4. dixiebelle says

    February 4, 2010 at 07:43

    Awesome work, Yvonne and Gavin! I am so pleased…

    Reply
  5. Julie says

    February 4, 2010 at 11:56

    Good work Gavin! I have not been recommending CP soap kits from ASS for that reason (although I buy stacks of other stuff from them), so it’s terrific that Yvonne has now changed the kit – heck I might even buy a couple for upcoming birthdays!

    Reply
  6. Julie says

    February 4, 2010 at 12:53

    Hmmmm, just noticed that “Aussie Soap Supply” and “Aussie Soap Supplies” are two different companies!! I use the latter so no wonder I was confused about their CP soap kits LOL.

    Reply
  7. miss rebecca says

    February 9, 2010 at 01:11

    Great work Gavin – I have been unsure if I should buy a kit since I knew it contained palm oil, but since they have removed it I am more than happy now to purchase the kit and try my hand at soap making!

    Both you and Kim should be VERY proud! It is not easy to make changes and to encourage business to make changes but you have done it!

    another great site you should have a look at it http://www.palmoilaction.org
    They have a range of emails and email addresses to send to companies about the use of palm oil. I have emailed them all and now awaiting responses!

    warmest regards,
    Rebecca

    http://www.mygreenaustralia.com

    Reply
  8. miss rebecca says

    February 9, 2010 at 01:15

    oops – the link is
    http://www.palmoilaction.org.au

    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

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

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