• 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

Archives for January 2011

Be Prepared Challenge – Restock & Rotate #1

January 31, 2011 @ 23:09 By Gavin Webber 6 Comments

So you have your emergency kit, grab bag, and stockpile all sorted, or at least are planning to I dare say.

This week Bec and I will be doing a few posts about Restock and Rotating your booty, I mean stockpile.   Things like first aid kits don’t need too much maintenance, just a six monthly check for items that you may have used, but food definitely needs fairly close attention to avoid spoiling.

Food in tins have a long shelf life, as does UHT Milk and do not need too much attention.  When we restock, we simply put the old stuff to the front and new stuff to the back.  Just basic stock rotation, just like any store owner would practice.  We do the same with fresh food as well.  In the fridge we have two crisper compartments and rotate between them.  For example one week we put garden harvest in the top one, and the next week rotate to the bottom draw and keep using the top until empty.  Then rotate.  We find this works wonderfully, and we rarely have any spoiled fruit and vegetables. One of the great things about having a food forest around your house is that most of the storage is in the garden itself.  You just pick when you need it!

Dried goods need a little more attention, with flour susceptible to weevils, and dried beans sensitive to high humidity.  We use airtight plastic storage containers to keep anything out of opened or damaged packets, and I know from experience that in the sub tropics it is best to store your flour in the freezer to kill off any weevil eggs before they hatch.  We don’t have too many problems with our flour, but keep it airtight anyway.

The method Kim and I use each week, is to write down items on a list as we use them.  I have a small whyteboard that Ben gave us, and I am going to mount that on the back of the pantry door.  This way, it will make it a lot easier each month to restock, as we will have a better idea of what we have used.

However, all this talk about restocking brings me to one big problem we are now facing.  Increasing global food shortages.  A very scary subject indeed.  Today in The Age there was this article titled “Fruit and vegetables set to rise more than 70 per cent“, which talks about the recent floods and it effect on food prices.  Then I found this one in the Irish Independent titled “Never mind banks in crisis, food prices are our real worry” which talks about commodity prices.  The icing on the cake for me was this article by Associated Press titled “Egyptians stock up on food, water as protests rage” which talks about the political unrest over the weekend. As I have written before, there are troubled times ahead, it pays to be prepared.

So what can we do about it, and keep our own families fed at a reasonable price?  Well, I have said this many times, and you are probably getting sick of me harping on about it, but grow and preserve your own food.  You will probably never become self sufficient on a suburban block, but I have managed to supplement at least 50% of our fresh food bill with home grown produce.  Even the odd chook or seven will come in handy if you can keep them fed for a decent price.  In January alone, my seven chickens produced 108 eggs, or 9 dozen, for the cost of $30 in feed.  At approx $6.50 a doz for free range eggs in the store which would have cost me $58.50, that is a saving of $28.50 per month.  It is even more of a saving when all the hens are laying, due to the fact that 3 of mine are moulting and are off the lay this month.  Growing your own food is a satisfying feeling, knowing that you are providing for your own families well being.  If you do choose to grow your own food, make sure you have an ample seed supply as well.

Another way to save is to buy in bulk.  We buy most items in the biggest size we can get, because it is substantially cheaper than smaller quantities.  If you don’t believe me, try checking this out.  The next time you go to a supermarket, check out the price per 100gm.  Most Aussie supermarkets list this calculation with their item price.  You will find bulk items up to $1.00 or more cheaper per kilogram!  We buy bulk sugar, flour, dried beans, rice, salt, milk, vegetables, etc.  You get the basic gist of it.  Even better, if you can source a local food co-op and join up, you will find even better bulk food prices, without all that packaging. 

During this week, I will do a bit of research for bulk food stores in each Aussie capital city, and list as many as I can.

So where is the task for today, I here you ask.  Well I feel that I have only scratched the surface, and I dare say there are lots of other ways to keep your regular restocking costs to a minimum whilst still maintaining an adequate supply for whatever crisis you are planning for! 

The task is for anyone that has any other restocking on the cheap suggestions, please leave them via a comment for all readers to enjoy and digest.  Also, if readers would like to share any food co-ops they know of and use frequently, please leave a comment as well.  It doesn’t matter where you live in the world, share the wealth and list your favourite co-op.

Happy restocking!

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)

Filed Under: Be Prepared Challenge

Be Prepared Challenge – Acquire #2 – Stockpile

January 30, 2011 @ 07:00 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

Ready for the next part of the challenge.  Bec has been running wild over at her blog this week with the Aquire part of the challenge.  Check out her posts for the week.

Acquire – Step One (Task 1 – Consider what you will need)
Acquire – Step Two (Task 2 – Set up your Storage area, Task 3 – Gather & Make an Inventory of What you Have)
Acquire – Step Three (Task 4 – Gather Items for Stay at Home supplies)
Acquire – Step Four (Task 5 – Put together Emergency Kits for Evacuation)

and my post for the week Acquire #1 (Task 1 – Inventory).

So far, so good I hope.  The next task is to begin to stockpile.  Bec has already covered off the basics non-food items to collect in step 3, so I won’t repeat it.  However, what sort of food would you need for a short crisis?  Will you have enough for a month, preferably at least 10 weeks?  Where do I start I hear you asking?  Well, there are many lists out there and here are a few good references that I have referred to in the past.

  • Julie at Towards Sustainability wrote “What’s in my Stockpile” (a great list)
  • Australia’s Emergency Pantry List has an Interactive Pantry List that you can fill in.
  • Rhonda at Down to Earth wrote “Saving money with a stockpile“, which was the first time I encountered the concept. 
  • University of Sydney’s site called “Food Lifeboat“, has a very good list that details how much food is required each day, and a shopping list to help you prepare for 10 weeks.

All very informative lists and all of them should give you some ideas.

Start off with a few items you don’t have, especially if you are strapped for cash.  Each week buy a little extra once you have figured out what you need.  You will soon find that you will have a substantial stockpile ready for use and any crisis that I hope does not eventuate.  It doesn’t have to be expensive when you stockpile because good bought in bulk are often discounted.  Just do your own sums when you go shopping.  If you have a bulk food co-op close by, then that is the ideal place to start.

So what do I stockpile?  Well the list is long, so how about I just show you via photos instead!  Just remember to click to enlarge.

This is our main stockpile cupboard.  Shelf two has cleaning and personal hygiene products.  Shelf 3 has cereals,  tinned food like tuna, potatoes, beans, corn, baked beans, spaghetti, coconut milk, chickpeas and a few other.  Shelf four has flour, sugar, sauces, pastes, UHT milk.  The floor has rices, toilet rolls, and non-stockpile items.  Have a closer look below.

Turn a full 180 degrees on the spot and you see the pantry cupboard, which also hold lots of stockpiled goods.

Home brew beer, cordials and vinegar

Onion, oils and a kite (never know when you are going to need to fly a kite to release some stress)

Pasta and potatoes,

Preserved fruit and vegetables, and dried lentils.

Jams and honey,

Cooking needs,

 

Don’t forget the wine.  I always have a few on hand.

Nice and neat, so you can see at a glance what you have.

All the stuff in cans are ready to eat if you cannot heat them.   Don’t forget to keep a couple of can openers at hand!

And finally, don’t forget some protein.  If you eat meat, then get some canned as it last longer and you are not reliant on the fridge/freezer if the power goes out.  If you are a veggie, then you will have lots of beans, and dried pulses on hand.

Now one thing I haven’t shown you is the stock feed for the chickens.  If you have animals don’t forget them in the scheme of things.  I have two spare 20kg bags of feed the shed for the chooks, so we are kept in fresh eggs in-case of emergency.  If worst comes to worst, I would let them forage around to find lots of bugs and weeds.  Don’t forget your dogs and cats food as well.

As stockpiling is a personal choice, I am not going to give you a list to follow.  Everybody’s diet is different, so the great thing is that you get to choose what you want.  Go for it, and remember that Rome was not built in a day.  Our stockpile took about a year to collect, but simple to maintain once you have all your needs.  Maintenance or Restock & Rotate is a post for next week.

I hope you have fun.

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)

Filed Under: Be Prepared Challenge

Earth Hour 2011

January 29, 2011 @ 12:30 By Gavin Webber 4 Comments

Earth Hour, 8.30pm, Saturday 26th March 2011.  This year, lets go beyond the one off event of 60 minutes of abstinence.  So to that end, I have decided to help out WWF to ensure the message goes beyond the one single hour that people turn off their lights or power.


This year WWF are holding the Earth Hour Awards that I have offered to help promote and be a preliminary judge.  Here is the blurb from their site, and please note that the apply and nominate pop-ups work from the links, but not a well as on their main site.

“In 2011 we want to unearth inspiring stories of Australian’s who are “Going Beyond the Hour”, who are leading by example and inspiring others to do the same.  In 2011 we want to share these stories with the world.”

Here are all the categories that you can nominate people in. 

Young Panda Award

This one’s for the under 15’s and is all about young people embodying the Earth Hour spirit. We’re looking for someone who has been proactive in reducing their environmental footprint and has inspired their friends or family to take action too. Little actions can make a big difference!

Apply Nominate

The Workplace Champions Award

Every action adds up. This award is for an individual or team with big ideas, taking exceptional initiative within their workplace to positively impact the environment.

Apply Nominate

The Future Makers Award

Open to one and all, young and old, this award is for those individuals who always go beyond the Hour. For those among us who are taking innovative action to protect and preserve our planet into the future, and who are inspiring others to do the same.

Apply Nominate

The Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is to recognise the leaders in our community, who, in demonstrating an ongoing dedication to the environment, are leading by example and guiding younger generations to make a difference too.

Apply Nominate

The Education Award

How can the everyday person make a difference if they don’t know how? This Award is to recognise those who are making a significant contribution to educating others on how to live more sustainable lives. It might be your teacher, school, or scout group!

Apply Nominate

The People’s Choice Award

On March 4, the top 20 finalists will be announced. This will be your chance to cast your vote for your favourite, most inspiring story. Voting will run throughout March with the winner being announced on Earth Hour. More information to come soon! 

So stay tuned as I receive more information from the promoters.  It is going to be a great event!

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)

Filed Under: Earth Hour

Next Page »

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

The Seven Stages Of Change
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete
Selling Your Own Soap in Australia
Black Aphids On Garlic
Connecting Two Rainwater Tanks
Growing Queensland Blue Pumpkins (Winter Squash)
Home-made Passata di pomodoro
Chicken Hygiene
Curing Olives

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