• 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

My Thoughts Travelling Home

August 25, 2011 @ 21:48 By Gavin Webber 11 Comments

My inquisitive mind was wandering all over the place on the way home tonight.  I am going to share my thought pattens, even though sometime it may seem a little out there.  Here goes trendsetters!

First my thoughts were drawn to the preparation work that Kim and I have to do this weekend for Sustainable House Day.  Call it a spring clean if you will.  Weeding, tidying, building, etc.  Should be a great weekend I thought.  Building a wicking bed, and adding another layer to the cob oven and fixing up some cracks.

Then I thought deeper about the concept of Sustainable House Day, and that one day it will not be needed.  That day would be when everyone grows their own food out of necessity, and has chooks, fruit trees and veggie patches, and lives within their means.  Whether it be because of peak oil, or climate change, or economic downturn or all three is besides the point.  The fact is that it will probably happen and I thought that I am glad that I am well down the path towards a more sustainable lifestyle before TSHTF even if it does happen in very slow motion.

Then I thought about the most unsustainable house that humans have ever made.  The news today talked about a Russian unmanned space craft that was ferrying supplies to the International Space Station.  The ISS would be in my humble opinion, the most unsustainable house in existance.  It has to truck in food, oxygen, water, and everything else that humans need to survive, and don’t even try to work out the food miles!  Yes, it may be expanding our knowledge of space and science, but the costs to maintain it must be enormous.  No wonder NASA canned their manned space program.

Then I thought about the most sustainable house.  A Yurt came to mind, and so did a Wattle and Daub hut.  Easy to maintain, weather proof, easy to heat/cool and the materials are low cost.   Very sustainable, and probably very comfortable.

I kind of went off track in my head about this time as I began to actually listen to the podcast “More Hip than Hippy“, which I enjoy on my commute and have a laugh once in a while.  Val and Dori were talking to a lady somewhere in California that gets by without a car, and who lives in the ‘burbs.  Big deal I thought, and they were waffling on and on about how hard it is.  Yes this lady’s hubby had a car, which they jointly own.  Well that is not really getting by without a car now is it.  I might as well interview Kim on my podcast and ask her how she gets by in the suburbs without a car!  Same thing really, as we only have one car, and Kim chooses not to drive at all.  So underwelmed I felt, I skipped past that part of the podcast.  People must be really attached to their cars in the US, I suppose a bit like Aussies when I think about it.

Then I started listening to the Kunstlercast, and James and Duncan were talking about the Standard & Poors downgrade of the US governements credit rating, and The Long Emergency.  High unemployment, housing prices/values falling, people just getting by with crap jobs, and not many people taking about peak oil like James does constantly, which is quite important to the US seeing they use 25% of the worlds oil resources.  A little blip like a revolution in an overseas oil exporter and they have to start eating into their oil reserves, which is dwindling all the time.  He also talked about the leadership stalemate (or lack of said leadership) and that he was waiting for some left wing equivilent of the Tea Party to start up and start doing the things that the Democrats are, in his opinion, not capable of anymore.  Sound a bit like our Green party to me.  Then I thought that things just don’t look very pretty for our allies.  However I could have it all out of context, because I just listen to podcasts from the US, and am not living the experiance. 

My mind turned to transport, and the lack of a good public transport system.  Traveling on the train in the mainland capitals of Australia is very ancient Rome like.  All roads, and in this case, trains, lead to the city center.  A truly well designed rail system would have orbital lines that connected all of the lines to each other at various distances from the city center, a bit like NY, Tokyo, London, and Paris.  I remember that traveling in London and Paris when I was in my 20’s and how easy it was to get around on the Tube and Metro respectively.  All because the systems were well planned out and interconnected.

Interconnected.  I then remembered that we are all interconnected in the world, this world of Globalisation, and wondered how much longer it would last.  Cheap trade is not possible without cheap fossil fuels and now that is a thing of the past the cracks in the fabric that holds Globalisation together must be streaching hard at the seams ready to burst.

Then I pulled into the train station and traveled home in my hybrid car.  I wondered when more cars would be manufactured as hybrids or electric, and wondered when the price of petrol (gasoline) was going to get so high that people would start to abandon their SUV’s and massive 4×4’s on the side of the road because they couldn’t give them away!

It was about then that I pulled into the carport, met the dogs at the door, and gave Kim a big kiss and a hug.

There is no place like home!

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: Gavin, Green Psychology

← Green Podcast Interviews Wanted Clay Cob Oven Progress →

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. Kathy P. says

    August 26, 2011 at 00:45

    Yeah, we loooove our cars (sigh). It is said there are more cars here in the US than there are licensed drivers to zoom around in them. I’m not sure if that includes trucks and buses or not. Still way too many. But it’s a huge country and the infrastructure was designed when we were awash in cheap oil. Who cares how far out the ‘burbs spread, right? What’s a 3 hour round trip commute when you can have a big McMansion in the burbs?

    Re: the Tea Party. They are not even close to Green. The Tea Party is an “astro-turf” (certainly not grass-roots) movement, bankrolled by the billionaire oil baron Koch brothers. The TP despise science, they believe that global warming was invented by Al Gore so he could get rich and the climate scientists could get more grant money. (I kid you not.) Their mantra is “drill baby, drill!” but peak oil is a myth. Their vision of government is to shrink it until it’s small enough to drown in a bathtub. (I am not making this up!) Even as more and more 500 year extreme weather events take their toll, they parrot the climate-denial lies of their corporate masters on their favorite faux news propaganda channel. Already the 2012 Republican Presidential field is lining up and so far, it’s nothing but Tea Party-backed crazies. And Obama seems powerless against them.

    Gav, as frustrated as I know you get with the situation in Australia, when I read your stuff, I sometimes want to move there. It’s worlds better than it is here in the US. The situation here re: climate destabilization, peak oil, and the economy is positively bleak.

    I fear for this country and I fear for our planet. We, the US of A should be leading the charge. Instead our bought-and-paid-for politicians kowtow to their corporate masters while Rome burns.

    Reply
  2. Bruise Mouse says

    August 26, 2011 at 05:59

    Don’t even start me on the space program!

    Public transport is something that I am truly loving at the moment. We are in Berlin with no car and absolutely no intention of getting one. The trains and buses run so smoothly and regularly that these are our main form of transport (apart from walking). The trains run regularly and are reasonably priced, something that is so different to what I am used to. There is no road rage, or worry about getting lost or not knowing the road rules. All of our outings are relaxed as we can all sit together and chat.

    I wish a similar system operated in Perth but unfortunately there are only 5 train lines – none link to any of the others except in the city. These aren’t very regular outside peak hours. We are encouraged to Park’n’Ride but if you don’t get there before about 7.30am, you can forget getting a space. I feel that public transport in Perth is really a bit of a token effort.

    Sitting on the train is certainly a great time to have a think.

    Reply
  3. SOEWNEARTH says

    August 26, 2011 at 09:46

    This is my favourite low impact house
    http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm

    Reply
  4. Joyfulhomemaker says

    August 26, 2011 at 10:57

    Hey Gavin , I was looking round the net this morning and found this webpage http://www.pickyourown.org/australiavic.htm thought you might find that useful in your 160km diet
    cheers

    Reply
  5. Wendy says

    August 26, 2011 at 11:30

    Good read – oh how our minds meander. I am on a constant loop of thoughts. Cheers, Wendy

    Reply
  6. Calidore says

    August 26, 2011 at 12:21

    Fabulous post Gavin and lots of food for thought. It just takes one person to verbalise and post their thoughts then many others to read that post and before you know it the whole world is talking and making changes. Or at least that’s the way it should be. Like public transport that interconnects we need the same as a global society. When will those in power realise it’s not a us and them situation with regard to our planet? It’s a world wide problem and solution.

    Off to plant onions and let my thoughts roam while I work.

    Reply
  7. oneearthtolive says

    August 27, 2011 at 08:46

    My mind wanders on these very same topics Gavin. I loved the stream of consciousness you gave us, it felt really true and real. If only more people had these same type of everyday thoughts… It can get exhausting though, sometimes I can’t think about it anymore, it just gets me down.

    Reply
  8. oneearthtolive says

    August 27, 2011 at 08:47

    My mind wanders on these very same topics Gavin. I loved the stream of consciousness you gave us, it felt really true and real. If only more people had these same type of everyday thoughts… It can get exhausting though, sometimes I can’t think about it anymore, it just gets me down.

    Reply
  9. Sol says

    August 27, 2011 at 10:09

    Hi Gavin, fab post. My mind does this on the bus to work.

    Having pondered alot on all different things like you. I have taken the idea of subtle changes. Like yourself with the Coffee shop lady, by using your own cup. She made a change to her establishment that could save thousands of disposable cups. You, one man, have made this change possible.

    More people will take this up as they not only think only in money value, but they recognise that most food containers cant be recycled easily.

    the lady gets to save costs on the cups and the people bringing their own cup, will think ‘I am saving’.

    So with this in mind, all my extra produce from my garden, I have randomly left it on peoples desks at work. Freshly picked that morning. they have all commented that they taste far superior to supermarket food. And my answer to that is. “I picked it this morning, it hasnt sat in a ware house for months. Do you have a garden? I can help you grow your own”.

    Small steps. But can you imagine if they then gave their family, home grown veg, surplus from their garden? they might tell someone else and then we have a huge movement, to all growing our own.

    We are very fortunate in this country (dont know about any others), we have people like Hugh Fearnley whittingstall, who is a chef, who petitions the government and supermarkets, and has a tv show, that includes all of this.

    “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

    I think your blog and others are the beginning.

    Keep up the inspirational posts.

    Reply
  10. Sol says

    August 27, 2011 at 10:10

    Sorry that was a huge comment.

    in a round about way of saying, you blog is ace!

    I will shut up now.

    Reply
  11. Alicia says

    August 29, 2011 at 10:46

    We are a one car family, and I don’t drive, we live in the burbs too. I’m lucky I’m only 15 minutes walk to the local shopping strip (and quite a big one too), and 20 minutes to the local kinder and school. I get a kick out of getting around on my own two feet, the pusher makes it easier with the little ones, and I can put my food shopping underneath it too. I would much rather walk wherever I need to go, than to slog it out in a gym. Great post Gav!

    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

Black Aphids On Garlic
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
The Seven Stages Of Change
Pickled Limes
Strawbridge Family Inspiration
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete
Contact
Cognitive Dissonance Redeux
African Horned Melon
Our Soap Recipe

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