• 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

Suburban Wastelands

October 10, 2011 @ 21:08 By Gavin Webber 6 Comments

David Holmgren, the co-founder of Permaculture, once said;

“The suburbs of our Australian cities have, in the main, become sterile wastelands, lacking in any true spirit of community, impoverished of local resources, and filled with fearful people whose daily efforts are focused elsewhere.”

I reckon he hit the nail on the head with this quote.  Looking around my own town on the weekend, particularly the parts of it built over the last 5 or so years, I have noticed a few trends that I would like to share.

Typical Australian Suburb

Our town of Melton has become a ‘dormitory suburb’ or a collection of them, designed for cars and not the people that live in them.  With less or infrequent public transportation servicing these new suburbs, people are forced to have to own a car or even two.  With few jobs, retail or industries, people are forced to work in neighbouring areas closer to Melbourne and only come home to roost so to speak.

The average household size has been shrinking with extended family units becoming scarce.  However the home sizes, or as I like to call them McMansions, have increased, and yards are getting smaller and smaller.  Windows often overlook the neighbours garage, or a picturesque view of the back fence which is no more than 5 metres away, or if there is a view, it is of streets devoid of people.

People treasure entertainment areas which sacrifice what little backyard remains.  No space left for growing food, with their only idea of food security only a drive away at the supermarket.  Speaking of food security, urban boundaries get forced further out each year, gobbling up prime agricultural land and space for market gardens.  This in turn forces the use of more and more transportation to get food to these suburbs, and discourages land use for local food supply due to high land prices subject to residential development.

So what can be done to retrofit the suburbs when energy decent is looming not so far in the future?  Will be able to do something with diminishing capital being available to us?

Well, over the next few days I will be writing about a few possible solutions that we could do to fix up the ‘burbs that would make a difference to the current modus operandi.

I have a few ideas that maybe useful 😉

-37.6777778144.5686375

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: Suburbs

← Clay Cob Oven Mosaics Suburban Localisation →

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. Gavin says

    October 10, 2011 at 22:19

    Hi Linda, you nearly started to steal my thunder there :-). Glad you stopped! I agree which your comment, as we don’t have to deal with too much wildlife where I live, however in inner Melbourne, possums are a big pest.

    Reply
  2. Linda Woodrow says

    October 10, 2011 at 21:47

    Hi Gav, David Holmgrenalso says, “It’s technically possible that the traditional older suburbs could actually produce all of the food needed to sustain the people living there. The amount of open space – both public and private space in backyards – means that you’ve got a population density not that much greater than some of the densest traditional agricultural landscapes in the world.” I live in a rural community, but before you get jealous 🙂 in some ways I think it is actually easier to garden in the suburbs. The wildlife in the bush is truly voracious, unless you live in an area where there’s been a concerted effort to exterminate it (and you’re willing to carry on the effort). And you have so many little niches and microclimates. And barter partners right nearby. And unlimited sources of worm food. And…I’d best stop. I might need to move if I keep going. Looking forward to hearing how you’d redesign the burbs.

    Reply
  3. Kristy says

    October 10, 2011 at 23:54

    Yep, the outlook is… challenging to say the least.

    I always wonder that Councils can’t plant out median strips and the like with fruit trees/edible plants.

    Of course, being the ‘now’ someone would sue because they slipped on a stray orange, or some kids would be flinging ripe fruit at the retirement village or wahtever. But really.

    There IS a little park not too far from us that has fruit trees all through it. Beautifully maintained and that doesn’t cause a problem so I have hope for median strips yet!

    Oh and one median strip planed out with olive trees… but then… is it safe to eat fruit that’s been steeped in car fumes day in and day out?

    *sigh* lol looking forward to some of your theories

    Reply
  4. kymber says

    October 11, 2011 at 07:27

    Gav – i am very interested in your ideas – can’t wait to read about them! i know that you won’t let us down! lead the way, monsieur!

    your friend,
    kymber

    Reply
  5. veggiegobbler says

    October 11, 2011 at 08:54

    what shocks me is the mass of black and dark coloured, heat absorbing roofs in such a hot country.

    Reply
  6. Bruise Mouse says

    October 11, 2011 at 16:34

    Gav, I am really looking forward to your ideas. Since we have been living in Berlin we have noticed so many things about how our home town (Perth) does not really seem to encourage ‘community’. As the public transport is so amazing, we haven’t needed to buy a car. We live in an apartment and because of the high density living, I see neighbours regularly. I am starting to miss my yard but there are parks and playgrounds within walking distance.
    Take care

    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
The Seven Stages Of Change
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete
It's Not Easy Being Green TV series
Broad Bean Rust
Liveable Home Update - Glass Brick Window
VegTrug Fail
Black Aphids On Garlic
Clay Oven First Layer

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