• 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

Green Mojo

January 17, 2012 @ 20:42 By Gavin Webber 11 Comments

You know what?  After having read an article in the latest G Magazine, I believe that I have been suffering from ‘Green Fatigue’.  Here is an extract so you see what I am on about;

“The Murray-Darling water plan.  Coal seam gas mining. Old growth logging. That ‘great big’ carbon tax. Yep, 2011 was a hectic 12 months for environmentalists – and those are just the major campaigns.  When you factor in the mental stress of making ethical decisions every time you shop, eat or travel, it’s easy to see how you can end the year suffering from a severe case of green fatigue.”

Last year, I got so caught up in so many causes, workshops, and articles, that I had green fatigue!  As you have probably been aware, I have only been blogging this year in short bursts.  This was the time-out that I needed to recover and renew afresh.  I don’t want to burn out.

I remember back in early December, when the Durban climate conference ended that I wanted to just yell at the top of my voice at the delegates to get a move on regarding climate action.  But I didn’t.  In fact I didn’t even write about it because at the time, I thought the outcome was a lost cause and more procrastination from global leaders.  Yes folks, I knew something was up when I didn’t take the time to share my thoughts with you regarding the COP17 conference, but will do so in the very near future.

Over the past few days, besides having some nasty tummy bug, I have taken the time to self-reflect.  I believe that by taking this ‘me’ time, I look inwards and reflect on all of the achievements I have made since my green epiphany.  My brain is filled with things like, ‘am I doing enough, am I doing too much, is my ying and yang in balance, can we eat and shop more ethically, am I spending quality time with loved ones, am I truly rid of the consumer culture, and am I communicating effectively to those who read the things I like to write about’.  These are just some of the thoughts that swim around my head.  To aid my self-reflection, I answered about 20 emails from readers tonight that I have been putting off for the last week or two (Kim calls it my fan mail, but I am far too modest 😉 ).  When I reply to reader emails it makes me realise a few things.  Firstly that anyone who takes the time to send humble ol’ me an email must be keen to learn more, and secondly that they will probably take any of my advice/experience on-board and reflect upon it themselves, and possibly act upon it.  This gives me the feeling that I am making a difference, and that if we wait for governments to act, we would still be waiting for something to happen about the big issues I continue to write about.  A bit of self worth never hurt anyone.

However, the biggest thing that helps me get my green mojo back time after time is you, the reader of this blog, and my wife.  Let me tell you why.  You see, I am a bit of a statistics fan, and I track pages-view, demographics, and referrals to this site.  In the last few months, readership has grown considerably, as had the daily amount of page-views.  Over 2000 a day now and from all corners of the globe.  I am really proud that most of the things that I write about are sought out by people who are searching for answers, and want to learn about living a sustainable lifestyle.  What better way to help realise ones own sense of self worth.  However, it is a trap that can easily be fallen into.  Back when I first started writing about my sustainable journey, I would check the stats every day, and even though I only got about 10 hits a day in the first few months, I was encouraged to keep going by my wonderful wife Kim.  She egged me on, and here we are nearly 4 years down the track and 997 posts under my belt!  Who would have thought that I would have written for so long and about so many varied subjects?

So, with my green mojo intact and throbbing for action, 2012 is going to be a year to remember.  Please stay a while longer and enjoy the adventure!  Who wants to join me?

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 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: Philosophy, Sustainable Living

← Steam… I Need Your Help →

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. Hannah says

    January 17, 2012 at 21:26

    Go Gav! Looking forward to post 1000! Keep it up 🙂

    Reply
  2. Tanya says

    January 17, 2012 at 22:24

    Still with you Gavin. Here is to another 997!

    Reply
  3. Kim says

    January 18, 2012 at 06:12

    You are doing a great job , Gavin. I think when you start thinking that ‘green’ way , you can easily get overwhelmed …it happens to me too. But we are part of a community that is participating in a green revolution and every plant we nurture ,every loaf of bread we bake and every home made thing we make puts a dent in the sad deeds of those corporations we battle against, whoever they may be.
    The fact that those ‘green ‘posts on my blog also , get numbers off the scale also means that there are a host of people ready to take on the same task.
    I hold great faith in the current generation and the generation to come in overcoming the obstacles we face as a planet. It is inspiring resources like your blog that help enable this change and I thank you for it.

    Reply
  4. Michael from Canberra says

    January 18, 2012 at 06:46

    I’m with you Gavin, all the way. You are a green champion and inspiration to so many. Thanks mate!!!

    Reply
  5. Jen says

    January 18, 2012 at 07:32

    Keep calm and Carry On!

    I love the blog!

    Jen

    Reply
  6. Alicia says

    January 18, 2012 at 08:24

    Totally understand the green fatigue, and get a bit despondent when you see others with no clue, who can’t be bothered going the extra mile. But then there’s this green community that keeps you going, and you’re a part of that, Gav. It’s slow, but it’s gaining momentum, just takes a while to sink in for some people. Go Gav!

    Reply
  7. Linda says

    January 18, 2012 at 08:59

    I certainly LOVE following your blog and can’t wait for more inspiration/education this year! Thank you!

    Reply
  8. Hazel says

    January 18, 2012 at 11:07

    Some blogs i read each day because they are funny or I have come to know and love, in a bloggy way, the writers. Other blogs I read because they inform, challenge and teach me. Your blog, Dear Gavin, falls into both categories. Do not EVER underestimate the effect you are having. Thankyou!

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    January 18, 2012 at 13:17

    Gavin, I think you have intense enthusiam. And you seem fearless about trying new things. You are definitely an encourager.

    So balance in that “me” time and family time. And post when you want to share. Nobody can do it all. And on balance, which is better? — adding a 2 point task to your duties, or letting some folks discover how easily they can add some 20 point tasks to their routines? Then, they might just share your enthusiam and share their projects with more folks. Pretty cool, earth hero.

    brenda from ar

    Reply
  10. JulieG says

    January 18, 2012 at 17:59

    I’m on a bit of a blogging break myself for the same reason. Every field needs to lie fallow once in a while 🙂

    Here’s to many more blog posts and projects in the future!

    Reply
  11. Fiona from Arbordale Farm says

    January 18, 2012 at 22:58

    Gavin I think you are inspiring. So many people think it is too hard, and yes some days it is but you are proof that everyday people can make a difference. My community is currently fighting for our quite way of life http://www.scram.org.au/index.html and there are days when it is overwhelming. But I believe regardless of if you try and do something rather than doing nothing you will at least know that you gave it a shot.

    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
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Curing Black Olives
Quince Paste
Strawbridge Family Inspiration
Growing Queensland Blue Pumpkins (Winter Squash)
Selling Your Own Soap in Australia
Outdoor Solar Shower
Pickled Limes
African Horned Melon

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 © 2025