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Archives for July 2012

Consumerism Calamity

July 27, 2012 @ 22:02 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

Dear readers. 

You would not believe some of the emails that I receive in my inbox.  People ask me to promote all sorts of things, from chemical fertilizers to free trips to car shows in Sydney, to eco television sets, all with the offer of a free sample or perks.

To put your mind at ease, I have never been tempted to take up any of these offers, because I hold true to my values, and besides, I would be a total hypocrite if I did.

Most recently, I received this offer, which will make you either cringe or chuckle.

Hi blogger,

Thanks for taking some time to read this email. I am Antonio, the leader of xxxxx blog team and I am looking for partnership among bloggers. I found that your blog was really active, popular and contended, so here I wonder if there’s any possibility that you cooperate with us.

Here’s the general plan of the cooperation:

First, xxxxxx will send you a FREE pair of high quality and fashionable glasses or sunglasses (you don’t need to pay any fee). After getting the eyewear, you just need to write an objective and real review for it and post the review to your blog. Plus, xxxxxx launched a program offering free eyewear for first-time buyers. Therefore, you can also invite your readers to try our products for free. They just need to pay the shipping. Perhaps your lovely readers will love this program, especially for those who need eyewear.

xxxxxxx is the world’s most popular online eyeglasses store. We have always been committed ourselves to offering customers the best quality products at the most affordable prices. For this reason, we have gained a solid reputation and trust from almost 500,000 fans on facebook.

Please reply to xxxxxxxxxx if you are interested in the cooperation. We are looking forward to your response.
Best regards 

Antonio 

Here is my reply. I might have been a little harsh, yet realistic.


Dear Antonio,

If you had taken the time to actually read my blog, you would have found that one of my values is anti-consumerism. I believe that blatant and excessive consumerism as you are promoting in your email is one of the problems of our time.

Have you never thought of where the materials to make those sunglasses that you are so fond of come from? It comes from oil, which is something that will be in short supply in the very near future.

So enjoy your sunglass business while you can, because in a few years you will wonder why you even sent me an email.

So thanks, but no thanks.

Gavin 

P.S. If you want to learn about sustainable living, and growing your own food, it is not to late to start!

I had to laugh as I was relying, because the other day, a fellow blogger friend, The Frugal Queen, aka Froogs to her mates, posted a page telling prospective advertisers of tat not to even consider approaching her for this very type of offer.  You can read her page here, as it is a great message.  So to back her up and many other ad free blogs, I too have decided to go advert free to be true to my convictions.  I do, however leave a sponsor space for my podcast, which I do need to start up again because I know lots of you like them.  Oh, and I left the promotion for my book(s).


Anyway dear reader, do you receive endless spam in your email inbox?  What does it tell you about the state of our civilization?

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Filed Under: consumerism

National Tree Day – Winner

July 26, 2012 @ 21:35 By Gavin Webber Leave a Comment

The winner of the competition is Brooke Gray from Seymour, Victoria.  Congratulations.  Please send through your details ASAP, so that we can send through your $100 Bunnings Warehouse voucher express post, kindly donated by Toyota Australia.

SO… 
Catch! calls the Once-ler. 
He lets something fall. 
It’s a Truffula Seed. 
It’s the last one of all! 
You’re in charge of the last of the Truffula Seeds. 
And Truffula Trees are what everyone needs. 
Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care. 
Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air. 
Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack. 
Then the Lorax 
and all of his friends 
may come back.

Happy planting where ever you may be over the weekend on this beautiful planet we call home!

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Filed Under: National Tree Day

National Tree Day Competition

July 25, 2012 @ 09:00 By Gavin Webber 4 Comments

“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.
I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.
And I’m asking you, sir, at the top of my lungs–“

… to join in and plant some native trees and shrubs on National Tree Day, because National Tree Day (Sunday, 29 July) and Schools Tree Day (Friday, 27 July) is fast approaching.  

Ben and I will be out lending a hand in our local community and helping The Friends of Toolern Creek to plant this Sunday.  We want to help preserve our local environment, and will be planting local native trees and shrubs.  Details about local plantings events can be found at the Planet Ark find-a-site page.


More than 17 million native trees and shrubs have been planted by approximately 2.5 million volunteers over the years participating in this event.

Did you know that National Tree Day was co-founded by Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee in 1996?  Well it certainly has come a long way since the late 90’s, as the media release I received explains;

“This year, National Tree Day is organised by Planet Ark in partnership with Toyota and its extensive Dealer network and encourages all Australians to come together with their local community, sporting group or local school to plant trees and give back to the environment.

In what has become Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event, sports stars, environmentalists, media personalities and country music greats each year team up with local communities to get their hands dirty in support of Toyota’s involvement in National Tree Day.

2012 marks Toyota’s 13th year of support for the nationwide campaign which encourages communities to help preserve the environment for future generations.”

I like the way that Planet Ark and Toyota both support the event.  It shows what an NGO and a Corporation can do working hand in hand for the good of our environment.

Fortunately, for Australian residents, Toyota Australia has also sent me a $100 Bunnings Warehouse gift voucher to give-away to one of my readers with which to purchase and plant native trees, shrubs and grasses in their local area.

I apologise to my international readers,and I am sorry there is no voucher available for you. However, I do urge you to go plant a tree anyway, and get the kids involved.

So you Aussie readers, all you have to do is leave me a comment of 50 words or less, describing the place that you would plant your native trees and shrubs and why you would plant there if you won the voucher.  Oh, and a small plug about this post and the National Tree Day event via any form of social media (via the Facebook, Twitter, email etc. icons at the bottom of this post) would be greatly appreciated.

The best entry will be judged by Kim, Ben and I, and will be drawn on Thursday evening at 7.30pm AEST.  The winner can then contact me via email and the voucher will be sent to you post haste, hopefully getting there in time for the event.  The judges decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.  


Thanks to Planet Ark and Toyota Australia for their sponsorship/support of this great event.

So get those creative juices flowing, and don’t forget to check if there is a local event in your area and register your interest.

Oh, and good luck with your entry in the contest!

“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” ~ Greek proverb

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Filed Under: Environment, National Tree Day

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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.

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  • 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!

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    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

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