• 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

Shopocalypse 2012

December 20, 2012 @ 22:14 By Gavin Webber 24 Comments

As the end of the Mayan long count calendar comes to an end, and another one begins, I see no sight of the predicted end of days.  Then again with only two hours to go here in Australia before the big day, I may be a bit early

If you are reading this on the 21st then, of course,  it was just another false end of the world prediction that will go down in history along with the thousands of other doomsday predictions that never happened.

However, there is one apocalypse that I see getting worse each year, year after year.  Yes dear readers, you guessed it.  It is the Christmas Shopocalypse!  A term coined by the Church of Stop Shopping and is derived from two words, shopping and apocalypse.  Quite fitting actually.  You can read more about Reverend Billy and his crew at this post “Fighting Excessive Consumerism“.


Each year, the big stores try and convince us to spend up big, by putting up decorations earlier and earlier and plastering media with so called specials.  In our town, Christmas decorations went up in October.  At least they held off with the Christmas carols until late November.  Bah humbug!

Well not really, because I like the idea behind Christmas as much as the next ordinary bloke, but obviously without all the consumerism.  For us, this time of year is all about family, fine food, and small useful green gifts, in that order.

During the day we play games, laugh, eat, drink and cherish each others company, which is what it should all be about.  The giving should be a minor part of the day, not the main feature.

We tend to avoid shopping centres at this time of the year, because basically, the blatant and rampant consumerism makes us sick.  We just cannot stomach it at all.  Call me a Scrooge if you will, however what small gifts we have bought each other has been purchased on-line, away from the disease the infects people this time of the year.

Maybe it is because we know what the consequences of excessive consumerism will be.  A planet not fit for human habitation or for many millions of the species that live in harmony with the Earth. A chilling thought, seeing that this all started out with some poor bloke and his virgin wife in a manger over 2000 years ago.

Maybe the 21st of December 2012 will be a turning point for humanity.  The defining moment of just how crazy our civilization has become.  In years to come, we may look back at this time, and think “How did we let it all get this far?”

It makes you think, doesn’t it.

-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: consumerism, Family

← Story Of An Egg A Green Holiday To One and All! →

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. Anonymous says

    December 21, 2012 at 06:46

    I whole heartedly agree with you. Christmas like most popular festivities has been hijacked by hype and splendour that has nothing to do with the spirit of the occasion. But Gavin, I do question if buying small green gifts on-line is more virtuous than buying small green gifts in the shops. I know it is more convenient and less likely to lure one into impulse buying. However, is the carbon in an on-line gift any less than they are in a shop bought gift? I think your home made limoncello is the way to go for a Christmas gift!! Anyhow, hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 21, 2012 at 07:27

      And a merry Christmas to you. Actually, I did a study during my carbon management Duploma and calculated that online shopping is actually less carbon intensive per kilogram of stuff than visiting the shopping centres.

      The biggest difference was the trip in the car/SUV top the sops by the shopper! It used about 3 times more emissions than Australia Post would if they had delivered the same item.

      Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 21, 2012 at 08:18

      That would be “in the car/SUV to the shops..”

      Reply
  2. gusgus64 says

    December 21, 2012 at 07:21

    Thought this video speaks to this issue pretty well….
    http://gusgus64.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/tis-the-season/

    (sorry, but it’s a bit USA-centric, but the point pretty much remains the same)

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 21, 2012 at 08:19

      Hi Gunta. The Story of Stuff is a very good message at this time of year. Thanks for dropping by.

      Gav

      Reply
  3. Marijke VanderVlist says

    December 21, 2012 at 08:17

    I’m with you on this one. The whole obsessive XMas shopping is like looking at an anthropological experiment, it’s not a pretty sight and I’ve been staying clear of the mall for months (I hate going there anytime anyway). We have two young kids and for them the presents are part of it, but not the main deal. We’ve been making decorations, cookies and cards to give love and thanks, but are mostly looking forward to the fact that we have that much more time together as a family. The presents that we’ve bought them are there to last (wooden train tracks, books,…) and craft materials. With kids I find, it’s more about spending time then money to make them feel loved.
    Have a wonderful XMas and a very green 2013!
    Love, Marijke

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 21, 2012 at 08:21

      Merry Xmas to you too Marijke and a green New Year. Money cannot buy love as you rightly stated. A hug is worth more than $100 note!

      Gav x

      Reply
  4. rabidlittlehippy says

    December 21, 2012 at 13:03

    Merry Christmas Gavin!
    We too have kept it VERY small this year. Partly due to the move, partly due to the fact that I am a bit of a bah humbug and partly because it’s all become such a crock of nonsense. We have kept our gifts VERY small and inexpensive and the only ones I have spent a little more on are those for my nephews (long story but we kind of had to 🙁 ) I am about to head into Daylesford to see if I can get some organic free-range ham that I know is supplied at a butchers there and I am hoping to find a duck or goose too as we can’t do the deed with our Mandy. There is a farmers market tomorrow where I will grab our veggies and I am holding my breath on spuds big enough to roast. Our wrapping paper (left over from 2 years ago I think) is in our old house so we may have newspaper wrapped gifts this year. I can’t stand the thought of buying paper that will be ripped off and tossed out. In fact, we haven’t yet even got a single decoration up! The tree is growing nicely in its pot in the garden. Maybe if the weather is nice we will put it on the deck, or plant it out and decorate it out in the garden. 🙂 An outdoors Christmas!
    Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful day with your family and a lovely green Christmas. 🙂

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 21, 2012 at 13:16

      Merry Christmas Jessie and family. We too use newspaper or recycled brown paper to wrap the presents, and afterwards it either goes into the compost bin or on top of the worm farm! Extra eco-points if you shred it for nesting boxes!

      We have our outdoor area all set up for an outdoors Christmas dinner, and it is all lit up with LED lights which we put up last Saturday. Kim really has done a wonderful job with the simple decorations.

      Have a great and festive day! x

      Reply
  5. Calidore says

    December 21, 2012 at 19:59

    I have just spent the day in Bendigo “doing the shops” as a fill in in between Orthodontists visits with DD2. The people, the crowds, the full to overflowing car parks, the money people were spending did my head in. In the end DD2 and I escaped to a local lake where we sat and enjoyed the cool breeze, the ducks waddling around and the loan canoeist who was obviously practising for something as he went up and down the lake several times…lol. Last year we did all hand made presents, this year it’s a Kris Kringle with a strict budget put on the spending. Next year I’m voting for hand made again..it was loads more fun and way less expensive.
    Have a wonderful Christmas Gavin with your family. Thank you for all your insightful and thought provoking posts through out the year… you have certainly made me stop and think about my families lifestyle and how we can change areas of it.

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 23, 2012 at 11:11

      Well done! A very Merry Christmas to you Calidore, and have a green new year.

      Gav

      Reply
  6. Sol says

    December 21, 2012 at 23:31

    We are staying at home this Christmas, as we are only swappng very small presents and my family dont understand us not going nuts. It will be just the 2 of us.

    Merry Christmas Gavin and Family. hope its an amazing day. Cant wait to read more of your posts. We are hoping to move towards Totnes, and change the future garden more towards all you have achieved on your suburban lot.

    Wishing you, Good luck and happiness for the new year.

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 23, 2012 at 11:11

      Cheers Sol, Merry Christmas to you!

      Gav x

      Reply
  7. Wendy says

    December 22, 2012 at 19:42

    I have made all of my presents except a voucher at bunnings for my Dad. He made a comment about things he really wanted and vouchers would be good from bunnings and that no one listens to him. So I listened and that is the only present that I purchased. I really like christmas with my family and would not want to sit at home on my own with hubby but it all gets very busy. I think just deciding and saying yes to one or maybe two over the couple of days is the way to go. Anyway – enjoy your day with your family and Merry Christmas Gavin and Family. Cheers, Wendy.

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 23, 2012 at 11:12

      Merry Christmas Wendy. Well done on all the home made thoughtful gifts.

      Gav x

      Reply
  8. Anonymous says

    December 23, 2012 at 12:26

    I am making food gifts (including Limincello) for those that I know will appreciate handmade, gourmet. The nieces and nephews are getting something from the stash that I purchased years ago. Haven’t really bought the stash as that’s was what it was bought for (until I saw the light)
    Went to a reasonably small shopping centre the other night after work-hadn’t Bern to one for a while. It wasn’t crowded, easily got a car park, had a wander and was fibre within half an hour as I was just overwhelmed by it all (I think I am like a reformed smoker)
    Had to laugh at gavins comment about shredding newspaper for chook bedding. I do this for mine-haven’t bought a bale of straw in years. I get access to plenty of newspaper where I work and from friends (I don’t buy the newspaper). On cold winter nights I sit with my empty childhood bags and lots of paper and tear away
    After the chooks have had it in their shed it goes out on to the back yard, where they dig it over and it slowly breaks down. Composting it would be better but I have yet to build the 3 stage bins from the recycled brick pallets I have scrounged from a building site
    Better go and attend to the caramelising onions for the gluten free cheese and onion crackers
    Heaver a great Christmas and a happy new year hope all your chooks keep laying and your fruit tree provide a nice bounty
    Claire in Kalorama

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 24, 2012 at 13:35

      Merry Christmas Claire to you and your family. They are going to love the limoncello!

      Cheers, Gav x

      Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    December 23, 2012 at 12:33

    Hate these self correcting smart phones
    Should read: haven’t bought a present in ages as I have a stash and now get things from ….
    Bern should be been
    Fibre should be gone
    Childhood should be chookfood
    Claire in Kalorama

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 24, 2012 at 13:36

      Never mind Claire, it happens.

      Reply
  10. bbarna says

    December 24, 2012 at 03:13

    Hi Gavin, Kim and family,
    All the best from us in Canada! Wishing you and yours a happy, green Christmas. We are getting on with our -20C weather-trying to stay out of the malls. This years gifts include homemade goodies like jam, candles and soap. This year I have learned to knit socks, so they are on the list for next Christmas.
    We have drastically cut the amount of shopping we do, but look for really good quality, or used goods when we do buy something.
    Hugs from Barb in Canada.

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 24, 2012 at 13:37

      Hubs from Oz, Barb. Merry, green Christmas to you and yours. In contrast, it was +37C here yesterday. Cold weather is a very distant memory.

      Gav x

      Reply
  11. Fiona from Arbordale Farm says

    December 24, 2012 at 08:15

    We have tried to make a lot of our presents this year and for my family who are over seas we brought them vouchers so they could go out to a nice restaurant as a treat. I have a few friends who have talked about things they might want to buy their kids and usually they are extravagant and over the top. I have been saying to them “Do you think you kids would rather spend quality 1 on 1 time with you or have more expensive gifts?” Then I ask them if they would have rather had more time playing with their parents or bigger presents as kids. These questions are usually met with stunned silence.

    I hope you Kim and Ben have a restful and merry Christmas.

    Reply
    • Gavin Webber says

      December 24, 2012 at 13:39

      Great question to ask Fiona. I bet that it makes them think!

      Merry Christmas to you! We will be dining outside this year, as it will be a nice cool +22C!

      Reply
  12. Kathy P. says

    December 25, 2012 at 01:59

    Here’s an article you might find interesting: Subdued mood on the last holiday shopping weekend (http://www.uticaod.com/latestnews/x2105861427/Subdued-mood-on-the-last-holiday-shopping-weekend?zc_p=0)

    Seems disaster and tragedy have a silver lining – at least for the planet. Maybe more people are realizing what is truly important – family, friends and quality time rather than a huge pile of stuff, and the debt to go with it.

    I hope you and your family are having a wonderful Christmas Day!

    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

The Seven Stages Of Change
Strawbridge Family Inspiration
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Building a VegTrug or Two
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete
Contact
Clay Oven First Layer
All Good Things Come to an End
Home Made Camembert

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