I am very excited that I just have to tell you the news! What news you ask?
Well, today I received an email from Green Lifestyle Magazine that informed me that I am a finalist in the Green Lifestyle Awards, and to be awarded either the Highly Commended or Winner for the category of ONLINE ECO INFO SITE. Awesome!
Thank you so much to those who nominated me, and this site, earlier on in the year. I feel very humbled that you thought that this site was worthy. After all is said and done, I write for you, the reader, and I disseminate as much information as I can (for free) about the simple steps can put you on the path to a sustainable lifestyle in the suburbs. If I can do it, anyone can.
However, I also have a dilemma. I have been invited to attend a function in two weeks where they will be announcing the winners and to rub shoulders with other green business leaders.
You see, I live in Melton, and the function is in Sydney, which is 886 km (550 miles) away. If I were to travel to attend the two hour ceremony, the carbon footprint would be massive, about half a tonne of CO2-e. In fact I would nearly double my entire year’s emissions in just one day. Therein lays the problem. A moral problem.
As much as I would love to attend, due to the distance and the GHG emissions, I have decided not to attend the award function. I called up the lovely people at Green Lifestyle Magazine to let them know, and they fully understood. Maybe I should ask for a video link-up or teleconference?
Still, I am very excited to learn the outcome either way. Rock on October 9th when we find out the winners of all the categories. Don’t forget to grab a copy of the magazine when it comes out.
I would say “wish me luck!”, but either way I still feel like a winner just because you visited this post! That is prize enough.
Lynda D says
Woo Hoo! I know a rock star – an Eco Living rock star that is. This is a wonderful reward for all the information that you impart and the motivation you give your readers. You are setting a great example for us all. Cheers Gav (Fingers Crossed)
Gavin Webber says
Thanks Lynda, really appreciated it. However, if I am a rock star, are you my groupie? 😉
Gav x
Lynda D says
You are right. Ive never been a groupie before. I dont think you could count my love for Bay City Rollers way back when. All that Tartan!!!!
Kathy P. says
Congratulations on such well-deserved recognition! It would be a shame to miss the festivities, though. Could you use some form of mass transit other than air? Train perhaps?
Gavin Webber says
Cheers Kathy. One of the first things I did after receiving the invitation was to investigate all forms of transport. The train would have taken 11 hours each way and involve an overnight stay. Flying and driving was too carbon intensive. In this day and age, teleconference or video is the more carbon efficient option, but at this stage is unavailable.
Gav x
rabidlittlehippy says
The train is not quick is it but there is an overnight train back which would redue the prie of a hotel somewhat. I’ve done the trip to and from Wagga a few times (about half way) and it’s not wonderful trying to sleep in a chair that clickety clacks and roks and stops and starts either. Still worth a mention.
HUGE congratulations Gav! You blog is an inspiration to all and has helped many people to start or increase their green journey. You inspired me tremendously as you know and continue to do so. You deserve the award well and truly. Best of luck for the final prize and here’s hoping for the video link. 🙂
Gavin Webber says
Hi Jessie, you are right of course. The train would have been a great option except that the event was from 6-8pm and the train leaves at 8:40pm. I could not get from the event to the station on time.
And thanks, see you tomorrow!
africanaussie says
You deserve it! I am so impressed that you walk the talk and decided not to fly there. Not sure I would have been that committed!
Gavin Webber says
Thanks AA. I did think long and hard about it though!
Gav x
Anonymous says
Well done Gavin I always knew that I had a VIP in the family somewhere Congratulations and love from Mum xoxoxoxo
Gavin Webber says
Thanks Mum. Not a VIP, just an ordinary bloke doing what all blokes should be doing.
Love you xox
Pavel - Desirable World says
Congratulations Gavin. You deserve the nomination. My finger and toes are crossed for you.
As for making the decision not to attend the function due to the carbon emissions it would generate. Your choice shows great integrity. I think many people – society at large one could say – let certain types of decisions fall on the wayside. The decision to travel interstate for a positive experience may not get any thought at all in terms of the pollution it will generate. We feel that we ought to treat ourselves to these sorts of things if the opportunity arises. Or worse, if we think we have to travel for work, we look at it as an inevitability – something we have no control of.
The organisation for which I work is disgusting when it comes to travel. Middle managers head for the airport in their dozens every day to keep face with other men in suits in other states. It really makes my skin crawl. I dislike meetings in general and always question their relevancy. I’ve cancelled or haven’t booked in the first place so many using a filter of necessity. I wonder how many work flights could be stopped if some proper consideration was given.
Gavin Webber says
Thanks Pavel. I totally agree about work travel. So many don’t think twice about jumping on a plane for a meeting instead of jumping on Skype or some other such video conferencing software.
Gav x
Tania @ Out Back says
Well done and well deserved Gavin!