I really enjoy spreading the sustainable living message to people and today was one of those opportunities. Late last year I was contacted by Cath Armstrong who is the founder of the Cheapskates Club with an invitation to present at a sustainable/frugal living workshop.
I jumped at the chance. Incidentally, it was Cath’s newsletter that contained the announcement for the workshop and the link to this blog which secured the recent interview with Ch 7 News! Thanks Cath!
The venue was in Wantirna South at a community house, which about an hour and a half drive (79 km) from where we live. We arrived early, and was greeted by Cath and her daughter Hanna.
I found the whole concept of the Cheapskates Club fascinating, and Cath kind of described it best when introducing me before my presentation. She said that she started off frugally and found that she began to live a more sustainable lifestyle, which is kind of the opposite to me. I started off my journey purely for environmental reasons, and found that all of the actions that we took helped us save lots of money. The end result was the same either way, which is very, very cool!
I gave my normal presentation, which I augmented with financial savings statistic for every project I undertook, which I think provides for a more rounded talk. Now everyone can get something out of it, even if they are not fussed about the environmental track I took. I received lots of questions which I did my best to answer, and many members took notes as I rattled of tip after tip to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.
So after my presentation, I asked Ben if he got some nice photos. His reply was that he forgot, which upset me a little, as I specifically gave him the camera for that purpose. Not to worry, as we did get a great photo of Cath and me during the interval.
Cath Armstrong and Gavin Webber
After a cuppa, it was my turn to sit and listen to Cath’s presentation. It was great, and even this old greenie learnt a few tips about green cleaning that I hadn’t picked up on before. Cath drove home the need for making every dollar count, when to say no to consumerism, and alternatives for things that everyday folk take for granted. It was a great presentation.
I encourage you to visit Cheapskates Club website and have a look around. The address is http://www.cheapskates.com.au/. It is well worth a visit just for some of the cool frugal living tips. Cath also has a blog called Debt Free, Cashed Up and Laughing, which is more of a journal, and still worth a read.
Ben and I had a brilliant day out and learnt a lot. Thanks Cath for inviting me along.
I’ve been using the Cheapskates Miracle Spray for months now (on my second batch). It is great for bench and stove tops, scrubbing the shower, kitchen sink. Here’s the link: http://www.cheapskates.com.au/docs/how_to_make_miracle_spray.pdf
Very cool Joolz. She had some great tips for green cleaning.
Great to collaborate on topics that are yin and yang. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
Hi Kathy, yes it was a great collaboration, and in the end, whether you start off being frugal or start off being green the end result is the same….. less consumption which is better for all of us and Earth.
When are you coming to Ballarat Gavin??
Hi Jenny. Sent you an email reply.
Gav