• 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

Archives for April 2014

TGoG Podcast 061 – An Outsiders View of Sustainable Living

April 30, 2014 @ 21:33 By Gavin Webber 3 Comments

The Greening of Gavin PodcastSometimes it can be difficult to gauge what an outsider thinks of our sustainable lifestyle, and how they can adapt to sustainable living in the ‘burbs.  Are we perceived as new aged hippies, or just people with a quirky outlook, or neither?

So luckily during this episode of the podcast, we get the opportunity to see if our way of living rubs off on our visitors who drop in occasionally and what they think of it.

Listen to the Episode Below (00:17:13)
Download Listen in a New Window iTunes Stitcher SoundCloud Leave a Review Clammr It Subscribe via RSS Subscribe on Android RSS Patreon

So to that end, my special guest is Pam Dawson, my Mother-in-law.  She lives in Southampton, Hampshire, UK.  However, she has been staying here at TGoG urban farm for the past five weeks and I was interested in her opinion of how we live, what she likes best about it, what she doesn’t like, and what lessons she is taking home with her.

The chat was insightful, even though a little bit biased.  After all, she is the mother of my wife, Kim, and lovely at that.

Maybe I didn’t work her hard enough around the garden?  Seriously, I really appreciated all the help she gave us during her visit, and couldn’t thank her enough for volunteering as a guest on the show.  Thanks Pam.

So make yourself a cuppa and please take the time to have a listen to our little chat about her experience of sustainable living.  I believe you will enjoy it.

If you enjoyed the podcast, please pop over to iTunes and rate it or leave a review. You can also do the same within Stitcher Radio if you use that service.  It would help me out so much, and elevate the ratings so that others can find the podcast and learn about sustainable living in the ‘burbs.

You can subscribe to the show via RSS or iTunes or Stitcher for your portable device.  Just use the subscription buttons below.

RSS Feed for your podcatcher application
iTunes

Stitcher Radio
Listen to Stitcher
 

Until next time, stay green and keep keen!  Please thank Pam for coming on the show.

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)

Filed Under: Podcast, Sustainable Living, TGOG Podcast

Everyday Green Hero – Green Lifestyle Mag

April 29, 2014 @ 20:55 By Gavin Webber 12 Comments

I am humbled to announce that my green transformation story features in another national magazine this month in an article titled Everyday Green Hero.  The publication is Green Lifestyle Magazine, and is a profile written as part of the 2013 Green Lifestyle Awards.

Not one to blow my trumpet (much), I am very pleased with the two page article written by Tierri Abraham, which featured in the May/June issue.  She captured the essence of our journey to date.

Everyday Green Hero

Everyday Green Hero article in Green Lifestyle Magazine May/June 2014 issue

I conducted the interview a few months back via email, and answered the questions sent to me to the best of my ability.  Not a bad way of conducting an interview by the way, because I could really think about the message I wanted people to read.  Hopefully it comes across okay.

Green Lifestyle Magazine May/June issue

Green Lifestyle Magazine May/June issue

I have purposefully cut off the story in the image due to copyright, so if you would like to read the story, I am sure it will surface on their website soon, www.greenlifestylemag.com.au, or better still, visit your local newsagent and buy a copy or subscribe online.

If you are worried about the paper and the carbon emissions from the magazine’s production, rest assured that the text pages are printed on 100% post-consumer recycled stock, and the cover is 45% FSC certified fibre and 55% recycled post consumer waste.  All manufactured Process Chlorine free!  Additionally, Green Lifestyle purchases carbon credits to offset the magazine’s greenhouse gas footprint.

While we are talking about carbon credits, there is a really good article in the magazine about Carbon Offset Basics, written by my buddy, Greg Foyster of Changing Gears fame.  The article is well written and is now my go-to reference for carbon credits.

In fact the entire issue is well-rounded and very informative.  Worth a read, if I do say so myself.

banner4While we are on the subject of Green Lifestyle Awards, the 2014 Awards are now open for nominations.  If you think this blog The Greening of Gavin is worthy for an award nomination again this year, please pop over to the nomination page to submit your nomination.  Select the Nominate a business, producer or service that I have used button and may I suggest the Online Eco Info Site category if you are struggling to select one?

If not, no problem at all, but take some time to nominate your favourite green business or person while you are there.  There are so many to choose from that are doing great work.  Just by submitting a nomination you could WIN a four-night stay at Paperbark Camp, valued at over $3,000!  Sounds like a very cool prize.

Anyway, I am a firm believer that if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

As always, thanks for reading.  I appreciate each and every one of you for dropping by the blog, day after day, year after year.  You are my inspiration!

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)

Filed Under: Awards, Media

Connecting Two Rainwater Tanks

April 28, 2014 @ 20:13 By Gavin Webber 13 Comments

One of my goals for the year was to buy and install a third rainwater tank.  After a few good months of saving, I had enough to call up the tank manufacturer in Ballarat and order one.

We got it delivered a week before Easter, so as it was raining, I thought it best to connect it right there and then.  The connection was a shocking job, and I rushed it.  So I decided to redo it over the weekend.

Connecting two rainwater tanks

The new tank is on the left.  Don’t ask me why we ordered a different colour.  Okay, I will confess.  During the ordering process, Kim and I were convinced that the original tank was the light green colour, and as it was dark and cold we didn’t bother to check.  Our bad, but not to worry because it still holds water and that is the main thing, isn’t it?

So on to the connecting business.

The dark green tank was already connected through to the irrigation systems, so I disconnected it all.

IMG_0517

I have seen some people connect the tanks at the top through the storm water drain outlet, and this does work, however the light green tank is slightly higher than the original tank, so this method would not have worked (water doesn’t run up hill).

The only option I had was to connect at the bottom via two taps and some pipe.

Two taps and the irrigation pipe

I drilled a whole in the bottom, through the threaded hole, with a 22 mm spade bit.  The hole is 25 mm, so the smaller spade bit ensures that you don’t strip the thread away.  It is a fairly simple exercise, because there is a small guide hole for the tip of the spade bit.  I removed as much of the plastic waste as possible back through the hole.  I then lined the thread with teflon plumbing tape to stop any potential leaks via the thread, and screwed in the tap.

I then fitted a reducing thread to get it down to a workable 20 mm, which is the right size for most garden fittings.

IMG_0519

With more teflon tape, it was ready to connect to the original tank.  Note; the water on the ground is from when I disconnected the two tanks to make these modifications.

IMG_0521

Then I had to work out a way to balance the two tanks without all the water going into the garden.  I found an old tap in my box of tricks.  I think I recovered this when I unplumbed the original irrigation system when we first moved in.  I keep most things like this, because a) they are expensive to buy, and b) you never know when you are going to need one!  I fitted a T-piece that had a 20 mm thread, with two 19 mm barbs.

IMG_0523

Then I pushed in two pieces of 19 mm poly pipe and clamped them.  I then measured the correct length for each pipe, then cut and connected to two 20 mm threads with barbs and clamped again.

It all lined up perfectly.  As you can see above, with the main line tap off, and the two tank taps on, it balances the water from the dark green tank to the light green one on the left.  The dark green tank is the one fed from the gutter, as I have only fitted one down pipe from the gutter.

Connecting two rainwater tanks

This is just simply magical.  The yellow tap stops the water flowing down the main-line when balancing the water.

Just one word of caution.  This is not pressure pipe and should not be used for normal plumbing installations, as it may burst.  The water in the tanks is not under pressure, so this is a fairly safe setup.  Besides, when not in use, I turn off both taps on each tank.  I have only been balancing the tanks when it has been raining to avoid any issues.  If, some time in the future that I wanted to plumb this into the toilets or laundry, I would use a plumber, who would use the correct pipe.

So there you have it.  Two connected tanks, we have increased our water storage capacity by another 2100 litres, and not a leak in sight.  I am very pleased with my efforts.

As with any project, if I can do it, anyone can! Connecting two rainwater tanks is easy. Now I have to figure out how to reconnect all those small water barrels back into the system. I better get my thinking cap on.

Can anyone think of a good use for small 100 litre water barrels?

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)

Filed Under: Rain, Sustainable Living, water, Water harvesting

Next Page »

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
Homemade Feta, or Gromit I Found the Cheese!
Strawbridge Family Inspiration
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
The Seven Stages Of Change
Broad Bean Rust
Curing Black Olives
Chicken Hygiene
Our Soap Recipe

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