• 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 June 2014

More Comfort Less Energy

June 30, 2014 @ 20:57 By Gavin Webber 7 Comments

Is your home ‘leaky’?  Can you feel a cold draught even though all the doors and windows are closed tight?

Houston, we may have a problem!  You could be leaking heat or cooling which is in turn energy wasted.  How would you like more comfort less energy?  Well, that is exactly what we need around here.

We recently had some rooms renovated, added another entrance added to our home, and it has been a long time since I have been in the roof to check the insulation.  We also have other leaks that we probably don’t know about.

more comfort less energy

Tracing the source of a draught

Previously I had draught proofed our home but as our area is known for movement, the concrete slab that homes are built on move over time.  This has the effect of breaking the door and window frame seals that I had so meticulously draft proofed a while back with weather strip.

So, I need a company who could perform a whole home assessment to see what could be done to make my home more comfortable.  Also I want maximum bang for my buck, with some targeted prioritisation and costing, so that I can make an informed decision.

ecoMasterWell, thankfully, there is such a company in our area, ecoMaster.  ecoMaster is located in Gisborne, just north of Melton West.

This morning I bit the bullet and gave them a call.  We booked a thermal efficiency assessment (aka ecoHome PLUS Assessment) and an assessor will be coming to visit on 23rd July at 10am.  It is going to cost me A$380, but worth it if it saves me heating and cooling costs.

Hopefully they will have some cost-effective solutions for us to pursue.

I really want to make our home as thermally efficient as we can, and really keep the heat in during winter, and out in the summer.  After the last Angry Summer, we certainly don’t want a repeat of last year again this coming summer.  We would also like to keep the heat in a bit longer this winter.

This is going to be the season that we kick some Brass Monkey Challenge butt!

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: cooling, Heating Tagged With: Brass Monkey Challenge

The Brass Monkey Challenge

June 29, 2014 @ 20:30 By Gavin Webber 23 Comments

Brass Monkey Challenge

It’s so cold it could freeze the balls off a brass monkey!

Ever heard the term “It’s so cold that it would freeze the balls off a brass monkey”?

Well if you haven’t, it has nothing to do with our primate cousins.  It said to be an old navy saying that refers to the stand that cannon balls used to sit on called the brass monkey.  When is was very cold, the brass monkey would contract, and the iron cannon balls would fall off.  Some say this is not quite factual, but I like the analogy.

Anyway, this has nothing to do with my challenge, except for the temperature part and the catchy name!

Brass Monkey Challenge

We are challenging ourselves here at the house of GoG to see how long we can go without turning on the heating for winter.   As we live in a temperate climate with very few frosts, then it is a moderately difficulty challenge.

The long-term average low for June is 6.9°C and the high is 14.1°C.  Certainly hypothermia causing weather if caught outside for a period of time without any clothing layers.  July and August is slightly colder.

Rising Gas Prices

Natural gas prices here in Australia are scheduled to rise dramatically over the next few years.  Domestic gas prices have been historically low compared to the world market, and now that gas exports are on the rise, so are the domestic prices.  In NSW, prices are expected to rise by as much as A$225 per household bill for those on a regulated tariff.  That is scary stuff.

So what better way to save money (and greenhouse gas emission), by trying your best to cut back a little.

Our Progress So Far

It is already at the end of the first month of winter and we are doing well so far.  Our main heating for the house is two natural gas wall heaters, that blow hot air around the main living areas.  These two units are currently turned off without the pilot lights running.

We also have two energy-efficient reverse cycle air conditioners that could be used for heating, one in Kim’s office and one in the main bedroom.  Both of these are off as well, however Kim did turn her heater on for an hour to heat up her office the other day when it was a max temp of 10°C during the day.

Keeping Warm

So how do we keep warm?

Well, we are keeping toasty warm by using a few methods.  The home is insulated with blown paper pulp in the ceiling, which traps the heat in.

During the evening we keep toasty warm by using cell blankets on our laps when sitting.

During the day, we passively heat the house when it is sunny by opening the blinds on the north side of the house.  This heats up my office, the main bedroom, and the lounge room.  Just before the sun sets we close the blinds to lock the heat in the room.  All of our binds have pelmets fitted above them to prevent the air circulating behind them which cools the air in the room.

We also wear layers indoors, and dress appropriately for the season.  At night we wear warm dressing gowns and slippers.

Our beds have thick continental quilts and organic cotton blankets to keep us warm at night.  Very snuggly!

Join The Challenge

So what do you think?  Do you want to join us in the Brass Monkey Challenge?  You may already be participating, which is great.  Even if you have the heating on, but would like to give this a go, chime in with a comment if you want to take up the challenge.

Each fortnight during the remainder of winter, I am going to post tips and tricks on how to stay warm without the need for whole home heating.

So what are you waiting for?  Join the challenge.  You might even save a bit of money in the process.

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: Heating, natural gas Tagged With: Brass Monkey Challenge

TGoG Podcast 070 – Climate Reality Leadership Day 2-3

June 27, 2014 @ 22:30 By Gavin Webber 3 Comments

A longer wrap-up from days two and three of the Climate Reality Leadership training.

Listen to the Episode Below (00:20:09)
Download Listen in a New Window iTunes Stitcher SoundCloud Leave a Review Clammr It Subscribe via RSS Subscribe on Android RSS Patreon
The Greening of Gavin Podcast

What an amazing two days!  I am now officially a Climate Reality Leader (I have the certificate to prove it), and now my goal is to go out and perform 10 acts of leadership during the next 12 months.

The acts of leadership can be as simple as a blog post, or a podcast episode, or webinar, or even a letter to the editor.  However, I will try to present a few of the Al Gore type slide shows over the year, because I believe that is important to communicate this message as well.

Anyway, I took a few photos, but they didn’t turn out very well, so I have embedded quite a few pictures taken by other Climate Reality Leaders who tweeted about the event. Follow them on twitter if you like!

“We will prevail” Mr @algore beginning the second day of @ClimateReality ##CRinAU #inspiring pic.twitter.com/WVLuBHToxY

— Climate Girl (@climate_girl) June 25, 2014

   

97% of climate scientists agree on global warming @ClimateReality #CRinAU pic.twitter.com/AOYYFO6QsT — Climate Girl (@climate_girl) June 27, 2014

IMG_0643

We all signed this for Mr Gore

 

IMG_0644

The massive Bio wall. Every climate reality trainee had a bio posted.

 

Learning how to embrace my ‘media tart’ with Brett from @Hootville #CRinAU pic.twitter.com/rMF84qJeFQ

— Kirsty Costa (@kirsty_costa) June 27, 2014

 

Meet Robin Gunning arguably Australia’s funniest entomologist + media tart #crinau @ClimateReality @AusConservation pic.twitter.com/ZKzuPZGOkI — Samantha Morris (@AusGreenie) June 27, 2014

 

2/3 of all discovered fossil fuels still in ground cannot be burned, to avoid warming more than 2degrees. #CRinAU pic.twitter.com/bUdYlIPLNa

— Julie Anne Genter (@JulieAnneGenter) June 26, 2014


If you enjoyed the podcast, please take the time to head over to iTunes, rate it and 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 shows ratings so that others can find out about 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!

 

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: Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth, climate change, Denial, Podcast, TGOG Podcast

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

The Seven Stages Of Change
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
Building a Wicking Bed on Concrete
Selling Your Own Soap in Australia
Black Aphids On Garlic
Growing Queensland Blue Pumpkins (Winter Squash)
Connecting Two Rainwater Tanks
Home-made Passata di pomodoro
Chicken Hygiene
Chicken Nipples

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