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Archives for April 2015

Autumn Veggie Patch Update

April 26, 2015 @ 18:34 By Gavin Webber 2 Comments

It was my first day of honest labour in nearly three weeks and I spent it in my veggie patch clearing beds and planting seedlings.

I’ve recovered enough from my chest infection to get a little bit more active, so I thought you might like an autumn veggie patch update.

I picked up a bargain at my local nursery as they were selling punnets of seedlings for 50 cents each.  I grabbed some mizuna, red mizuna, rainbow chard, spinach, Red Russian Kale, and Leeks.  All up the seedlings cost me $15, which I thought was a bargain.  Seeing that I have been unwell and unable to plant anything this season, it was a big bonus.

Leeks

Leeks

So I prepared three garden beds and planted them all in.  I added lots of well-rotted chook manure (thanks girls), and a couple of handfuls of blood and bone so they the seedling get a decent start.

The soil was fairly moist, so it only needed a light watering.

Rainbow Chard and Spinach

Rainbow Chard and Spinach

We love our greens so rainbow chard and spinach are perfect in hot meals and as salads.  The rainbow chard will keep producing for at least 8 months before it goes to seed.  The spinach should be gone in about 4 months.

Kale and Mizuna

Kale and Mizuna

I put in 6 kale seedlings, because Kale Chips are one of our all time favourite snacks. They should grow to a massive size if last years crop is anything to go by.  In the remaining space I planted the green and red mizuna for salads during the winter months.  We still like some lettuce like green in sandwiches even though it is now cooler.

The beds with greens were mulched to keep the moisture in.  Next time I clean out the chook house, I will mulch the leeks and broad beans.

That’s about all I managed to get done, because my chest started to hurt so I took it as an indication that I shouldn’t over do it.

I have another bed on this side of the garden that I am going to plant Broad Beans.  It is all prepared, fertilized and ready to go on Wednesday which is my downshift day.  I am going to spend most of it in the garden and plant out snow peas and garlic in the front yard veg patch.   I might also see what other seeds I have lying around and throw in some other veg as well.  It will be a bit of a surprise.  I like surprises!

It felt so good to be out there actually doing something, anything, around the yard.  I felt very grounded and happy.

What a great way to spend the day.

Did any of you spend time in your veggie patch?  What did you plant?

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Filed Under: Gardening, vegetables

Still Mending

April 20, 2015 @ 22:57 By Gavin Webber 4 Comments

Last week I mentioned that I was sick.  Well, unfortunately it is still with me, but thankfully at the tail end.

I am still drinking lots of hot honey and lemon to sooth the throat and clear the nose, and I find this works really well.  It also gives me that added vitamin C boost that you need when you are sick with a nondescript virus.  I did try to go to work today, but was told to go and work from home at around [10:30].  It must have been all the coughing that put them off!

I am hoping to be able to produce a podcast episode this week if the voice keeps improving.  I am itching to get back behind the microphone to share lots of green stuff with your all.

As for Kim, she is slowly getting better.  She is more mobile now and her hands, although still very stiff, are not sore anymore, but she doesn’t have a lot of strength in them still.  She is in good spirits though, and Little Green Workshops product development is keep her mind off it all.  She is one tough lady!

Now, just because I haven’t been very vocal lately, doesn’t mean I haven’t been active.

Over the weekend I managed to clean out the two chook houses, cleaned up one side of the yard, prep a couple of garden beds, and because it was raining most of the day on Sunday, I managed to make two new types of cheese.

Queso tipo Manchego

Queso tipo Manchego

The cheeses are Queso tipo Manchego (Manchego-type cheese), and a new blue cheese that I have called Le Petit Bleu.  The blue has not gone quite to plan which you can read about over at Little Green Cheese if you like.  The post is simply titled Blue Cheese Rescue.

I recorded both cheese making sessions, so once the voice comes back, I will record the voice over and get the Manchego up on YouTube for you all to have a look at.  I am holding off on the blue to ensure it turns out okay first.  Oh, and I also have a Leicester video to voiceover as well.  Bloody voice box!

So there you have it, on the mend, but not quite there.  Hope you are all faring better than I am at the start of cold/flu season.

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Filed Under: Cheese, Gavin, Health

I’m Sick of Inaction on Climate

April 15, 2015 @ 22:18 By Gavin Webber 14 Comments

Yes, I’m sick.  Sick and tired of the way our Government is eroding every single environmental agency and target we have, and is brazenly anti-science.

I’m sick that we have little action on climate change in this country when the rest of the world is forging ahead.

I’m sick that our fully functional price on carbon was rescinded by short-sighted politicians with little thought for future generations and only focused on profit and greed.

DSC_0101

I’m sick of the political ping-pong that our Renewable Energy Target has become and in the process stifling investment in renewables across the country.  It needs to stay the same or increase because it is the only real action this country has on climate change in the current political vacuum.  How many more enquiries does the Wind industry have to go through and why doesn’t coal-fired power stations which are heavy polluters not under the same scrutiny?

We have sunshine in abundance.  We have steady winds in many places throughout this wide brown land.

So why is the Government putting a noose around the neck of renewables all the while cheering on the fossil fuels industry?  It is shallow thinking, short-sighted and just bad leadership.  Leadership of the worst kind.

In fact in all my years, I don’t think I have ever seen a government so hell-bent on the destruction of our land and our planet.  It is shameful.

That is why I am raising my voice.  That is why I am speaking out where ever I can.  I shall no longer be politically agnostic (not that I really was), because when there are bad things happening, one should not be quiet.  One should stand up and be counted.

I will sign any petition, attend any rally, get the message out there any way possible, because we all need to do more, government and citizens alike, to solve the climate crisis and put a price back on carbon.  It is the only way we are going to get any traction on this, the biggest issue mankind has faced.  The time for inaction is over.  The time for action is now!

Who else is sick of this bull?  Hands up!

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Filed Under: activism, climate change, Climate Reality, green, greenhouse gas

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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.

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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

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