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TGoG 119 – Household Sustainability Index with Jennifer Richards

July 22, 2015 @ 12:00 By Gavin Webber 2 Comments

Listen to the Episode Below (00:52:50)
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Have you ever wanted to measure how sustainable your home is?  I have often wondered if there was a means to do this beyond the basic environmental footprint.

Well, it just so happens that Jennifer Richards has developed a method of measurement that she has called the Household Sustainability Index.  During this episode we discuss the index, why she developed it, and her thinking behind each of the questions.

Jennifer Richards

It covers three main categories; Household Economy, Environmental Sustainability, and Well Being.  A good score in all three indicates a fairly balanced household.

However, before you jump into the show, you need to do a little bit of homework first.  Click through to the Household Sustainability Index using https://www.greeningofgavin.com/hsi.

This will redirect you through to Jennifer’s blog, Beyond The Trolley, where you can read the index questions as we step through them during the chat.

I must say the questions really piqued my interest, and I believe it is a well-developed index that could be used for most households with ease.


Don’t forget that this podcast is supported financially by you, the listener.  This not only keeps the show (and blog) advertisement free, but keeps us on the air each week.

If you would like to support the show and pledge as little as US$1 to keep us up and running, please pop over to www.patreon.com/greeningofgavin and pledge away!

Also if you like the show, use the iTunes button and leave a rating and a review.  We love to hear what our listeners think about our show.

Until next episode, keep it green!

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Filed Under: Environment, Happiness, Health, Podcast, Sustainable Living, TGOG Podcast

TGoG 109 – Kim’s Journey

May 13, 2015 @ 15:48 By Gavin Webber 5 Comments

Listen to the Episode Below (00:36:31)
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You’ve heard me talk many times about my sustainable living journey, but what about Kim? After all, she has been right by my side for the entire trip, so what does she really think about it so far, and how does she think she has changed along the way.

Kim and GavinIt’s an interesting question that we take a deep dive into during the show.

It all stemmed from a Facebook comment from Teena;

How is Kim enjoying her sustainable journey?  Life is very different since you watched Al Gore all those years ago and we have heard and seen how Gavin feels, but not Kim perspective.

And I tell you what, once we get going, Kim didn’t hold back either.

Great show, full of useful insights into someone who has gone from crazy consumer to a very mellow and caring woman who I love to bits!

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Filed Under: Environment, food, Gavin, Green Psychology, How To, Kim, Podcast, Sustainable Living, TGOG Podcast

How to Move Away From Plastic

December 14, 2014 @ 17:40 By Gavin Webber 13 Comments

Plastic is everywhere.

Just take a second to look around you and I bet you spot at least 10 objects that have plastic on or in them.  Case in point, I am typing this blog post on a plastic computer keyboard, pointing with my plastic mouse, and editing the words with my plastic computer monitor.

It is everywhere and that is not a particularly good thing.  There are many types of plastic, usually numbered from 1 to 7 to indicate the composition of the item made from it.

Plastic Recycling Codes

Plastic codes and common uses

Many petroleum-based plastics take many, many years to break down in the environment around them.  In truth, they don’t really break down, they just shatter into smaller pieces and persist in our soils, waterways, and oceans and killing wildlife when they ingest these pieces.  Compostable plastics are now entering the marketplace, but still in very low volumes.  These are usually made from plant starches and breakdown over a few years.

There are so many simple ways to make the move away from plastic easier.  Refusing to buy food in plastic containers is one of the easiest I can think of, which also includes disposable coffee cups; even the paper ones that are lined with plastic.  Ironically, I use a KeepCup.  Although it is made from plastic, it is better than using disposables, and can be used over and over and recycled at the end of its life.

Plastic shopping bags are easy to refuse.  Take along your own canvas or market bags to the shop.  We always have a bundle of canvas bags in the boot of our car for such a purpose.  If you do get given a plastic shopping bag, you can recycle them at our major supermarkets as well as other soft plastics.

If you do get stuck without an alternative to plastic, make sure you recycle the item.  So much recyclable plastic gets thrown into landfill.  Recycled plastic can be turned into things like ceiling insulation, park benches, thermal filler in jackets, and all sorts of useful things.  Curbside recycling is available in most suburbs in most cities in Australia, so there is no real reason not to recycle these items.  There are now even many recycling bins on our city streets.

By taking small steps to move away from plastic is an easy way to start, and poses less of an impact on the environment.  All I ask is take the time to think about the plastic you use in your daily lives, then consider an alternative solution.

Now as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so during my research for this post, I came across the infographic below.  Even though it has stats for the United States, much of it is similar for Australia and other western countries.  From what I can tell, the volumes are way higher than here in Oz, but the percentages are similar.   Check it out.  Some of the information will astound you!

Click to Enlarge Image

Put Down The Plastic

Put Down The Plastic
Infographic by CustomMade

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Filed Under: Environment, recycle, waste

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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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