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Cheese Studio in Action

May 26, 2016 @ 23:07 By Gavin Webber Leave a Comment

I know that many of you follow my cheese video tutorials on YouTube, so it would probably come as no surprise that they do take quite a bit of effort to create.

Lets go behind the scenes, and check out my cheese studio in action shall we?

Cheese Studio in Action

Cheese Studio Set up

As you can see, I use LED studio lights, with rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries so that I am not tethered to a power cable.  These lights are energy-efficient and are perfect for the kind of work I am using them for.  The lights extend up to 2 meters tall.  Rarely do LED’s blow, so I should get a long lifespan out of these lights.

You will also notice the very tiny camera on a tripod.  I managed to pick up the tripod second-hand on Ebay, but the camera itself is a GoPro Black Hero 4.  I chose it because it too has a rechargeable battery and it takes the most amazing video and photographs and has a small environmental footprint.  As it is waterproof down to about 130 metres, I will also be using it around the garden when I get a bit of sunshine to take footage for the Greening of Gavin channel.

What I also like is that all the batteries are charged using my Solar PV system or using GreenPower.  Keeps it all pretty green except for the manufacturing of the individual components.

Certified Curd Nerd

My new organic cotton T-shirt. I love it!

For the talking head part of the videos, I use my iPhone on a small tripod which does pretty good video as well.  In fact all the photos that I take for the blog are taken on my phone.  There is certainly no need these days to purchase a fancy camera, unless you really want to get into the art.

It’s all very easy to set up and pack away to get started on the evening meal.

Even if I make a cheese for the first time, I still film the process in case it turns out as per the recipe, which more often than not it does.

Even if it doesn’t work out, I can show others not what to do!  This saves a heck of a lot of time and doesn’t add any more time onto the cheese making process.  So it is win-win for me and you the viewer.

However, I do make mistakes quite often.  Here is a rare blooper snippet from an upcoming cheese tutorial complete with background noise, mispronunciation, Kim offering sound advice, and a retake!  I’m not normally that snappy, but this was about the fourth take, so patience with myself was wearing thin.

 

Once the footage is in the can (so to speak), I then edit it using software called Pinnacle Studio 19, which has some rich features including picture-in-picture, montages, and tile overlays.  I use most of the features during editing, which can take up to four to five hours per 15 minute cheese video.  I do enjoy the creative part of editing and the time just flies when I’m in the zone.

Anyway, that is how I make my cheese videos in my kitchen.  If anyone has any questions about the production aspect, I’m happy to answer them in the comments section.

Like the t-shirt says; Keep Calm and Make Cheese!

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Filed Under: Blog, Cheese, food, Green Tech

TGoG Podcast 098 – Sustainable Living Events

January 22, 2015 @ 23:35 By Gavin Webber 2 Comments

Listen to the Episode Below (00:22:14)
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Firstly, I would just like to let you know that Episode 100 is rapidly approaching.  It is going to be a massive show, and it will focus on listener questions.  So don’t be shy.  Send in a sustainable living question or a message for Kim and I using the widget below, and we will play it and/or answer the question on the 100th show.  I am really looking forward to this milestone event in two weeks time.

This episode is a roundup of sustainable living events that I will be speaking or manning a stall at or visiting in the next two months.  I also talk a little about the yearly Sustainable Living Festival here in Melbourne.

I talked about the following events;

  • Melton City Energy and Sustainability Expo, Saturday 31st January 2015.  More information Environment and Sustainability Expo flyer A4.
  • Macedon Ranges Sustainable Living Festival, Saturday 28th February 2015.  More information Macedon Ranges Sustainable Living Festival.
  • The main Sustainable Living Festival for the year will be held from 7th February to 1st March 2015.  You can find more infomation at their site www.slf.org.au

Little Green WorkshopsI also chat about some of the happenings around here, and new products in our shop www.littlegreenworkshops.com.au.  We have been so busy making and putting up new products lines, including preserving kits and equipment, handmade soap, and soy melts.  Add that to all the other kits, supplies, and equipment that we have available for Cheese, Soap, and Soy Candle making, we haven’t had time to scratch ourselves!  Starting a small business is not for the faint hearted.

So, we hope you can get to some of these sustainable living events and drop in and say gidday.  Most are free and very educational.  I would love to meet you.

February is the busiest month in the sustainability calendar here in Victoria.  I love it, because it recharges my internal green batteries, and puts me on the path again for another year of our journey.  Without these types of events, I think I would feel a little lost, and a little alone.

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Filed Under: Education, Green Tech, Happiness, Podcast, SLF, Sustainable Living, TGOG Podcast

Wireless Solar Keyboard – Logitech k760 Review

May 12, 2014 @ 19:20 By Gavin Webber 4 Comments

Roughly once a year, I review a piece of green technology that I have bought or been given to review.  It is not easy maintain my media empire 😉

This is such a review, and features the Wireless Solar Keyboard – Logitech k760.  The review unit was kindly provided to me by Mobile Zap, who are located in Sydney.

You may have seen in my recording studio video that I have a refurbished iPad that I use for podcasting, and I have found that I just cannot type anything of substance on it.  I definitely would not attempt to type a blog post using the iPad’s onscreen keyboard.  I have tried and the result is not pretty.

I had been looking for a keyboard, but it had to have one special feature.  It had to be solar-powered, and have replaceable batteries if the rechargeable ones failed.

There are not many on the market, as most of these types of keyboards need to be recharged from the mains.  Thankfully Logitech had the foresight to design this model.

So on with the review.

The Good

Logitech k760

The keyboard arrived via a courier, so I unboxed it and put it to good use.  It has a small area footprint, and is slightly larger than my iPad.  The big black panel across the top of the keyboard is actually six separate solar cells that charge the two 1.2 volt Ni-Mh batteries located in the rear of the unit.  These can be replaced and recycled if they fail, unlike the apple devices (iPad, iPhone) that it connects to.  I like this feature a lot.

Logitech k760

It is lighter than my iPad, which is a bonus, because I have been carrying it around for three weeks and have been using it on the train as I travel to work.

It it easier to use on a table than it is a lap, but certainly beats the on-screen keypad.

This keyboard can also connect to three bluetooth devices at the press of a button, but not all at the same time.  It does make swapping between devices a breeze.

The Bad

The only feature that I do not like on this keyboard is that due to its compact size, the left hand shift key.  It is way too small, and I keep hitting the wrong keys.  It is something I am getting used to.

Also, it can only be used with specific Apple devices, including those running Mac OS X and iOS 6 and above.

I could not find any mention of it working with Android tablets, and unfortunately have been unable to test it with one.

The Ugly?

I would love to say that it is made from post-consumer recycled plastic and that the packaging was recycled cardboard, but I cannot, because I cannot find evidence that it is.  I wrote to Logitech and asked them the following question;

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing a product review on my blog, The Greening of Gavin, for this keyboard, and am trying to clarify this statement from the product page;

“Small steps, bright future
From the PVC-free construction to the fully recyclable box, the K760 is designed to reduce its environmental footprint.”

What are the full environmental features of this model. Surely it has to be more than just that it is PVC free and the box is made of cardboard. It is made of post-consumer recycled plastic and the box is recycled cardboard?

Please expand on this statement so that I can write a better review.

Kind regards,

Gavin Webber

After two weeks, the only response I received was that they would investigate my request.  I pestered them twice with the same response.

As I have not had a proper response to my question, so I guess that the environmental credentials are just that it has a solar panel, is not made from PVC, and that all the packaging is made from cardboard.  If they do eventually respond with an answer, I will update this post.

Summary

When I look at some technologies that I purchase, is not a bad effort.  The fact that it self charges and needs no external power supply is its biggest feature.  That it only works with Mac OS X and iOS 6 and above is a downside.  You think that you would be able to connect it to any bluetooth enabled tablet that needed a keyboard.

Typing this blog post using the k760

Typing a blog post using the k760

The lack of packaging that came with the Logitech k760 was a pleasant surprise, because I have unpacked computers with so much styrofoam and other plastic paraphernalia that it would make this green IT guy cry.

Would I recommend it?  Yes, but only if you have a need for this type of device.  As I already had a refurbished iPad for use in my studio and as an eBook reader, it was a logical addition.

By getting this keyboard, I did not need to buy a laptop or notebook so that I could write on the train, so it filled my need.  It saves me time having to transcribe from my recycled paper notebook into my PC at night-time.  In fact, it has saved me about 2 hours a day.

So if you are ever in the market for a wireless keyboard, you could do no worse by buying the Logitech k760.

 

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Filed Under: energy efficiency, Green Office, Green Tech, Sustainable Living

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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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