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Green Quick Tips – Lighting Types, Lighting Tips, and Grey Water

February 19, 2014 @ 03:00 By Gavin Webber Leave a Comment

Green Quick Tips

This week’s episodes cover off some of my favourite topics.

We could all use a bit more money off our power bill, so this week I took the time to explain the pros and cons of different lighting options that you could use around the home.  I quickly followed that up with a separate episode about lighting behaviours to help save you a bit of money.

I also dedicated an episode to using grey water in your garden.  I use grey water all the time, and it  adds to the overall mix of water systems around my home.  It is particularly useful during very dry conditions, just like the ones we have been experiencing here Down Under.  There is nothing wrong with using grey water if used correctly.

Anyway, on with the show;

Episode 14 – Green Quick Tips for Understanding Efficient Lighting types.

Still got those old incandecent lightbulbs putting a massive whole in you back pocket.  Never fear, in this quick tip, I break down the different lighting choices so you can make an informed decision next time you have to buy a light bulb.

Episode 15 – Green Quick Tips for Lighting and Saving Money.

A few simple behavioural tips will help save some money with your household lighting.  The right lighting choices will save you time and effort well into the future.
Episode 16 – Green Quick Tips for using Grey Water in Your Garden.
Why not reuse the water you have used in the laundry or bathroom.  Very easy to do, and it keeps your garden looking green and healthy during water restrictions during the summer months.
Hope you enjoyed the show.  I would love some feedback about this series in general.  Is the content suitable.   Are the episodes too short or too long.  Is the audio quality okay?
Let me know via comment if you think these green quick tips are of value to you.

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Filed Under: Green Quick Tips, grey water, Lighting, Podcast, water

All Hands On Deck!

September 21, 2011 @ 21:31 By Gavin Webber 8 Comments

I have been keeping this project close to my chest as I wanted to wait until it was completed before sharing it with everyone.

Long time readers will know that I have a swimming pool in the backyard.  I don’t write about it much, because it takes up so much room where I could be growing food and up until now it has frustrated me.  Yes folks I have even thought about converting it into a fish farm, however there is another problem with that idea.  You see, Kim has Multiple Sclerosis and one of her main symptoms in summer is fatigue.  The disease stops her body from regulating its temperature, so we find that by having a quick dip in the pool (more like all afternoon, mermaid style) when the outside temperature rises about about 30C, it recharges her batteries, and she can function again.  So we are leaving the pool how it is.

We do have a four citrus trees, a bay tree, and green tea bush all in pots, however I wanted more.  I wanted some grapes!  So once we checked how much money we had put aside for the project over the last year, Kim and I compromised, I decided upon a grape arbour, and Kim a gazebo on the proviso that it was all made from sustainably harvested wood and finished off with low VOC paint and natural oils.  We hired our builder friend to do the main work, and Kim and I did the painting, oiling and landscaping.

We figured that as wood was a renewable resource it was fine as long as we made wise choices.  We chose the following timbers using the Good Wood site as our guide; Treated Radiata Pine, Cypress, Cedar, and eco-Merbau.  The first three types of wood are normally harvested from plantation forests in Australia, and not from old growth forests, however Merbau is usually illegally harvested throughout Indonesia and Malaysia and sold in Australia as decking timber.  Our builder Ray managed to track down some FSC certified Merbau which cost a little extra, but I was happy to pay the price.   It certainly beats using Steel and Aluminium which have a much higher carbon footprint.

So on to the pictures.  Here is a before shot of what the area looked like 11 years ago.  It was run down, loaded with concrete which we chose to leave in place, and needed a boost.

Taken when we bought the house in 2000
We painted the concrete and put in a shed in 2006
July 2011, construction had begun.  We removed the shed late last year (ebay).

View from the opposite corner.

The deck is taking shape

The gazebo begins.

The roof goes on

The cedar shingles are on and the seating is nearly finished.

We painted the treated pine that was exposed at the top with a low VOC external paint (woodland grey)

Started landscaping.  I moved the two orange trees which look nice.

So far so good.  You will note that the cypress supports are covered in plastic.  This is to stop the wood from drying out and splitting which it has a tenancy to do.  You have to oil or paint this wood to prevent it from splitting in the rain.

Then it was on to the final touch, oiling the deck.  I used a natural oil which was Tung oil mixed with wood turpentine.  No petrochemical toxins for me!

Strike the pose.  Nice gum boots Gav!
Note the little solar spotlight in the pot on the right hand side.

Diligently oiling the gazebo

All finished.  Then it rained and made the deck dirty!

Starting to landscape.

Sitting on the build in benches.

The benches are really big boxes with lids.  Great for storage.

 Once the two coats of oil had been applied and I was happy with the result, my eye turned to lighting.  Not wanting to deviate from our solar ethos, we purchased some solar powered LED white fairy lights.  You may have already noticed that I have solar led spot lights in most of the pot around the deck.  These work really well.  Solar lighting certainly has come leaps and bounds since the technology was first released.

Small, but effective solar panel.
This unit contains two AA size Ni-MH batteries, that can be replaced.

Meet the Mum and Dad, little fellow.  Welcome to your new digs.

Lights all strung up.

You will notice that the lights are strung up on lengths of wire across the top.  This wire is going to be used to trail the grape vines once they grow up the main support posts.  Give it a few years, and it will be cool in summer and let the sunlight through in winter.  All I will have to contend with are grape leaves in the pool, and a few birds nibbling on the grapes.  I should be able to get netting to put over it when they eventually grow.

I have purchased three varieties of grape vines, Sultana which is a white seedless variety, Crimson Seedless, and two Merlot vines.  Merlot loves clay based soil, so it should thrive in our soil conditions.  We will eventually have enough for wine, I hope.  When the time comes, I will have to look for a wine making course.

Me thinks that it is time for a pool party!

Tomorrow, I will write about how we maintain the pool as sustainably as possible, with minimal chemical inputs and no mains water.

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Filed Under: Lighting, swimming pool

Solar Tube

September 10, 2011 @ 19:48 By Gavin Webber 10 Comments

Yesterday we had a solar tube fitted.  Our main hallway is in the middle of our home, and was dark and gloomy.  As we already have a skylight in the bathroom because it too was dark but the skylight let in some heat in the summer.  We wanted to light up the hallway without using electricity during the day.

So our choice was a Solatube, because it it was advertised to capture more light and spread it at the bottom of the diffuser like daylight.

Kim took a before and after photos without a flash during the day.
 

Before
After

It works just as they said it would.  What a clever invention!  Daylight inside, without the heat, and all without using artificial lighting.  Last night you could even see in the hallway because of the nearly full moon.  It was bright enough not to turn on the light!

We are saving up now for one in the kitchen as in winter we have to turn on the light during the day to see what we are doing.  Unfortunately, they are not cheap and it cost us $870 fitted.  If anyone knows where I can get one cheaper, I would love the companies name if in the Melbourne area.

Even with the price, I would still recommend it as it has transformed the feel of the room.  Kim can’t wait to get some art on the left hand wall now they you can see it.  She is going to take photos of flowers in our garden and then frame and hang them.  I can’t think of a better place to display them.

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Filed Under: Lighting, Solar Power

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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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