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Taking a Breath

December 17, 2015 @ 21:59 By Gavin Webber 8 Comments

Kim and I have just surfaced to take a breath from six back-to-back weekends of workshops and Kim and Gavinpacking and sending over 180 orders of simple living kits and supplies to people all around Australia and New Zealand.

What a wild ride that six weeks has been!

The response to our Little Green Workshops have been way beyond our expectations.  People really love to make their own natural candles, cold processed soap, and cheese.  The feedback from all our workshops and from those who have made produce from our kits has been amazing.

It has been chaotic, exhilarating, and lots of fun so far.  In fact the entire year has been fantastic because we have found our joy and continue to grow our green lifestyle in a new way.

Just thinking back, greening our personal lives way back in 2006, to owning and running our own green small business, it certainly has been a journey.  A journey that all started by watching a documentary that changed my life so dramatically and led me to start writing this blog.

One small step was all it took.  My advice to you if you’re sitting on the fence and still thinking about starting a sustainable lifestyle is just go for it!  You’ll never know where or what may happen and you might just save the planet (or humans on it) in the process.

Since that we first started greening, I have also downshifted from my day job to work a 4 day week to help Kim out around the house and to take a bit of pressure off her.  I’ve also been telecommuting a lot more now that we have the NBN connected to our home.

Due to all this extra business greening and skill sharing via our workshops, the garden as suffered a little.  I don’t have as many vegetables in the ground as I wanted to, but I will remedy that over the next few weeks as things start to slow down.

We are both looking forward to a break over the summer.  We finished our last workshop for the year on Sunday past, and start teaching again when it gets cooler in March 2016.  We also stop shipping online orders between 23rd Dec to 4th Jan so we can enjoy time with family and friends.  Looking forward to a few barbies and relaxing by the pool, eating fresh peaches and nectarines from our front orchard!  I’m also going to be making home-brew beer and cider, and lots and lots of cheese!

I suppose that’s why it has been a bit of a ghost town around here on the blog of late.  It certainly doesn’t mean I am stopping The Greening of Gavin.  Far from it, because I’m ramping it up again as the business chaos dies down after the seasonal rush.

I’m looking forward to sharing our summer activities including getting behind the microphone again for the Gavin & Kim Christmas Podcast special.  We are still looking for a Christmas Duet to practice, so if you have any suggestions, send them our way via comment.

We are very excited about the year ahead and the opportunities it will bring.

Talk soon.  Gav & Kim x

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Filed Under: Little Green Workshops, Simplicity, skills

Why Are Simple Living Workshops Increasing in Popularity?

October 20, 2015 @ 21:07 By Gavin Webber 6 Comments

Well, maybe it’s just me, but Kim and I are finding simple living workshops popping up all over the place.  From fermentation to cheese making and just how to live slowly.  These are some of the great workshops I have seen advertised lately, which I think is a fantastic thing.

Being avid teachers ourselves, I thought I would take the time to share our simple living workshop experiences over the couple of years.

Increasing in Popularity

It’s going to be a busy November!  Who would have thought that our simple living workshops would be so popular?  Our Mozzarella & Ricotta workshop is fully booked and has a waiting list.  We normally put on one beginner cold processed soap making course, but this term we have three scheduled due to demand.  And our soy candle making course is almost full and there are a few spots left on the new Bath, Soak, and Scrub course.   But why did we start sharing these skills?

Draining mozzarella in cheese cloth

Draining mozzarella in cheese cloth

Testing The Water

In all honesty, when Kim and I first started teaching our Little Green Workshops, we had no idea if people would attend them in our local area, but it was a chance that we were willing to take.  Initial research indicated (which included feedback from any blog post about the one of these courses) that it was going to be well received in our community, and indeed the Greater Melbourne area.  We held a few test workshops with friends and members of the Melton Sustainable Living Group and it turned out that they loved the format and our teaching style.

So now to find a home base.  We didn’t particularly want to teach at home due to space issues so we had to find somewhere local with good facilities.

Venues

Travelling to venues was always going to be an issue.  I have a small hybrid car that has a modest cargo capacity and we were not willing to upgrade to something less economical or carbon emission intensive.

So we decided to anchor ourselves in the Melton South Community Centre which is only five minutes drive away from our home, and close to the train station and access to local buses.  If we needed to make more than one trip to transport workshop equipment, then it was no issue, and travel for students who wished to use public transport was then an option for them.

Heck, if we had been able to travel, there are more teaching opportunities than we would ever been able to manage.

Sustainable Living Workshops - Soy candle making

Soy candle making workshop

Several Factors for Growth

We think that a consistent location is one of the factors that contribute to the popularity of our Little Green Workshops.  That and the fact that I believe the subject matter is interesting and people are starting to feel the need to fully understand what goes into the things they eat, use on their skin, or burn around their homes.

Simple/sustainable/minimalist lifestyles are building momentum and more and more folk want to learn the old skills again.  With the growing rejection of mass-produced materials on the rise, and consumers wanting become producers again, it is a great sign that we will be able to teach these sorts of skills for a long time to come.

Kim and I have also had glowing feedback from our many returning students that we are friendly, approachable, and have an informative teaching style that keeps them returning and attending our entire range of workshops.

Additional Simple Living Workshops

This year we have seen a rise in popularity of all our courses, so much so, that we have had to put on two additional classes for basic cold processed soap making this term, and add new courses to our growing repertoire.  By popular request we added an Advanced soap making course and a Bath, Soak, and Scrub course.  We even have plans  for a Quick mozzarella and easy Sourdough class next year which we are very excited about.

The wonderful team at the Melton South Community and Learning Centre are a pleasure to work with and always ask us if we have any new courses for the next term.  The conversation usually turns to this when Kim calls them to find out student numbers for an upcoming course, and she inevitably tells them about some of the things we’ve just made at home.  Predictably, the next sentence is “can you run a course about that?”

Soap making record broken - Kim and Gavin

Gavin and Kim – Little Green Workshops

We don’t answer yes straight away, because we then go away and do our research to see if it is viable both in both time and has a low-cost for us and our students.  Something that will fit into a few hours, that doesn’t have long pauses of little activity, and that the average family can afford it.

And it has to be sustainable.  The course materials and hardware should be without using single use plastic but with mostly sustainably produced raw materials.  We are Little Green Workshops after all and always stay true to our green values.

Places Still Available

So for every weekend in November and a couple in December, this is where you will find us.  Teaching real living skills to full classes of eager students from all over Victoria that are excited to learn and produce their own goods in a sustainable manner.

As I write this there are still a few places open in the extra workshops for soap making, soy candle making, and the Bath, Soak, and Scrub courses.  The Mozzarella and Ricotta workshop is fully booked, but will run again in March 2016.

Also the Advanced Soap Making course has a few places available however the Beginners soap making course is a prerequisite.

So if you’re you want to expand your horizons and want to gain a few more simple living skills, click-through using the button below to learn more about what Kim and I have to offer.

simple living workshops

Have you attended a simple living workshop lately?  What did you learn and have you put your new skills into action?  Why do you think simple living workshops are becoming more popular?

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Filed Under: Little Green Workshops, Simplicity, skills, Sustainable Living

TGoG 122 – Old Fashioned Living with Michelle Snape

August 12, 2015 @ 16:00 By Gavin Webber 2 Comments

Listen to the Episode Below (00:42:57)
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There are many ways to describe how many of us live, but one that resonates strongly with me is old-fashioned living.  Living in a simple and hard-working manner like our grandparents did to maintain a peaceful and joyous life.  Its the simple things that often bring the most joy in our lives.

It kind of reflects the this weeks guest lifestyle.  Michelle Snape lives a simpler old-fashioned life in the Manning Valley in NSW, which is about 3 hours drive north of Sydney.  On a three acre block with hubby, and two teenage boys, she practices the old, simpler ways of living.

She writes about her old-fashioned lifestyle at her blog A Vision Splendid.

Michelle Snape

Michelle Snape – A Vision Splendid

It’s also a first for the podcast as it’s a bit of a three-way interview between me, Kim, and Michelle.  It makes for a very interesting chat and we really like the way Michelle thinks.

a vision splendid

 


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: Podcast, Simplicity, Sustainable Living, TGOG Podcast

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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
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    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
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    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!

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    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
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    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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