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Sustainable Living Festival 2016

February 25, 2016 @ 21:58 By Gavin Webber 5 Comments

The Sustainable Living Festival is one event I never miss.  This year was no exception.

Ben, Amy and I were team Webber this year.  We caught the train into the city, had a quick vegan breakfast at Lord of the Fries, and walked over to Federation Square where the event was being held.

The very first thing that I couldn’t help notice was the Tesla Model S.  At a princely sum of ~$150,000, it looks like I will be waiting a little while longer before I upgrade from my Honda Hybrid to one of these babies!

Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S

Great looking car, one of the safest I’ve seen, and that is from a bloke that’s not into cars at all.

Tesla Model S inside

Tesla Model S inside

Anyway, a man can dream.  It would certainly be carbon free running if plugged into charge at my place!

Food Village at the Sustainable Living Festival 2016

There was the usual food market that catered for vegetarian and vegans.  As always the food for lunch was delicious.

Dancing people at Food Village

There was even dancing at the coffee van.  Very cool, and not a disposable cup in sight.  All crockery was collected and washed on the festival and the hot water used to wash up is solar of course!  They think of everything at the SLF.

Erin Rhodes - The Rouge Ginger

Erin Rhodes – The Rouge Ginger

One of the reasons we chose the Saturday to visit the SLF was because Erin Rhodes from The Rogue Ginger was giving a talk about her plastic free and zero waste lifestyle.  You may have seen her on the telly and in the paper over the last few months, however you heard her first here on my podcast!  Have a listen to Erin again on TGoG 113.

Anyway, her talk was a hit and it was fantastic to listen to her journey in person.

WozWaste

Next we visited the long line of vendor and Non-profit stalls in the Green Market Place.  One in particular that caught my eye was WozWaste.  Some great items upcycled into all sorts of new products.  I liked the bags and Amy loved the jewelry.

Ben

We had been giving Ben a bit of pocket-money for helping out at our workshops, so he lashed out and bought an organic strawberry milkshake.  He told me that it was the best milkshake he had ever drunk.

Amy

Ben was so flushed with cash that he bought his sister Amy a Soy Flat White, which she said was delicious.

We had a great day and as always it recharged my sustainable living batteries for another year!  However, one thing I did mention to Amy was that because it was my 9th year of visiting the Sustainable Living Festival, it was beginning to feel a little same same.  A real sense of deja vu lingered with me for the entire day.

Maybe it is because I’ve implemented so many of the things that are presented and talked about.  Mind you, I’m no eco-warrior;  just an ordinary bloke trying to do the best he can in the ‘burbs.

Maybe I should apply to talk next year.  I will have to think of a ripper of a topic though.

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Filed Under: SLF, Sustainable Living

You had me at Sustainable Living!

March 1, 2015 @ 20:46 By Gavin Webber 10 Comments

A twist on the old Jerry Maguire line, but that was how Ben and I felt when we visited the Macedon Sustainable Living Festival at Woodend yesterday.  It was fabulous!

Truth be told, I saw a young girl with a badge with that quote on it and liked it so much that I had to repeat it here.

As the festival title suggests, the sustainable living festival was a showcase of all things sustainable living.  I was very impressed with the size of the event, even though it was so far out of Melbourne.  It was a good substitute for the SLF Big Weekend that is usually held at Federation Square, but it was bumped off by the International Cricket Cup that took over the venue.  It’s just not cricket.

Anyway, we arrived at 10am, paid our token entry fee and chatted to so many cool people and ate lots of great vegan food.

But the highlight for me, and this may sound a bit morbid, was to discover a coffin that was perfect for a guy like me.

Wicker Coffin

Wicker Coffin

Yes, it is a big wicker basket coffin.  Let the entire world know that when it is my turn to say goodbye, this is what I want to laid to rest in.  Simple, practical, and it won’t cost the earth.  If you are interested, you can find further info at naturalgrace.com.au

Don’t get me wrong, there were other interesting exhibitors, like ecoMaster, Seed Saving groups, BioChar, Under the Branches to name a few.

Macedon SLF

Macedon SLF

Ben’s highlight was Edgar’s Mission where he got to talk to Timothy the Wether.   It was fun to watch them both having a chat.

Timothy the Wether

Timothy the Wether with Ben Webber

I am not sure if Timothy was that impressed, but he seemed happy enough.

Whilst waiting for one of the presentation (which actually got cancelled), we decided to go for a walk around Wooden.  Down one of the back streets we found a little shop, more like a mini-mart called Nature’s Garden.  It stocks 100% quality Organic Produce.  I bought a large organic Royal Gala apple that tasted amazing, and Ben couldn’t understand why there weren’t shops like this everywhere.

In fact, on the way home that was all he talked about.  It impressed him so much that it was the first thing he told Kim about when we arrived home, how Nature’s Garden was so cool, and that the mini-mart on the corner of our street should be just like it.

All in all, we had a great day, talked to some very interesting people, and enjoyed some fresh air and good food.

What’s not to like about sustainable living?

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Filed Under: SLF, Sustainable Living

TGoG Podcast 098 – Sustainable Living Events

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

Listen to the Episode Below (00:22:14)
Download Listen in a New Window iTunes Stitcher SoundCloud Leave a Review Clammr It Subscribe via RSS Subscribe on Android RSS Patreon

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

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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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