After what he describes as an environmental epiphany three years ago, he decided to go as far as possible in reducing his family's carbon footprint.

Cue the hybrid car, vegie patch, solar hot water system, chook pen and worm farm, and the family is reaping the benefits of Dad's work.

"It has changed our lives," says Mr Webber's wife Kim.

"You can't describe the feeling of going out and harvesting and preparing your own food - it's fantastic."

Not content with keeping things to himself, Mr Webber formed the Melton Sustainable Living Group to spread the green gospel.

"Our vision is to help the community become more sustainable with growing their own food, rainwater harvesting and poultry care," he says. "These are some of the things you can do at home without much money."

Following a few calls to Melton Council and a discussion among the group's eight members, Mr Webber is hoping more locals will get on board.

"Now we just need to get the message out there that we exist," he says.

"We are concerned about our community and believe in changing the world by thinking globally and acting locally."

An "awareness meeting" is scheduled for May 7.

To contact Gavin Webber and follow his green adventures, visit http://greeningofgavin.blogspot.c om/ or email greeningofgavin@gmail.com