With everyone going green in the wake of the Al Gore effect, the environment is fast becoming big business. It seems that every product has a name like “eco-this” or “environ-that”, a picture of a dolphin on the label or a claim of carbon neutrality. Is it just a lot of hot air? What should you look for and what can you trust?
In this presentation, environmental campaigner and author Tanya Ha shows that, when it comes to product choices, there are many shades of green… and many shades of greenwash. Using examples, such as renovating materials, fridges and fashion, Tanya investigates how different product categories affect the health of the planet through their entire lifecycle. From sourcing materials, through manufacturing, during consumer use and ultimately the disposal of products, there are better and worse environmental choices. Tanya arms the audience with tips and tools to help them sort fact from fiction in environmental marketing and make informed choices.
Tanya Ha is a writer, television presenter, environmentalist and a regular media commentator on green issues. She recently starred in the award-winning SBS reality TV series Eco House Challenge as the Eco Coach - the green living expert who helps guide two decidedly non-green Australian families along the path from planet-polluting to eco-friendly in a few short weeks. A science graduate, former model and mother of two, Tanya is a passionate advocate for involving people from all walks of life in helping the environment.
Tanya is author of the best-selling eco-guide book Greeniology, which is now in its second edition and fourth printing, has been localised and published in Canada, and has been translated into French, with a Chinese language edition in the works. The Greeniology Series pocket book series was published in 2007. Her second major work The Australian Green Consumer Guide was published in October 2007.
Tanya's work currently focuses on writing books and feature articles, environmental communication consulting and other green media projects. She writes green living columns in G magazine and Australian Good Taste. She also serves on the Boards of the state government authority Sustainability Victoria and the green group Keep Australia Beautiful.