Tanya Ha was born in Melbourne in 1972. She spent most of her school years in Adelaide, South Australia. In her secondary school years she won numerous student awards in maths, science and art competitions. Outside school she was an avid ice figure skater. Her mother was a keen environmentalist who recycled through drop-off collection points long before kerbside collections were established.
After eighteen months studying at the University of South Australia she decided that Physiotherapy wasn't her cup of tea and transferred to the University of Melbourne where she earned a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), followed by a Graduate Certificate in Scientific and Technical Writing at Deakin University, also taking PR and Marketing units at night school.
The birth of her daughter renewed Tanya's concern for the environment.
Tanya Ha is a writer, television presenter, environmentalist and internationally recognised sustainable living advocate. She is best known as the Eco Coach in the landmark SBS reality TV series Eco House Challenge, the author of the acclaimed eco-guide book Greeniology and a media commentator on environmental issues.
In the new SBS TV series Eco House Challenge, Tanya is 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.
Tanya is a "people's environmentalist". She is a passionate advocate for the ways that ordinary people can help save the planet, earning her the nickname 'Eco-Nigella'.
Warm, engaging and more hip than hippie, Tanya is a rare breed of environmentalist - one with a sense of humour. She makes complex environmental issues easy to understand and offers practical, accessible advice that people can incorporate into their lifestyle. Her approach is fun and positive, believing that people respond better when they're made to feel empowered rather than guilty.
Tanya's work currently focuses on writing books and feature articles, environmental communication consulting and other green media projects.
Tanya is also an articulate, entertaining and inspiring speaker, with experience ranging from keynote speeches at major functions to conducting small focused workshops.
Tanya spent many years working for Planet Ark, a non-political, non-confrontational, unashamedly populist environment group that defines itself by what it's for, not what it's against. She also serves on the Board of the state government authority Sustainability Victoria.
