Would you like fries with that? TV Hosts Renee Torrington, Greta Culliford & Tanya Yanaky served up smiles & lunch earlier today at the McDonald’s restaurant around the corner from The Shopping Channel. Renee filled customer orders, while Tanya & Greta handed out balloons — all in support of McHappy Day and local children’s charities.

A restaurant patron was kind enough to take Renee’s camcorder in hand and catch some of the action:

Sometimes there is an implication that being greener costs more money. While this may be true for some specialty items, I am discovering that, in the long run, being greener costs less!

I am on a budget and am always looking for good quality and value. As a fairly new home owner, I was overwhelmed with the costs of a running small urban household. My hydro bill amazed me. Why was this bill so high?

After taking a good look at the situation I discovered that simple household chores such as doing laundry (something that I am an expert in with two very busy young boys!) can be really expensive at certain times. I do laundry every day, but I am now only doing one load in the evening or on weekends. The cost difference is huge. Yes I have to do a little more planning, but the savings are worth it.

On another green note, I have stopped using any type of fabric softner or dryer sheets. I am also careful about my use of hot water - warm and cold works well too! I have also changed my attitude towards using my dryer as I find most of my clothes are in better shape if I lay them flat to dry. This was something I witnessed over 15 years ago when I was in Finland: the Finns (even in their cold winter) air dry alot of items!

I now also only put my dishwasher on at night before I go to bed and I make certain that it is totally full before I run it.

Turning the heat down at night not only makes for a better sleep but really cuts down on energy consumption as well as cost. There is also something wonderful about that burst of cozy warm air in the morning when you turn the heat up!

These are just a few simple things that I am doing.

Let me know what you are doing! I would love some more suggestions … simply click on the Comments link below.

Tanya

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I was cleaning up the other night - sorting out the garbage, recycling and green bin items. Looking at the amount of recycled products that my family of four generates in a two week period is — quite honestly — embarrassing!  My husband Greg and I are now trying to buy items with less packaging.  For instance, I love the plastic boxed baby greens for salads but I am now buying different salad greens (radicchio, arugula, etc..) in a bunches and making it myself.
 
I really dislike throwing things in the garbage - where does it all go?  My goal is to cut our garbage in half.  This can be accomplished by composting, using the green bin and recycling as much as possible  - but at the same time consuming items that use only recyclable materials.
 
I sometimes get frustrated with all the little plastic toys that my boys (age 3 & 6) have acquired.  When they break they are simply thrown into the garbage.  My babysitter Dana told me about a friend of hers that made a large wreath and hot glued all her kids odd and damaged plastic toys onto it.  What a great idea!
 
Hope the New Year brings you much health and happiness!
Tanya
XO
 

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I am always trying to find ways to be smarter environmentally…  sometimes I feel overwhelmed with my day to day life as a very busy working mom with two active little boys. I know that I can not use this is an excuse!   That’s why - once again this year - I am trying to be greener! 

I am also setting an example for boys. I grew up in a household with a father who was very strict about composting and re-using.  If my Dad made my lunch for school  - my sandwich would be in a old cereal bag!  He never allowed us to throw away food, plastic wrap or any vegetable/fruit peel or eggshells -  (they would all end up in our garden)  At the time, he used to drive me nuts!  Now I look back and realize how right he was. 

Stay with me as I explore new and easy ways to be “greener” - my first attempt is to address my garbage, green bin and recycling.

All the best for the new year ahead,
Tanya

Tune in or shop online during our Live Better Event. New & innovative products to help you keep your resolution to live a healthier life.

The Holiday count-down has begun! All this week we’re putting a special focus on gift-giving ideas. Tune in to The Shopping Channel or visit us online at theShoppingChannel.com/Gifts.