Cheryl Torrenueva

Cheryl Torrenueva is an on-air designer on HGTV's Colin & Justin's Home Heist and the Food Network's Restaurant Makeover.

 

My eyes are green because I am constantly visualizing ways to use reuse furniture and recycled materials into my designs.

What made you decide to do your bit for the environment?

While on vacation, I visited an eco-park where recycling and biodegradable sunscreens were mandatory. There was no litter on the entire property at all. It was great to experience the natural environment. People were making a conscious effort to reduce waste and respect their surroundings. It was at that moment that I realized that I need to do my part.

What person or group do you most admire for their environmental commitment?

I admire my father for his commitment to working over 25 years as a forester and environmental specialist. At an early age, he taught me the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling. I use energy-saving light bulbs and only turn lights on in the room that I am in.

What is your environmental pet peeve? What do other people do (or not do) that drives you crazy?

I hate going into stores that have their air conditioning turned on full blast but then leave their doors wide open. It also drives me crazy when I order takeout and every piece of food is individually packed in Styrofoam containers. What a waste!

What could the whole world live without in order to help our environment?

Plastic bags are a huge part of our landfills and are commonly used only once or twice for convenience. There are so many fashionable options out there for reusable cloth or paper bags. Ladies, just think about all the extra "purses" you could own!

What's in your Blue Box?

Magazines, cans, glass jars, pizza boxes, and sadly... lots of wine bottles! I also have a small box where I place all of my used MAC makeup containers. They have a great recycling program that I have been a part of for over ten years.

Is there an environmental initiative you're involved in that you'd like to highlight or promote?

As an interior designer, my goal is to promote "greener" spaces by reinventing what we might otherwise consider waste and turning them into functional glamorous pieces. It's the simpler approach that will help us sustain our future.