Efforts for environmental protection and conservation could feel overwhelming to a person who has neither help nor background.
But these five Miss Philippines Earth 2017 candidates tackle this difficulty by pursuing environmental sustainability through urban advocacies meant to inspire others to do more for the place they live in. With the help of Merrell’s latest collection 1SIX8 AC+, they prove that a single step can go a long way.
Road safety and discipline
While Metro Manila traffic is a serious issue that must be dealt with efficient urban planning, Miss Olongapo Kim De Guzman starts from the ground by advocating for disciplined partnership between drivers and pedestrians to help minimize traffic. She says street walkers should cross on the proper lanes and pedestrian crossings, while drivers must be mindful on the road, follow traffic signs, and respect fellow motorists and pedestrians.
Urban gardening
If you don’t have a chance to join a reforestation project, start growing small plants in your garden. Miss Dauin Negros Oriental Cheysen Fabriquer Capuno is leading the charge towards sustainability with urban gardening. Doing this may help improve oxygen circulation in your home, while brightening up your place.
Minimize use of non-biodegradable materials
Plastic waste has been a long-time problem, but something that could be difficult to address considering plastic’s benefits. Miss Tayabas Lea Laano hence encourages the use of reusable objects instead of opting for disposable ones. Use tumblers instead of one-use water bottles, stainless utensils in place of plastic spoons and forks, and cloth bags instead of plastic bags; and say 'no' to plastic straws.
Creative recycling
Miss Parañaque Sofia Jane Panapanaan is on a mission to make recycling more colorful and fun to everyone. Instead of throwing things away, she suggests 'upcycling' them into crafts that can be used for a different purpose. For instance, transform old jeans into bags or make key chains from soft drink bottle caps.
Healthy lifestyle
Being a beauty queen is no easy feat; it requires beauty, brains, and a fit physique, reason why Miss El Salvador City Elizabeth Amahan is a strong advocate of leading a healthy and active lifestyle. But it doesn’t mean enrolling yourself to an expensive fitness center (although, that would help). For instance, a simple day tour to your nearest local park can offer an opportunity to be active, or walk instead of taking a ride when going to nearby destinations.
To know more about 1SIX8 and Merrell’s partnership with Miss Philippines Earth, visit Merrell Philippines on Facebook and follow @merrell_ph on Twitter and Instagram.