Miss Earth 2008 Karla Paula Henry

Miss Earth 2008 Karla Paula Henry

‘Everything That We Do Affects the Environment’

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

Mod Decemeber 2009

AS the 2008 Miss Earth, Karla Paula Henry has been occupied with programs and events as an ambassador of the environment. Doing relief operations for the recent typhoon victims and cleaning up beaches are some of projects that she is now involved in—all while looking good.

Bigger Picture. One good thing about Ondoy is that Filipinos have realized calamity change. Sana naman ma-realize nila na everything they do affects the environment. Ondoy made me realize more that there is so much more to be done. The relief goods—those are temporary. The bigger picture and the first thing that needs to be done is how we going to convince the people na unahin natin ang pag-aalaga sa kalikasan.

Go for Zero. The government is somehow doing its share with the Clean Air Act and Republic Act (RA) 9003, which aims for waste management. We really have to segregate our waste. For those biodegradable materials, we can dig through our backyard and use them as fertilizer, while those recyclable materials can be relayed to junk shops. Whatever you can do, aim for zero basura.

Clean Up. As Miss Earth, I participated in a lot of environmental projects, the most recent of which is the Boracay Cleanup which was in preparation for the Miss Earth pageant. Plus, sustainable cleaning din ‘yan. It’s not only for the Miss Earth candidates but also for the residents of Boracay as well as making Boracay a destination focal point here in the Philippines. We want to focus more on Boracay being an environment-friendly place.

Green-Minded. I was honored when I was invited to the Miami Fashion Week and I enjoyed it a lot. I attended the show of the Piña collection of various designers. Even here in the Philippines, designers are pushing for green fashion. It’s really up to us, on how we are going to patronize this type of clothing.

All in the Mind. To be beautiful, you need to get enough rest. Never stress yourself. If you have a positive outlook, it will reflect on you. If you think that you look good, you will look good. It’s all psychological.

Plans. After I turn over my crown, I plan to go back to school, possibly next semester because of time constraints. I hope to be able to juggle school and work.