SPOTLIGHT MISS EARTH SOUTH AFRICA 2009 CHANEL GRANTHAM

Chanel Grantham
Miss Earth SA 2009 was crowned early in June; SAPAGEANTSBLOGSPOT INTERVIEWED THE effervescent NEWLY CROWNED beauty to gain more insight into the MIND behind the green TIARA!

1.What motivated you to enter the Miss Earth SA pageant?

Environmental appreciation and conservation is something I’ve always believed in. I’m currently a student at UCT in the Engineering and Built Environment Faculty studying a Science Degree in Property and Construction. My aspiration is to develop globally acclaimed Green Developments in SA. So when I saw an ad in the Cleo mag with the title “Miss Earth South Africa” competition, it immediately sparked my interest so I did some research on the organization. Pageantry and modeling has never been at the top of my agenda but after learning about the great work and greening initiatives Miss Earth South Africa in association with Consol is involved with, I just knew that this year I had to be apart of it!
We all need to take responsibility for our carbon footprint and becoming Miss Earth SA would provide a solid platform to voice opinion on environmental issues and influence millions of people with a message that is so relevant. It became my goal!



2.What other than winning were some of the best moments leading up to the finals of the contest?

I’m a qualified open-water scuba diver and am so enriched to have first hand appreciation for the beauty of marine life. It really is a whole new world in the ocean – colourful and beautiful, it’s fascinating!
So witnessing the release of the 84 (Namibian) African penguins back into the ocean was one of my most memorable moments. Realizing that these oiled penguins probably would not have survived if it wasn’t for the dedicated work of SANCCOB and volunteers rehabilitating these penguins were heartening. The experience was so rewarding, it really made me want to do so much more for our marine and wildlife.

3.What are your goals for your year as Miss Earth SA 2009?

My goal is to “green” the minds of South Africans and change people’s perception of the meaning of greening.
As Miss Earth SA of 2009 I aim to promote energy efficiency in South Africa and get more households recycling, particularly the recycling of glass!
I believe if more people become aware of the little changes that they can make that collectively will bring about a greater positive impact on our environment; more people would be inspired to be environmentally conscious. The changes are actually quite simple to adopt but the key to success is driving awareness.
I have the drive, energy and passion for my cause and really want to make the most of my year. I would love to leave a strong legacy as the Miss Earth South Africa of 2009 that made a significant difference, and brought positive, measurable environmental awareness and change in SA. That for me would be a job well done!


4.Are you an environmentalist at heart?

An avid one, I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to the animal planet channel
Looking back I guess I’ve always been an environmentalist at heart. From age 3 when I got my first pair of gumboots, I’d spent hours planting in the garden with my Gran. I learnt how to sustain my own veggie garden and strawberry patch at age 4. I even grew granadillas. I’d lay in between my grandparents with my gran on the one side in grossed in a botany book and my Grandfather reading a national geographic book. So I grew an appreciation for the environment from a young age!

The moral of this story is that children learn most from what they see and experience. This is the key reason why the Miss Earth SA educational programmes are vitally important – these initiatives educate at grassroots level. Planting trees and vegetable gardens in schools with the kids is not only a fun way of learning, most importantly it gives children an appreciation and awareness of the environment in which they live… and I get to do what I enjoy, gardening


5.What are your expectations for the international Miss Earth pageant?

I would love to win the Global title and bring home the Global Miss Earth crown back to SA.
2010 is a fantastic year for SA to showcase our beautiful country to the world with the Soccer World Cup. Having the Global Miss Earth title would be the cherry on top in showcasing our environmental commitment and consciousness to the Globe. Winning the title creates a global platform for SA.
I know that it will be challenging at times (in fact, probably most times), but I believe in myself and our cause – I’m confident that if I stay true to myself my path will be extremely rewarding. I’m definitely up for the challenge!


6.What do you feel are the environmental challenges facing South Africa?

Pollution is a major problem facing us as South Africans. Ineffective waste management is a major contributing factor to this. The main problem is lack of awareness. We see our refuse being taken away and it’s out of sight out of mind. What we don’t realize is that “away” is not necessarily away but rather dumped in a landfill.

Recycling is a great way to save our natural resources and generate energy, particularly the recycling of glass. The energy saved by recycling just one glass bottle is enough to power a standard light bulb for almost an hour! What’s more is that glass is a natural resource that is 100% recyclable that can be recycled over and over!

The systems for glass recycling are all in place- there are glass banks situated in every region by the glass recycling company; it’s up to the consumer to fill them. That’s why Miss Earth SA in association with Consol is driven to promote glass recycling in South Africa and get more consumers recycling. Awareness is key!

7.Do you feel pageants are still relevant in today’s modern world?

If its pageants like Miss Earth that embody ‘beauty with a cause’ then most definitely! Our society needs good role models to aspire, especially our youth. I believe there will always be a fascination with pageants and keen interest in the winners; therefore, if pageants create awareness of causes that are relevant and topical then we should continue to support them.

8.What is your most treasured possession?
My paint toolbox- it’s really old and messy but I love it. I have old oil paint tubes in there from early school days that I still use today! It’s the collection of old and new paint tubes that give it character

9.What or who inspires you?

I love expressing myself through painting- it’s a means of escapism and self-reflection for me. I draw inspiration from personal experiences as well as things I see around me.
I’ve been fortunate enough to exhibit my work and have my work recognized- I was awarded The National Arts award in 2006.

I’m inspired by people who dedicate their lives to preserving our environment. Organizations like SANCCOB, South African National Parks, and WWF who I’ve had the privilege to work amongst have all played a vital role in the preservation of our eco-systems and our world.
The volunteers that assisted, in trying to save the whales in Kommetjie recently. I’m inspired by ordinary people doing extraordinary things for others.

Of course, I’m really inspired by Mr Mandela who is a phenomenal humanitarian.

More recently, the Obamas, Barack and Michelle Obama - they are amazing, so real and in touch with everyday people and environmental issues.


10.Your message to your fans?

We’ve only got one world and she sustains us all. Let’s take great care of her. Let’s change the way we think…
“The world is a product of our thinking; we cannot change the world without changing our thinking.” Sustainable living is not just a buzzword, it’s our reality. It’s up to us to take responsibility for our own carbon footprints and find ways in which we reduce them.
I know a really simple way that we can do this and make a significant difference to our environment… Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!
I look forward to our journey as we share, learn, grow and continue to show great Respect for our Earth.
I am humbled by the people that so tirelessly volunteer their time and effort to environmental work. I thank all of you for your commitment to our environment and continued support.
From my heart, I assure you of my greenest intentions for my reign!



THANK YOU
Chanel Grantham
Miss Earth SA 2009

SAPAGEANTSBLOGSPOT thanks CHANEL for taking time out from her busy schedule in doing this interview, and wishes her all the best in her year ahead….Special thanks to Catherine Constantinides national director MISS EARTH SOUTH AFRICA for making this interview possible. Pictures supplied by Miss Earth South Africa organization.