MISS CANADA EARTH 2011 - Ashlea Moor

Miss Earth 2011


BIOGRAPHY:



INTERVIEW:

What environmental project will you create to promote the protection of Mother Earth and why?

The environmentalist Baba Dioum once said:

"In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught."

I whole heartedly agree and have made education through my "Go Green Initiative" program central when advocating for positive environmental change. The "Go Green Initiative" was founded on the premise that great things can be achieved through small steps. By educating and compelling others to commit to making small changes, such as utilizing public transportation, turning off electronics when not in use, and conserving water the overall effect is profound. In addition to speaking in schools and public platforms, active engagement of the public in environmental initiatives is supported and encouraged.

We each have an important role. The "Go Green" program works to empower individuals and by doing so empower communities, nations, and the global population to recognize their ability to contribute to positive environmental change. By enthusiastically engaging youth, the actions taken now become ingrained as lifelong habits, ensuring future generations will value and care for the earth in years to come.

What makes you proud of the country you are representing, and what can you promote about your country?

Canada boasts of an unparalleled and pristine landscape that spans East to West from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and North to the Arctic Ocean. Our unique landscape includes soaring mountains, vast forests, and fertile grasslands. The diverse landscape parallels the diverse array of cultures and nationalities represented in Canada, and multiculturalism is openly embraced and protected.

I am humbled by the fact that Canada is committed to providing equal opportunities to all of its citizens; we pride ourselves on taking care of one another. I feel that we spread our care and exude hospitality and kindness to all those we encounter, whether we are at home or abroad. As a world traveler I can attest to this, as I am always greeted with open arms due to the benevolence of my fellow Canadians.

I am especially proud of our thirty-six national parks and six national park reserves which serve to represent the infinite variety and beauty of our country, as well as protect the ecological integrity of these regions for all Canadians as well as the World. Given that forest covers almost half (44%) of the Canadian Landscape Canada is diligently aligning efforts with the United Nations who declared 2011 as the "International Year of Forests" in a commitment to manage, conserve, and develop forests both nationally and internationally.

Describe your childhood/growing years.

My early years established a solid foundation for life and shaped the person I am today. Growing up I had an exceptionally special bond with my grandparents, to whom I am forever indebted for the life lessons, unconditional love, and support they afforded me in all aspects of my life.

I have a deep rooted passion for learning which was no doubt formulated in my early years. This particular passion expands far beyond the classroom where I achieved my formal education. As a whole my formative years were spent learning through volunteering, dance programs, ice skating, competitive baseball, public speaking, musical productions, and a general curiosity coupled with a love of life that continues to guide me to this day.

Given the dramatic and diverse landscape of Canada it is no surprise that a majority of my childhood was spent outdoors. Through exploring I gained a profound appreciation for the natural beauty of my surroundings. I also learned the importance of preservation when it comes to our environment, and the due diligence required with maintaining balance.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years? ?

I learned to select goals because they are exceptional, worthwhile and significant- never because they are easy. This notion guided me to numerous academic achievements, as well as accomplishments in my extracurricular activities which often included supporting charitable causes close to my heart, in particular those pertaining to the environment.

Through emulating my grandmother I recognized the importance of helping others. This ultimately drove me to select nursing and medicine as my chosen career path. My early years taught me that education (both formal and informal) were of key importance to becoming a balanced, happy, and successful individual.

What is your environmental advocacy?

All ecological issues that we currently face are equally important and cumulatively combine to create the state of our environment and consequently our health as well. On the whole there is a general lack of perspective regarding environmental concerns and how we can grow and change as a global society to mitigate them holistically. As a Registered Nurse I recognize the vital connection between our environment, education, and health, which is a principal factor as to why I am passionate about advocating for environmental issues. I believe that personalizing the environmental-health connection with meaningful education is fundamental in initializing sustainable change on an individual, societal, and global scale. In working towards this goal I founded the "Go Green Initiative" program to compel others to commit to making small changes which ultimately contribute to a positive and profound difference for our environment.


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