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SARAH FINLAY - Miss Earth Scotland 2009
By David Natanawan for Critical Beauty
Please tell us something about yourself, your full name, age, height, vital stats, where you came from, educational
information, your interests and hobbies and other important facts about yourself.
My name is Sarah Finlay. I am 23 years old. I'm 5'7 1/2 and my measurements are 32-27-36. I am a geography graduate from the University of Glasgow
with honors. I love the outdoors. I am a keen horsewoman and I have ridden nearly all my life. I also like walking,
running, scuba diving. I love cooking and I am an amateur artist. When I get the opportunity I love to travel and have
been to Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Kenya participating in environmental projects, I have also travelled to India and Australia.
Who influenced you to join your country’s national pageant prior to winning the title to represent your country at Miss Earth?
My influences have been from events more than individuals. Global warming is all around us, I believe it is now a fact
and there are many climatic events across the globe which worsen the lives of the people living there. We only have
to glimpse at the news to see the devastation global warming is causing on peoples lives. I want to make a difference
which is why I decided to apply for Miss Earth.
How were you chosen to represent you country and what preparations have you done for the Miss Earth 2009
competition?
Hundreds of applicants applied to take part in the Scottish regional finals. I won the Glasgow final in Scotland
and went on to win the Scottish final which was made up of interviews, recycled gown, little green dress and
evening wear rounds. In preparation I have continued to work hard on my environmental projects.
If you could choose among the four elements: earth, air, water or fire, what would you like to be and why?
I would like to be air, because it reflects my personality. Like the wind, I choose if I want to be a storm or a breeze.
And it doesn’t matter if the rest of the world is going at the opposite side, I have always decided by myself my directions in life.
What environmental platform do you want to pursue during the Miss Earth 2009 pageant and how would you help to
pursue this platform?
At university I have worked on environmental and conservation projects and have continued to do so. Animals are
closely connected to everything people do on this planet and I believe it is important to look after them. Many
species are dying out and we must be careful to ensure we do not loose anymore as biodiversity is incredibly
important to humankind and to the intrinsic value of the earth.
Are you a member of any environmental organization or animal rights protection in your country?
I am the ambassador for trees for Scotland which promotes planting as many native trees as possible in Scotland.
Scotland was once covered in trees but is now barren and we want to replant as many trees as possible.
Trees are the lungs of the world so we must stop the destruction of them and plant more.
Do you have any idea about the host country, Philippines? What are your impressions about the country? And what do you know about
the Finals Night venue, the island of Boracay?
The Philippines have faced very difficult times recently but the people are resilient and humble. I believe Boracay is a very beautiful, special place
and I a very privileged to be able to visit.
Have you heard about the recent disaster brought by typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) in the Philippines?
How do you feel about the tragedy that befell some part of the Philippines due to these typhoons?
I was overwhelmed by how tragic the event was but touched at the strength of the Filipino people and the
generosity of aid agencies. I cannot imagine the difficulties Filipinos must have faced and the courage hav
e needed to overcome such a devastating event. Several people lost their own lives saving others, it is amazing
how human love can overcome the most tough circumstances.
With the recent disaster that happened in the Philippines and other parts of the world, do you think Miss Earth pageant is still
relevant in promoting environmental
awareness all over the world?
More than ever. I believe the cause of the events is due to a sequence of climatic changes effected by global warming.
Flash floods, droughts and other extreme weather systems often hit hardest in lower GDP countries and therefore can
cause more devastation. This week Lake Turkanana in Kenya is facing tragic droughts, worse than ever before. This
is why I am campaigning before the Copenhagen summit for changes in government policy across the globe. Miss Earth
helps raise awareness of these problems and brings attention to the Philippines.
What do you think is the biggest environmental problem that our planet Earth is experiencing today? And how would you do
your share to prevent this problem?
Global Warming. I like everyone else can do there bit to protect the planet. If everyone small changes to their
lifestyle together we can make a huge difference. As Miss Earth Scotland I want to use my platform to continue
to promote domestic changes in everyday life for everybody. If we all make small changes together we can make
a big difference.
If you win the Miss Earth title, how would you use your title to promote environmental awareness all over the world?
I would continue to campaign for changes to reduce global warming and campaign for support less developed
countries in combating the impact of global warming and assisting with changes. I would spread the environmental
message “reduce, reuse and recycle”, and encourage these messages to be implemented across schools everywhere.
We have to alter many mindsets and if we educate this generation they will educate the next.
Lastly, what is your message to all the people reading this interview?
If we all make small changes together we can make a big difference.
PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Finlay
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