Tamerin Michelle Jardine - Miss Earth South Africa 2012 Profile

Tamerin Michelle Jardine

Miss Earth South Africa 2012

BIO:
Age: 25
Height: 5'10.5"
Weight: 120lbs.
Vital Stats: 34"-25"-37"
Hometown: Sandton

INTERVIEW:

What environmental project will you create to promote the protection of Mother Earth and why?
I come from a country where we are rich in renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy and wave energy. My goal is to create more sustainable energy in areas of my country that are under privileged to help alleviate power costs and also reduce impact on mother earth. I think it is important to plant trees and vegetable gardens as it has a positive environmental impact. Having been able to do this in many communities in South Africa I have created a footprint and a sustainable future for the next generation.

What makes you proud of your country and what can you promote about it?
As a South African my pride is in the struggle we had survived as a nation. We were to true freedom by our former President Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who stood up to unfair policies that are non democratic. I am able to stand before you today as a result of his determination for a better South Africa. A country which is beautiful, diverse and interesting. Tourists flock to South Africa for the natural beauty, wildlife and sunshine. The varied terrain supports a rich diversity of animals, birds, and plant-life which offers an incomparable range of experiences. Through the beauty of our homeland, nature has been able to craft itself into a vista of 9 majestic provinces each having its own serenity and mineral wealth. Our land encompasses a huge collection of wildlife areas and game parks - both public and private. South Africa has a variety of every possible landscape from deserts to forests, mountains to coast - including Africa’s Big 5: Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros. The jewel in the crown would have to be that of South Africa’s diverse languages, culture and religion each bringing value to our rich heritage. Bio-diversity has played an influential role in the growth of my land. Plants and animals are part of our traditions and culture. The Protea is our national emblem, proudly emblazoned on the jerseys of rugby players. The Western Cape's Floral Regions are also key assets for our eco-tourism industry. People come from afar to admire the colors and patterns of the South African countryside. Its features which are themselves produced by biodiversity.

Describe your childhood/growing years:
I witnessed a lot of things growing up which had a disturbing affect on me which had sparked a passion towards the environment. I had developed a strong love for animals where I had the gift of being able to care and nurture baby animals that were killed by poachers. I managed to save a calf (buffalo) named bouril who’s mother was killed by poachers.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
During these years I learned a humane term “responsibility” and how to care for others, other than myself. I learned how to care for animals and my environment and for me these years were the foundation of my environmental passion. I was also abandoned by my father and learned that even without him everything was still possible. My influential mother gracefully supported me in my plight to help the planet and to be focused in my life term goals.

What is your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment was when I was called out as a Miss Earth South Africa winner, it was a moment where I had realized that my dream of being an environmental leader in my country and a role model for women, men and the ever growing youth. Graduating from my 2 law degrees was an unforgettable experience as I suffer from dyslexia I was told at a young age that I wouldn’t be able to overcome my schooling. I proved my doctor wrong and broke the boundaries and set greater goals for myself and to be the most influential leader I can be.

What is your environmental advocacy and why did you choose it?
Conservation of Wildlife: I have a deep seated passion for wildlife and committed to making a difference. My project for the forthcoming year will be energy based. Many of our children’s lives are destroyed by fire and these very fires are caused by malfunctioning equipment as well as liquid paraffin.

What tip can you share to promote sustainable energy for all?
Household could use solar geysers and chargers to go partially off grid. For instance, taking your iPad, tablets and mobile phones off the grid by using solar charging. Thus, we are using natural energy to power our mobile technology which plays a detrimental part of our lives. This will be a step closer to saving more energy.

Other information that you would like to share with the Miss Earth Management:
I want to be the voice and the leader who acts what she says not just for my country but globally for the Miss Earth organization. I want to win Miss Earth and commit to it whole heartedly as it is embedded in my DNA to be the aid that people need and to focus on renewable energy resources to overcome the detrimental impacts of fossil fuels.

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* See also Miss Earth 2012 Special Coverage