Cosmetic industry does not impact the environment:

Beauty can change the world - Reigning Miss Earth

By Anuradha Kodagoda

She's young and beautiful. Besides, her wittiness is a jewel to her character. Tereza Fajksova, 24, a Czech model, public administration specialist and environmentalist who won the Miss Earth 2012 beauty pageant crown beating 79 other international delegates, is now in Sri Lanka; and she's here as the chief guest at the most prestigious beauty pageant Derana, Veet Miss Sri Lanka 2013 which concluded recently.

Miss Earth, Tereza Fajksova

As the official media sponsor of the event the Sunday Observer had the opportunity to talk to beautiful Tereza who is passionate about protecting the environment and the earth.

Excerpts of the interview:

Question: First, would you tell us about your experience of winning the Miss Earth title in 2012?

Answer: I come from a small village in the south of Ivancice in the Czech Republic. Being a girl from a small village in a small country I never expected I could win the Miss Earth title and it was truly a surprise and an amazing experience in my life.

I have one older brother. I graduated from high school at the Louis Danka Sports Gymnasium in Brno. I have done almost every sport a woman could do, such as, volleyball, basketball, tennis, swimming, football and badminton. Yet, I couldn't try the favourite sport in your country, Cricket! I will certainly play cricket in the future..

Q: The international media reported that soon after you were crowned Miss Earth 2012, you fell on the ground. Tell us what happened?

A: Oh... that was unforgettable.. I wanted my evening gown to be very long and winding. I didn't expect the final event to be held outdoors which was quite windy. With the crown I got lots of prizes that I had to hold in my hands. My gown wasn't controllable in the wind and also the crown started falling off. Instantly I had to decide which one to hold, so I decided to hold the crown and then I fell..

It was funny to recall I was on the ground for ten seconds and asking somebody to help me to stand up, but everybody was busy taking pictures of my fall...

Q: As this is your first visit to Sri Lanka, what do you think about the environment of the country?

A: I never expected your country would be this clean and green. I think the air pollution is quite low. However, I understand that as the capital city of the country, Colombo is given a lot of attention to make it clean and nice. I believe gradually the authorities may focus on the other cities and the suburbs of Colombo too to maintain the same condition.

Q: What is your role as the spokesperson for the Miss Earth Foundation, the United Nations Environment Program?

A: I'm mainly dedicated to promote specific projects that address issues concerning the environment and other global issues. Street garbage is one of the main environmental issues common to every part of Europe. So we are discussing with the authorities to take action to protect the environment.

Q: As one involved in the highly chemical based beauty industry, it is obvious that it affects the environment badly. So does it worry your conscience?

A: I do not use any cosmetics tested on animals and I believe it's the reason that has helped to keep my skin young and healthy. I do not promote any cosmetic products tested on animals and try to be an idol for all the women and persuade them to use non animal tested beauty products which would protect their skin, as well as the environment.

Q: Today, there's a big demand for natural beauty products. Although it is good in a way, on the other hand it destroys the environment. What is your view?

A: I think the cosmetic industry is not the worst environmental problem, there are lots of other environmental issues that we have to focus on, such as, drinking water problem and air pollution. So compared to them the environment has the least impact from the cosmetics industry.

Q: How would you define beauty?

A: Everyone has their own definitions of beauty, so it's tricky to find a single answer. However, for me beauty is not merely your external appearance. It's a balance of both external and internal beauty. It's important to look beyond the surface and if you're just a pretty face without a kind inner-self you are just nothing.

Q: If you are asked to choose to become beautiful but not too smart; or very smart but not too beautiful, what would you prefer to be and why?

A: Well, I would choose to be beautiful and not too smart, because people can always learn to be smart. Being very beautiful is rare. As I have toured many countries after winning the title, I have noticed that I can do a lot to the world as people are willing to accept what I say as they admire my beauty. So being beautiful can do a lot to the world and we can always learn to be smart.

However, being very smart and not beautiful also can change the world.

Q: What is your role model in life?

A: All successful people I know are my role models in life. I have grabbed at least one good point to my life from every successful people that I know and it's hard to pick one person.

Q: Are you satisfied with the journey that you have come so far in life?

A: Yes, pretty much. I'm a person who believes in destiny. I always believed there's a reason behind every step we take. So if you fail somewhere it means, that's not your direction. For example, years ago I wanted to be a professional volleyball player and I really worked hard to accomplish my wish. Unfortunately, I broke my arm and had to think of a different field to establish myself. Then I started my career in modeling. That decision took me far and now I'm holding the Miss Earth title . I'm grateful for all the obstacles and challenges that came my way, because they made me who I am today.

Q: What are your future plans?

A: I wish to enrol in a university to continue my studies on Economics. Education is an important part in my life and to complete my second degree in Economics is my next few years' plan. I also wish to launch a natural beauty product and an environment learning and education centre in my country.