Miss Earth Jessica Lane addresses fast fashion in response to critics

Miss Earth 2024 Jessica Lane in the green dress that sparked a discussion on the environment. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

Just one outfit has prodded reigning Miss Earth Jessica Lane to discuss the direct relationship between fast fashion and the environment, sparked by a comment on how she has repeatedly worn a dress.

“As someone very new to the spotlight, I’ve been surprised by the response to me reusing an outfit, despite being a passionate and public environmental advocate,” she said in a Facebook post that came with a video.

“I believe it is this mentality that we must always have new looks and accessories that is a key contributor to reliance on fast fashion. I hope to represent a shift in culture and encourage everyone to focus on what’s within our control and what good we can accomplish for our environment, ” continued the first Miss Earth winner from Australia.

In the video she posted on social media, the environmental journalist and activist showed the now-controversial dress, a slinky green gown with shoulder accents that she wore to three public events — a press conference in the Philippines, her visit to the Australian Embassy in Manila, and at a media gathering in Sydney just recently.

Netizens were quick to point out how the dress has appeared on several occasions within a matter of months. But Lane took this as an opportunity to impart an important message to pageant fans.

“I’ve [reworn] this outfit three times as, one, I believe it’s a beautiful dress that truly does highlight the Miss Earth values, and, two, I want to be a representation for young people everywhere, and show them that we do not have to fit in with popularity trends, and buying new outfits for every occasion, ” she said.

Lane even presented statistics that show how textile waste has doubled since 2000, contributing more carbon-dioxode emmissions than maritime and air travel combined.

“Each of us has the power to significantly reduce this impact. In fact, if we got rid of fast fashion, [carbom-dioxide] emissions could reduce by more than 50 percent,” she added.

Carbon-dioxide emissions that remain in the atmosphere is the leading cause of global warming, which results in environmental anomalies such as climate change and more violent weather disturbances such as typhoons and hurricanes.

“I believe beauty comes from within, and never at the harm of the environment. In fact, the outfit that I’m wearing right now was actually my high school formal dress,” Lane shared.

“I believe in the power of the people, which is why I not only talk, but walk the walk, ” continued the beauty queen, who won in the 24th edition of the Miss Earth pagent held in Manila last month.

The Manila-based international pageant serves as a platform for environmental awareness, and the winners and candidates are dubbed “beauties for a cause,” who are expected to push projects that promote sustainability and help save the planet.