Earth Task Force
One paw at a time
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One paw at a time 〰️
Think Local, Act Global: This is how Miss Earth USA proves that pageants are not just about beauty. Each contestant is required to complete a community-based project aimed at helping the planet. As Miss Montana Earth, I wanted to merge my passion for animals and nature, addressing an issue that is not only close to my heart but one that has global repercussions.
While living in Guatemala, I witnessed a concerning environmental issue firsthand. Pollution from the surrounding mountains would cascade down into the trees and eventually into the nearby lakes. This cycle of pollution wasn’t isolated to Guatemala; it’s a pattern seen across the planet. However, because of the small area I was in—where towns were in close proximity to a major lake—the impact was especially evident. I saw a similar phenomenon in the Arctic Ocean. It was surreal to see plastic bottle caps along the shore during a hike, despite being miles away from the nearest town. The remote Arctic seemed like an unlikely place for pollution, yet it was there.
My love for animals, especially dogs, was a main factor when it came to deciding what my Think Local Act Global project would be about. During my time abroad, I saw many stray dogs struggling to survive. I always made sure to pick up after my own dog, but the homeless dogs had no one to care for them. They competed for shelter and food, but they were also unintentionally contributing to the pollution. They couldn’t help it—dog waste, like other forms of waste, adds to the contamination of soil, more importantly to water.
What made the situation even worse was the frequent storms. Rainstorms would sweep debris from the mountains, including dog waste, into water streams. These same water streams are where people wash their clothes, bathe, clean, and drink. As the polluted water flows into lakes and oceans, the contamination spreads.
Dog waste, when combined with stormwater, creates an even more dangerous situation. It spreads bacteria, viruses, and excess nutrients that negatively impact marine ecosystems. Stray dogs, too, can harm local wildlife, preying on native species and upsetting the balance of the ecosystem.
Human waste further complicates the issue, as stray dogs often drink from polluted water sources filled with harmful substances like oils and chemicals-kitchen oils, car oils, cleaning chemicals. Even my own dog suffered when she stepped into water tainted by these pollutants and cut her paw.
For my global impact I began by finding homes for stray dogs. I would also pick up dog waste during my hikes, recycle the plates given to me by local restaurants to feed the dogs, and remove plastic waste that had trickled down the mountains during rainstorms.
Once I returned to the United States, I continued to make a positive impact by donating compostable and biodegradable dog waste bags to local shelters, parks, and beaches. My efforts expanded to communities in Colorado and Mexico, where I donated vegan treats and plant-based waste bags to new dog owners.
I didn’t start this project with the goal of winning a pageant. My efforts for rescuing dogs and repurposing plastic began long before I joined Miss Earth USA. However, being part of an organization that prioritizes environmental care has undeniably shifted my perspective. Miss Earth USA has shown me the importance of seeking greener, more sustainable alternatives, even in areas as specific as choosing eco-friendly waste bags.
