Edenvale’s Marianna hopes to save the earth

Happy, humble and passionate. That is what some might call Marianna Christophi, an environmental activist.

Also read: Other planets may never be as hospitable as Earth: study

Besides being environmentally active, this Glendower resident is representing the Bedfordview and Edenvale areas as a regional finalist in the Miss Earth South Africa programme.

The programme hopes to empower women and create community development through environmental education and awareness.

Before joining the programme, being environmentally aware is something which came naturally to Marianna.

She said while growing up she was taught respect from a very young age.

Also read: 7 ways to teach your kids respect for the environment

“I feel a deep respect not only for people but for the environment too,” highlighted Marianna.

Through most of her life, Marianna believed herself to be an environmental activist.

However, this changed in 2016. While at university Marianna began speaking to members of Generation Earth, a group affiliated with Miss Earth SA and was invited to an environmental awareness seminar.

Also read: Mystery of the harsh environment

While at the talk Marianna spoke to the 2015 Miss Earth title holder. This too sparked her interest.

Marianna said after the seminar she realised much more needed to be done to assist earth.

Shortly after the seminar, Marianna visited Cyprus and again she realised how little environmental awareness there was in South Africa.

“In Cyprus, a country smaller than the Kruger National Park, there is more recycling than in South Africa. They even had air conditioners made of recycled materials,” said Marianna.

Recycling is something which Marianna believes should be implemented by all communities.

“There is only one earth, our earth. We might throw things away but they still remain on earth,” said Marianna.

Some of the projects Marianna said she has completed while part of Miss Earth includes cleaning up the environment and presenting educational assemblies at local schools.

“On my journey with Miss Earth SA, I have noticed a lack of environmental awareness and also a lack of awareness regarding humans’ impact on the environment.”

When the NEWS asked Marianna whether she had any concerns regarding statements made by prominent world leaders about the importance of global warming she said she enjoys challenging and changing the opinions of others.

“It is easy just to accept information from orators but I believe people have the potential to help earth. All over the world environmental beliefs have been planted and are starting to grow,” explained Marianna.

When Marianna is not saving the earth or involved in the Miss Earth programme she said she is studying, playing sports and spending time with family and friends.

She is a third-year Wits University student majoring in psychology.

Marianna said no matter what happens in the Miss Earth programme, she will continue to carry its values and look after planet earth.

She added that once she has her psychology degree she hopes to obtain her masters in drama therapy so she can assist others in need.

Marianna hopes to have her own therapy practice one day or do freelance therapy at schools.

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