UniSC Journalism student Jessica Lane has wanted to use her voice to make the world a better place from an early age – signing her first cruelty-free petition when she was eight years old.
Now as the newly-titled Miss Earth, she's found the global platform she’s been searching for – one she’s determined to use to “change people's minds and open their eyes”, so they will join her mission for a sustainable future.
“I've succeeded with getting this international spotlight, and it’s definitely a larger circle of influence than I ever could have imagined,” says Jessica, 22, the first Australian to win Miss Earth, an international beauty pageant that is also a United Nations-recognised platform for environmental advocacy.
For the next 12 months, Jessica’s life will be a whirlwind of visits to more than 50 countries and interviews with global media, as she serves as a global ambassador for environmental causes, raising awareness about critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and conservation efforts.
It’s a role she believes she was born to do.
“I like to say I was born with a passion for environmental issues. It has just been a part of who I am my whole life,” says Jessica, who is completing a double major in Journalism, Creative Writing and Publishing at UniSC’s Sunshine Coast campus.
Activism through storytelling as an environmental journalist is her ultimate career goal.
“I think the reason I was put on this earth, why I’m on this study path and why I entered Miss Earth is because I have this love for our earth and the desire to make a genuine difference."
Growing a circle of influence
If there is a guiding principle that Jessica lives by, it is one shared by her father when she was a small child struggling to make sense of why some people chose to hurt each other, animals and the Earth.
“From a very young age, I've just been distraught by war and famine and victims, and particularly environmental crises,” Jessica said.
“I was just so upset by everything and didn't understand what I could do, so my father taught me about the three circles of concern, control and influence.
“A circle of concern is what you're concerned with, control is what you can control, influence is who you can influence.
“I just needed to grow that circle of influence. It's a big reason why I decided to become a journalist.”
From her mother, she gained another foundational belief – living sustainably.
“My mother taught me how your everyday actions have a massive impact on our Earth. She helped me to sign my very first cruelty-free petition at eight years of age.
“I've been on that journey ever since and it's a big part of my advocacy."
A quest to save the world from fast fashion
Founded in 2001, Miss Earth is described as a “search for the most beautiful women of the Earth to serve as a role model dedicated to uphold the advocacy to preserve and restore Mother Earth”.
Contestants are not only judged on traditional beauty pageant criteria, they are also assessed on their commitment to making a positive impact on the planet, as well as their out-of-competition environmental work.
Pageant promotors say Jessica’s activism made her a true standout.
She is a vocal supporter of Australia’s ‘Nets Out Now’ initiative, which aims to remove shark nets along the coastlines of New South Wales and Queensland, to protect vital marine ecosystems.
Another passion project is ‘Dress for Tomorrow,’ a campaign that focuses on promoting sustainable fashion choices to combat the environmental damage caused by fast fashion.
“We all have the power to make a difference. Fashion is a fantastic way to express yourself but not at the expense of the Earth,” Jessica said.
“I’ve educated people on the power of our actions through multiple sustainable fashion runways, which I promote on my social media, and last year organised and hosted a fundraiser called ‘Beauty with a Purpose’, a non-profit fashion show fundraiser that supported the disabled children at Variety the Children’s Charity.”
She personified the brand at the pageant, choosing a national costume that drew from recycled materials, loaned outfits from five Australian eco-friendly designers for her daily outfits, and since returning to Australia as title holder wears sustainably sourced dresses to events and media interviews.
“With fast fashion responsible for over 10 percent of global greenhouse emissions, more than air and maritime travel combined, choosing ethical and local fashion can significantly reduce emissions and support eco-friendly practices,” Jessica said.
“Through trying to fit in with trends, pop culture and celebrities, we often contribute to fast fashion, which is a contributor to climate change. If each of us cares less about popularity, and stays true to our inner beauty, dig deep for who we are and believe in ourselves, we can help the Earth.”
In perfect alignment
Wrapping up high school at Siena College next to UniSC’s Sunshine Coast campus, Jessica did not have to look far to find a university that offered flexibility, opportunity and a focus on sustainability that aligned with her mission of environmental advocacy.
“UniSC seems to link in with my goals and my passions seamlessly,” Jessica said.
“Every opportunity I've been provided so far, is another step towards achieving my aim to use storytelling to inspire others to protect the environment.
“I just love the atmosphere at UniSC, its connection with nature and its dedication to preserving it.
“Where else can you find a university with campuses on three neighbouring UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and a research station on a World Heritage listed island, K’gari.
“We use solar energy and a massive water battery to help power our campus – we really are one-of-a-kind. I am so proud to go here and it’s a message I have been sharing in my interviews with media around the world.”
Experiences gained during her studies serendipitously helped give her the winning edge in her bid to take on the role of Miss Earth titleholder.
“UniSC offered the option to complete ‘Communicating Sustainability’ as an elective subject that was not part of my double degree, which strengthened my passion and taught me how to promote the sustainability message and engage people in an inspiring way.”
She also secured a cadet journalist position with regional television network while completing her studies, with support from her journalism tutor, a long-time television news professional.
“It is an incredible opportunity that doesn't come around very often and is another step towards my advocacy goal.”
It has also given her confidence and experience to be on the other side of the camera and microphone, useful skills as she works to inspire meaningful change as a Miss Earth ambassador at environmental protection campaigns worldwide.
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au