Forever Miss Earth Maryland 2015

Gree(n)tings everyone,

I hope you and yours are doing well. I have been blessed and highly favored, to God be the glory. So on April 3rd, I did my final task as reigning Miss Earth Maryland 2015 and crown the 2016 queen at the Miss Earth United States - 2016 DC Regional Pageant. Over the past year, it has been an honor and pleasure serving my blue crab state and I couldn't have prayed for a better way to end this chapter of my life as I did at the pageant.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

As Miss Earth Maryland, I had the opportunity to travel across the Old Line State visiting middle and high schools talking to students about mining, as well as advocating for a sustainable future for the mining industry, and promoting environmentally-friendly practices in our homes, workplace, and communities. It was an honor being crowned Miss Beauties for a Cause for my platform at Miss Earth USA 2015, which I am very passionate about. It's been wonderful being part of the international Miss Earth organization. Below are some photos from the pageant, as well as a video from my farewell walk. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

On-Stage Question

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson presents Beauty for a Cause Award to Erika Baldwin

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson presents Miss Congeniality Award to Liz Nguyen

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson crowns Junior Miss Virginia Earth United States 2016 Covonna Bynum

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson crowns Elite Miss Maryland Earth United States 2016 Tracey Hirsch

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson crowns Miss District of Columbia Earth United States 2016 Shawna Melvin

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson crowns Miss Virginia Earth United States 2016 Erika Baldwin

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson crowns Miss Maryland Earth 2016 Yashvi Aware

Miss Maryland Earth 2016 Yashvi Aware and Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Thank you, MARYLAND.
I love you.

Although my reign is over, you can stay updated on my current and future adventures on my social media accounts. Follow me on Instagram/Twitter @Ruby_B_Johnson as well as on Facebook. My personal blog is Restored For God's Glory, check it out.

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Earth Maryland 2015

Continuing the legacy of beauty and responsibility

9 days till Miss Earth United States 2015 Pageant

Gree(n)tings everyone!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing well, thanks be to God! I can't believe that in 9 days Miss Earth United States 2015 pageant weekend officially commences. I have truly enjoyed this journey as Miss Earth Maryland 2015 and serving my Blue Crab state. The preparation for the job of Miss Earth United States and the national pageant has enhanced my skills as well as pushed me out of my comfort zone in many ways. This is one of the reasons why I love the Miss Earth system because it empowers women to be well-rounded in embracing womanhood, being compassionate, and as well as champions for our environment. I am a woman of the earth! If you'll like to follow my preparation and journey, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. The hashtag on all social media is #MDforMEUS

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson
Official Headshot for Miss Earth United States Pageant
Photo by Prince Zamira Photography

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

I am a firm believer that it takes a village to create a phenomenal woman and man. Therefore, I am so grateful for those in and outside of my circle who have been influential in my life, and those I have crossed paths with in various ways. I am thankful for my blessings and lessons in this journey thus far. I am grateful to my sponsors: mom, dad, family, and friends; Dr. Fuambai Sia Ahmadu (CEO of Miss Sierra Leone USA Leadership Pageant); Prince Zamira Photography; and FO Fitness. Additionally, I am so grateful for my pageant mentor, Ms. Bonnie, for polishing my talents and challenging me to be the best Ruby I can be. In the time leading towards the national pageant, I have been getting ready dilligently so I can be the full package in representing my Old Line State and being the best of myself. I am ready for the job as Miss Earth United States.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

What I love about Miss Earth is its unique mission of advocating for the preservation of our environment; among the many international pageants, it is the only pageant that advocates for a cause like this and gives women a platform to be "Beauties for a Cause." Having received my undergraduate degree in mining engineering from Virginia Tech, my field of interest directly impacts the earth. Therefore, I am using this platform as a Miss Earth titleholder to advocate for my passion of mining but also promote and cultivate ways that the industry moves towards a sustainable future. It is possible for an individual to support the mining industry but also care about the environment. Hence the reason my platform is "Bridging The Gap: Miners and Environmentalists Must Work Together for Mother Earth!" I am looking forward to sharing this platform with everyone at nationals, and nationwide as Miss Earth United States 2015.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood, and the sound of outer ocean on a beach. - American writer and naturalist Henry Beston.

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Earth Maryland 2015

Continuing the legacy of beauty and responsibility

Help me compete at Miss Earth United States 2015. DONATE HERE

Winner at United States Earth Grand Pageants Goes To Miss Earth

Gree(n)tings everyone!!!

Hope you and yours are doing well. I've been busy preparing for the Miss Earth United States pageant next month in Ontario, California, and feeling blessed throughout this journey. This blog is to help some of you that may not be aware of what the pageant entails, specifically the winners of the U.S. Earth Grand Pageants. All national semifinalists who meet the eligibility criteria will compete for: Miss Earth United States, Miss Grand United States, and Miss United Continents U.S. Although my title is Miss Earth Maryland, I am not only eligible to win the Miss Earth United States title but also the title of being the United States representative for the Miss Grand International pageant and Miss United Continents pageant. Now let's break these three pageants down and learn what makes them unique and great platforms for driven young women. First, let's talk Miss Earth!

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth is an annual international pageant promoting environmental awareness. The reigning titleholders dedicate their year to promote specific projects and often address issues concerning the environment and other global issues through school tours, tree planting activities, street campaigns, coastal clean ups, speaking engagements, shopping mall tours, media guesting, environmental fair, storytelling programs, eco-fashion shows, and other environmental activities. Under the management of Carousel Productions based in the Philippines, the slogan of the pageant is "Beauties for a Cause." The Miss Earth winner is the spokesperson for the Miss Earth Foundation, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other environmental organizations. The Miss Earth Foundation works with the environmental departments and ministries of participating countries, various private sectors and corporations, as well as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF).

Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell from the Philippines

Representing the four elements, winners at Miss Earth are awarded the titles of Miss Earth, Miss Earth Air, Miss Earth Water, and Miss Earth Fire. The current Miss Earth is Jamie Herrell of the Philippines. Traditionally, Miss Earth lives in Manila during her reign. The reigning Miss Earth Air is Andrea Neu of the United States (from Colorado); she's been the highest placement for the United States since the start of the pageant in 2001. The United States has yet to win the Miss Earth title, and the state of Maryland has yet to get its first Miss Earth United States title. I'm trusting God and doing my best to change both of those facts this year. 2015 commemorates the 10-year (tin/aluminum) anniversary of the US Earth Pageant Productions creating the Miss Earth United States pageant. The Miss Earth pageant commemorates its Crystal Year (15) and this year's edition will be held in Austria, Europe.

Andrea Neu, Miss Earth United States and Miss Earth Air 2014

Fun fact: the gemstone for 15th anniversary is ruby. The gemstone for 10th anniversary is diamond. My name is Ruby, and I worked at a diamond mine two years ago. As a mining engineer, I love connections like these! Also, I'm a Virgo, which is an earth sign!

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Earth Maryland 2015

Continuing the legacy of beauty and responsibility

Help me compete at Miss Earth United States 2015. DONATE HERE

My Green Maryland - 5 Reasons To Recycle

Gree(n)tings everyone!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing great, thanks be to God! I'll be sharing tips and tidbits on how we can practice sustainability in our everyday life and be environmentally-responsible with my series called "My Green Maryland." For today, I'll be sharing five reasons why it is important to recycle and make this part of our lifestyle. The average American generates 4.4 pounds of trash per day, adding to the grand total of about 251 million tons of trash the United States accumulates per year. American communities recycled and composted nearly 35% of municipal solid waste in 2012, diverting 87 million tons to recovery according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

[1] Conserves Natural Resources

Recycling conserves natural resources such as trees, water and minerals, preserving the environment for future generations.

[2] Reduces Landfills

Recycling reduces the need for landfills and incinerators because when materials are recycled, less waste is sent to disposal facilities.

[3] Prevents Pollution

Recycling prevents pollution and reduces greenhouse gas emissions caused by the extracting and processing of raw materials.

[4] Saves Energy

Recycling saves energy by eliminating the need to extract and process raw materials.

[5] Creates Jobs

Recycling helps create new jobs in the United States for both the recycling industry and manufacturing.

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Earth Maryland 2015

Continuing the legacy of beauty and responsibility

Help me compete at Miss Earth United States 2015. DONATE HERE

Source: 

I Want To Be Recycled

Miss Earth Maryland Volunteers at 2015 Taste of Wheaton

Gree(n)tings everyone!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing awesome, thanks be to God! This past Sunday, June 7th, I attended the annual Taste of Wheaton event in Wheaton, Maryland. I was there serving as a volunteer for GreenWheaton, and got to work at the table throughout my shift. GreenWheaton is an independent, nonpartisan, educational organization seeking to promote collaboration between Wheaton residents, businesses and the community at large while providing environmental education and outreach for all members of the community.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson and GreenWheaton Executive Director/GreenDrinks Chair Wendy Howard

GreenWheaton Board Member Ed Murtagh and Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

I had a blast working at the GreenWheaton table and chatting to the many attendees about this awesome organization and what they're doing. Being part of an organization such as this makes me so proud to serve as Maryland's earth ambassador, and I get to learn so much about how our city and Maryland are moving towards a green and sustainable future with its present endeavors. I'm so excited about the GreenWheaton Anniversary Gala coming up June 25th and can't wait to talk about my adventures as Miss Earth Maryland, my Beauties for a Cause project, and the upcoming Miss Earth United States pageant next month in July.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson and Montgomery County Policewoman Dawn Felsen

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson, Susie of IHOP, and GreenWheaton Executive Director Wendy Howard

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

EVENT REMINDER

GreenWheaton Anniversary Gala

June 25, 2015

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The George Apartments Penthouse Lounge

11141 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902

Tickets: $60 a person ($45 early bird till June 15)

Purchase tickets here

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Earth Maryland 2015

Continuing the legacy of beauty and responsibility

Help me compete at Miss Earth United States 2015. DONATE HERE

Miss Earth Maryland Volunteers at DC's 2015 Green Festival Expo

Gree(n)tings everyone!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I am doing well, thanks be to God! On Saturday, June 6, I volunteered at the Green Festival Expo held in our nation's capital, Washington, District of Columbia. This was a three-day event, June 5-7. Green Festival is America's largest and longest-running sustainability and green living event. As a volunteer, I was stationed in the Social Media Lounge. It was fun interacting with folks that stopped by the lounge, and I had a blast checking out the products the exhibitors had at the event.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson and Green Festivals, Inc. President Dr. Corinna Basler

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Green Festival is a unique and powerful platform for connecting potential customers, retailers, wholesalers and corporations - all under one roof. It provides excellent opportunities for green brands to generate business-to-business and business-to-consumer sales, build awareness and strengthen relationships in an expansive and engaging green marketplace.

Sierra Leonean Americans
Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson with Green Fest Expo kid attendees

Goofy Photo Time
Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

SALONE BOOTH!
Natural hair and body product using shea grown and made in Sierra Leone

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Mission: Green Festival is inspiring and empowering consumers, communities and businesses to work green, play green and live green.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson and Titus

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson and Bacardi

...but first, let's take a selfie

Spin the wheel!
Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Ruby B. Johnson,

Your Miss Earth Maryland 2015

Continuing the legacy of beauty and responsibility

Help me compete at Miss Earth United States 2015. DONATE HERE