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

My Green Maryland - 5 Ways To Ensure Safe Breathable Air

Gree(n)tings everyone!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing fantastic, thanks to the Almighty. 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 ways we can ensure the air is safe to breathe and to reduce ground level ozone.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

[1] Use Public Transportation

Car pool, vanpool, use mass transit, telework, bike, or walk when possible. Cars are the largest sources of air pollution in most urban areas of Maryland. One of the things I love about being a Marylander is having access to Metro stations so I use the train to go to places within the state as well as to Virginia and District of Columbia. If you are buying a new car, choose a fuel efficient and low emissions model.

[2] Conserve Energy

Conserve energy and turn off lights when you aren't using them. Turn off the lights when a room is unoccupied, and unplug electronics when not being used. Set air conditioners to 78 degrees or higher or use a fan whenever possible.

[3] Use Energy-Efficient Lawn Tools

Keep lawn equipment and boats properly tuned. Do not use lawn mowers and other gas-powered lawn tools on Ozone Action Days, or use electric tools instead. An Ozone Action Day is declared when weather conditions are likely to combine with pollution emissions to form high levels of ozone near the ground that may cause harmful health effects.

[4] Use Environmentally-Safe Household Products

Use environmentally-safe paints and cleaning products. Delay use of oil-based paints until after 6:00 PM or after smog season.

[5] Refuel Wisely

Refuel cars after 6:00 PM to limit daytime pollution releases, and don't top off your tank. Limit engine idling. Keep tires properly inflated. Combine errands and reduce trips.

[BONUS] Report Air Pollutions

Report suspected air pollution violations to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), 24-hours per day, at (866) 633-4686.

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: 

Maryland Department of the Environment

Miss Earth Maryland Participates in Dave Sweet Rad Run Race 2015

Gree(n)tings everyone!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing great, thanks be to God! On Sunday May 31st, I participated in the Dave Sweet Rad Run Race in Fulton, Maryland. RAD RUN is an action packed inflatables fun run obstacle course. This event was produced by Kids After Hours. The money raised at this event will be donated to the Children's National Hospital, in honor of Dave Sweet.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Selfie with the DJ, Queen, and MC
Left: Chris, Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson, and Todd

Happy and Accomplished Little Runner After Completing The Obstacle Course
Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson and little Miss Sophie

The Rad Run at Maple Lawn has been dedicated to Dave Sweet, a former Maple Lawn resident who passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2015. Dave had a great impact on the lives of everyone around him. Dave had a huge impact at Kids After Hours, the child care company he helped to establish, operate and expand for the past 26 years. He found a niche in caring for others. He cultivated the minds and hearts of the children, and the staff who supervised them, so they would one day grow up to be productive young adults full of life and ambition. In recognition of Dave's life long work with children and the fact that Children’s Hospital was there to help his son on many occasions in his time of need, Kids After Hours selected Children’s Hospital as the perfect charity for the run.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson and Gianna

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson with Betts family

Every Queen Deserves A Crowning Moment
Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson with little Queen Aubrey

Kids After Hours has been providing school aged children with quality childcare and summer camp programs since 1989. Founded with 22 children by Bob and Tammy Sickels in Burtonsville, Maryland, Kids After Hours has grown to provide care for hundreds of families throughout Montgomery County over the last 20 years. They pride themselves in providing a safe, fun and stimulating environment for children. Activities at Kid After Hours are planned to develop children's creative expression and provide opportunities for socialization. The kids at Kids After Hours gain confidence and independence in a friendly, safe environment.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

At the beginning of the event, I was by the DJ's table hanging out with the MC (Todd) and the DJ (Chris), taking photos with the kids. For that moment, they got to take a picture with a "real life princess!" Which was pretty cool. For the second half, I was at the finish line cheering the walkers, joggers, and runners who participated in the obstacle course. Being the adventurous person that I am who enjoys a challenge, I decided to participate as well. Although I didn't have the correct shoes and outfit, I still went for it. I took my crown and sash off, and heels. I completed the obstacle course barefoot and IN A DRESS like a Queen! It was a hot day and the concrete was sizzling hot with made my feet hurt for the rest of the day, but it was all worth it! I had so much fun, and the kids and adults were so impressed by my participation especially with my lack of appropriate outfit. Overall, I had a great time and was happy to have been part of such an awesome event!

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Jogging to the finish line
Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson with KAH  kid

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 Celebrates World Oceans Day 2015

Gree(n)tings everyone!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I've been busy but blessed, all thanks to the Almighty. Today, June 8, is World Oceans Day. The theme for this year is "Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet." WOD is the United Nations-recognized day of ocean celebration and action, to support action to protect the ocean.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

We are all linked to the ocean. Even if you live inland, your actions and behaviors can impact the oceans and its resources. Trash and pollutants are carried out to sea from land via rivers, streams, and the wind. Both inlanders and coastal residents can make small changes in their everyday lives to help conserve the ocean. One simple change is to avoid using disposable plastic bags. More than 8 million tons of plastic trash, including millions of disposable plastic bags, litter the ocean every year. Packaging store purchases in reusable bags will reduce trash in our oceans and help save the lives of sea turtles, whales, dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife who call the ocean their home.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson

Five Ways To Protect Our Oceans

[1] Eat Sustainably-Caught Seafood

By doing this, you will protect the health of the fish populations and protect coral reefs. Use the Ocean Wise Guide before you shop with your family.

[2] Grow/Buy Organic

You will protect coral reefs and limit dead zones. This farming/gardening method doesn’t use chemicals or dangerous fertilizers. Plant an organic garden. Buy and eat organic food. Check for organic certification labels and the PLU number that starts with “9.”

[3] Make Less Waste

You will decrease marine litter and protect coral reefs. Buy items with less packaging. Stop using disposable containers. Buy milk in recyclable cartons, not in plastic bags. Pack litter-free lunches. Use cloth bags or metal containers.

[4] Stop Using Plastic

You will decrease marine litter. Replace the plastic things in your life with other materials like glass, wood, or metal. Use biodegradable plastics made from plants (corn). Recycle ALL plastic. Properly sort all garbage and recycling. Have plastic-free picnics!

[5] Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.

You will limit dead zones and protect coral reefs.

[BONUS] Use Organic Sunscreen

Additionally, use sunscreen with safe ingredients. You will protect coral reefs. It’s better for your body AND the ocean!

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

Sources: 

EcoKids

Azura

Miss Earth Maryland Celebrates World Environment Day 2015

Gree(n)tings everyone!!!

I hope you and yours are doing well. I'm doing great, all thanks to the Almighty. Today, June 5th, is a very special day because it is World Environment Day! This year's theme is "Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care." WED is the opportunity for everyone to realize the responsibility to care for the Earth and to become agents of change.

Miss Earth Maryland 2015 Ruby B. Johnson
Photo by ROS Productions

Fact: World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Over the years it has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders in over 100 countries. It also serves as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates an exponential positive impact on the planet.

Purpose of 2015 Theme: Living within planetary boundaries is the most promising strategy for ensuring a healthy future. Human prosperity need not cost the earth. Living sustainably is about doing more and better with less. It is about knowing that rising rates of natural resource use and the environmental impacts that occur are not a necessary by-product of economic growth.

EVERY DAY IS WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY!

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:

United Nations Environment Programme