Before being crowned Miss Earth South Africa just a few months ago, Chanel had never competed in a beauty pageant in her life. Now the Umhlanga beauty is about to take on the world when she represents her country in the Miss Earth global competition in the Philippines in October.

"I guess it started when I was a little girl, planting vegetables in the garden with my grandmother. I've always had a love for the earth, nature and the outdoors.

At the moment I'm in the third year of a BSC degree in Property Studies and Construction at UCT and I have a special interest in "go green" building and construction.

My ultimate goal is to help make energy-efficient building and construction a reality in South Africa. 'Green' building means taking into account things like water usage, solar heating and insulation during the construction phase.

The Miss Earth SA beauty pageant has been an amazing experience and something I never thought I would do. During the semi-finals we had to work on our own 'green' projects over a period offour months.

My projects included organizing an Earth Hour event at UCT as well as a project called 'Go Green Libraries' at two local schools.

I'm an avid scuba diver and when I'm not studying or'greening'llove being active and outdoors. I'm also passionate about art and painting."

Get It; September 2009