Tensions rise as Miss Earth pre-pageant activities kick off

Pre-pageant activities in Miss Earth 2017 pageant have already begun with a welcome dinner held on October 9, Norman’s Blog reported. However, some fans have already criticized this advocacy-driven event allegedly because of using "plastic chairs."

The official social media page of Pageantry Gossips noticed the use of plastic Monobloc as the chairs for the contestants during the seminar held at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Philippines.

The page implied that the “plastic chairs” have existed since the previous editions of the show.

Miss Earth is one of the biggest global pageants along with Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International. This year, it has chosen a theme that turns the contestants into “heroines fighting climate change.”

From recycled plastics

The official Facebook page of Miss Malaysia Earth came to the organizers’ defense, saying that these “plastic chairs are from recycled plastics.” They added that it is true plastics can harm the environment, but they can be recycled and turned into bricks and chairs.

The seminar held in one of the government offices in the Philippines was also attended by non-profit organizations that fight against environmental degradation. Some of these organizations included The Plastic Solution and Oceana Philippines.

The ladies are set to participate in school visits, runway competitions, and media presentations before the final contest.

This was not the first time that the use of the Monobloc chairs was criticized by some fans. A forum thread on Missosology also noticed these kinds of seats during the 2014 edition of the event.

Welcome dinner

Around 80 delegates are competing for the coveted title of Miss Earth 2017. The coronation night will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on November 4.

This is the 14th time that the Philippines has played host country to the international competition. It was held in Vietnam in 2010 and 2011 and was held in Austria in 2015.

A welcome dinner was held at the Carousel Garden in Mandaluyong City with the delegates, the organizers and renowned actor Steven Seagal.

Also present during the event was the 2016 winner from Ecuador Katherine Espin.

Aside from being a Hollywood actor, Seagal is also an environmentalist and a strong advocate of nature. He visited Manila to support the organization in the upcoming events. He might also be part of the judging panel during the coronation night.