GoodHeart | Ja’s first Miss Eco International drives environmental advocacy

Shannon Andrade-Bucknor, Miss Eco International Jamaica, will be the first person to tell you that conversations around the environment are not always seen as the most exciting, but that does not stop her from advocating. She feels that a pageant centred on sustainability shifts the focus from beauty to how best you can use your platform to make your environment a better place. Speaking with GoodHeart, she shared her journey, aspirations, and vision for a cleaner, more sustainable Jamaica.

Founded in 2015, Miss Eco International is a global pageant focused on environmental advocacy, sustainable development, and youth leadership aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As an eco-sustainable advocate and newly appointed ECHO Jamaica ambassador, Andrade-Bucknor is committed to both raising awareness and advancing solutions to environmental challenges across Jamaica.

“I’m the first representative of the Miss Eco International for Jamaica, so in this case, there wasn’t a competition held for this specific pageant. They approached me because of my interest in sustainable fashion, as I did work in 2023 on Mission Catwalk with my designer, Aaron Moneer,” Andrade-Bucknor shared. “I had [also] competed in a prior Miss Universe [Jamaica] competition but I was not able to complete my journey because I had a medical emergency.”

For her, the title represents purpose beyond recognition. “Being the first-ever to hold the title is a privilege. It showcases that there is purpose beyond beauty. I embody a certain spirit and resilience, and intend to highlight the richness of Jamaica while using my voice to advocate for environmental issues. I am also a role model to inspire people to take care of what has been taking care of us. Plus, it will be nice to showcase Jamaica’s culture on an international stage.”

That sense of purpose continues through her reign, which she describes as a commitment to making environmental awareness a lived reality rather than a concept. At the centre of her platform is recycling awareness and proper waste disposal in Jamaica, with a particular focus on educating young people on sustainable habits.

“I see my role as Miss Eco International Jamaica as someone who promotes awareness and sustainability and serves as an ambassador for positive change when it comes to advocating for environmental changes within our shores,” the 29-year-old added.

She added that everyday behaviour is at the heart of the issue, pointing to visible litter as a sign of how urgently change is needed. “You walk or drive, and you see plastic bottles all over, so it is something that needs to change.”

With a background in psychology, Andrade-Bucknor also brings a behavioural lens to her advocacy, focusing on how habits are formed and how they can be reshaped to encourage more sustainable living. This strengthens her ability to connect environmental awareness with everyday decision-making.

She identified improper waste disposal as one of Jamaica’s most pressing environmental challenges, stressing that education and access must go hand in hand. “The fact is, most people don’t know the reasons why it matters, so that has to change. Also, we definitely need more waste bins for when people are walking. If they don’t see a waste bin, most people just drop it. They don’t carry their waste in their bags until they reach home. So we need the bins, and we need the education,” she explained.

HER INSPIRATION

Currently an eco-friendly interior designer student, committed to sustainable practice, she gets her inspiration, from her grandmother, whom, she said, still lives her life with passion and purpose.

“She is a very positive woman who encourages me to go after the things I am most passionate about and do it fearlessly and unapologetically. Even up to her turning 92 this year, she always finds something to keep her busy and motivated,” she said.

Now preparing for the international competition in Alexandria, Egypt, in May, she is, “looking forward to getting to meet and have conversations with other impactful women, learning about other cultures, and getting their opinions on ideas that they think are beneficial to the environment”.

Looking ahead, Andrade-Bucknor hopes to leave a lasting impact through her work beyond the pageant stage.

“My long-term dreams are centred around becoming a positive force for change in my community and beyond. I hope to use my voice to inspire young people to believe in themselves and represent my country with pride.”

nicola.cunningham@gleanerjm.com