Ann Pennington of Rumson was crowned Mrs. USA Earth 2023 at the Linda Chapin Theater in Orlando, Florida, Jan. 7.
This is the second prestigious national title for Pennington, following her win as Mrs. New Jersey Earth in June 2022. The annual international beauty pageant promotes environmental awareness.
The Mrs. USA Earth program empowers women through community leadership, eco-tourism, and environmental education. The mission appealed to Pennington who was inspired by the work of New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy, an advocate of women-run businesses and the force behind the initiative to make New Jersey the first state in the nation to incorporate climate change education across its K-12 learning standards. The program’s mission is also complementary to her passion for sustainable fashion, pre-loved luxury and reducing the impact of ‘fast fashion’ on the environment.
For over a decade Pennington has been an advocate, fundraiser and board member for homeless charities in New Jersey. She sits on boards for both Covenant House and HABcore. “Homelessness is directly impacted by climate change and the homeless are more often the most impacted,” said Pennington. “This is a fantastic opportunity to combine so many things that are important to me and increase my effectiveness.”
She also has a strong desire to reframe the conversation about environmental issues. “I want to make these issues relatable and most importantly actionable. We need to unlearn old habits, realize we can make a difference and that even the smallest of differences adds up and makes a real impact.”
Pennington incorporated many of her green initiatives into her Mrs. New Jersey Earth reign and the national competition. Her finals “runway” wardrobe was constructed entirely of discarded photography paper that would otherwise have ended up in the waste system and her gown was an upcycled, previously owned gown she bought secondhand. She also works extensively with her fifth-grade son Crawford, who is already an advocate for the oceans, a qualified scuba diver, and the joint inspiration behind the ocean-themed recycled tote bags that will be back on sale this summer raising funds for the Monmouth Conservation Foundation.
Green is the new fashion, she said. “We all share this home called Earth and I want to inspire and educate others on just what is possible.”
Now that she has the Mrs. USA Earth platform, Pennington is excited for the opportunities available to partner with both local and national companies who are helping to build and drive green initiatives. “It is incredible how many green companies New Jersey has and how much enthusiasm they have to partner with me to help drive awareness and momentum.”
More details on the Mrs. USA Earth pageant can be found at mrsusaearth.com.
The article originally appeared in the January 26 – February 1, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
