Daphne Iking shares with us what she’s doing to save the planet and her life in general.

Daphne Iking is intelligent and articulate and has no problems getting her point across. This is especially so when it comes to her eco efforts and doing her best to deflect criticisms and rumours as gracefully as possible.

ECO-EVANGELIST
“I don’t want to be a celebrity who is invited to be a part of a conservation or awareness event and only turn up to show my face,” she says, frowning. She is currently involved with a group of volunteers who candidly call themselves Sampah Masyarakat. “This is the kind of platform I was looking for – to be involved in a small group that is doing what it can to make a difference. I’m starting something in my home state with an organisation called LEAP (Land Empowerment Animals People) and together, we are working with several projects, one of which involves the promotion of the use of palm oil. Cynics will say that development is a must, and that we can’t all become treehuggers. I say that we have to learn to adapt and stop living in denial that the environment will somehow heal itself. We can have a better earth,” she says, “but we must do it together.”

LESSONS IN LOVE
This is something she is teaching Isobel, her two-year old. “She’s very curious about life and a great observer. This is such a wonderful time to make a good impression and cultivate life-long habits in her.” Daphne mentions “When it comes to accusations, a person has to gather strength from all corners. I decided to take the higher road and not get embroiled in any of these baseless accusations. Why give them the satisfaction?”

The fact that I have wonderful friends and family who love me and a great support system has also helped me become more compassionate. Where beauty is concerned, it all comes down to what kind of a person you are inside and out. A person can be the hottest or most gorgeous person on the planet but if they are rotten on the inside then I don’t think looks matter very much. That’s another thing I’ve learnt from experience.”

“I’m not afraid to do the right thing. But at the same time I know that some things are not meant to be. I’ve learnt to embrace the concept of letting go, and that in turn has given me an opportunity to be blessed with so many good things. I truly am a lucky girl,” she quips.