ON DUTY CITIZEN
ANNE THERESE BENGTSSON
1) What are a few things you do to stay environmentally friendly?
Mainly the fun, simple things, such as bring awareness in my backpack on an everyday basis. And by that I mean both literally and figuratively. I always try to think of ways that I can produce less waste and if I can I’m always carrying around my own reusable water bottle, a coffee mug in case I feel like ordering coffee, and a set of utensils and a napkin for those salad bars and take-out kitchens with only plastic forks and spoons. We don’t think little choices like that make a difference, but they do!
And of course, knowing the impact on our environment from both the clothing and the food industry, I try to be very conscious when shopping. I’ve stayed true to a plant-based diet for almost 3 years and I only buy new clothes when I really need them. Or I play it smart - vintage is cooler than ever! -Great ideas! I have a reusable coffee mug I use religiously but I love the idea of carrying utensils with me everywhere. I'm always on the go and could definitely benefit from a set!
2) Do you have any favorite sustainable or ethical clothing lines?
I’m only just starting to explore the world of sustainable and ethical brands, but the more I look the more awesome and inspiring brands I find to be out there. For example I just stumbled upon an eyewear brand called See2Sea, which uses repurposed sea waste plastic to make their glasses. Also big kudos to big brands such as Adidas, Timberland and H&M who are trying to drive the trend in a more sustainable and circular direction!
3) What are some of your favorite organic beauty products?
The main one I’d like to raise to the sky is regular, organic coconut oil. I basically use it for everything - makeup remover, moisturizer, night cream, you name it. My skin has never been better and my wallet never been happier, haha! And for the little makeup I wear I turn to Follain, my one favorite beauty store in Soho that I know has only the best in mind - both for me, my health and our planet.
4) On a day off, you’re heading to your favorite coffee shop. What are you wearing?
Easy. Sneakers (the more steps I can get into a day the better - gotta love New York!), hair in a bun, a pair of ripped jeans and an oversized t-shirt. That and my backpack and I’m ready to rock’n’roll!
5) Tell me about something you’re doing simultaneously with modeling that motivates you. Another job? A project? Volunteering? A hobby?
I’m currently (and again) in that state of “jeez I’m doing way too much” - but how can you not??! Haha, there are so many exciting things and life is just too short. I just launched my podcast: Hey Change - Finding Happiness in New Realities (which you should TOTALLY check out *wink*), and I’m also the co-founder, manager and CEO of model agency Role Models Management. So yeah, life is pretty fun and exciting right now :) -nne Therese is seriously one of the most inspiring people I know. When I met her and she told me about her very own modeling agency she co-founded, I thought they had been in business for years but she had only just MADE the company from idea to conception earlier that year, a few months before we met. If that's not enough she also has her incredible podcast, HeyChange! Check out our interview here :)
6) In addition to modeling, what else may you be doing in your future, say 5 years from now?
I’m a public speaker, traveling the world inspiring people to be happy and help save our planet, and I’m also working on my first book that will be published within a near future. And of course still running Role Models and keep hanging out with cool, inspiring people like Britt and models alike. Because we are allowed to aim for the stars, right? :)
