Walk for water with Erica Heynatz

Laura Parr

Updated 20 April 2012 at 12:13 am

Tell us about Walk For Water.

More than 4000 children in developing nations die each day from preventable conditions directly linked to consumption of unsafe drinking water. Those living in developing nations typically have access to fewer than eight gallons of water each day; in contrast, the average American family may use up to four hundred gallons of water in one day. In developing nations, 70 percent of industrial waste and 80 percent of all waste is dumped, untreated, polluting local water supplies.

The Aveda Walk For Water is an initiative to raise awareness and acknowledge the daily struggle of people around the world who do not have access to clean water, a basic human right that nearly 900 million people globally are left fighting for daily.

What inspired you to become involved in Walk For Water?-

Aveda’s belief that authentic beauty works in harmony with the greater web of life really resonates for me. Knowing that they are not just a beauty brand, but also one that is concerned with their environmental impact and their contributions to society, gives me an empowered choice as a consumer. It’s important to me to know that I am buying from a company that takes an interest in what they are doing from an environmental and humanitarian perspective.

What does your role as ambassador for Walk For Water involve?

I had heard about Earth Month, and was thrilled to be invited to act as the ambassador for Aveda Walk For Water. The privilege I experience of literally having “water on tap” when women in 3rd world countries have to walk an average of 6kms a day to collect water for their families – often contaminated – and the cause of widespread disease inspired my action and involvement.

The Aveda Walk For Water is an initiative to raise awareness and acknowledge the daily struggle of people around the world who do not have access to clean water, a basic human right that nearly 900 million people globally are left fighting for daily.

My role is to inspire others to join a network of water warriors, all around the world, who will walk six kilometres, symbolic of the average distance women in developing countries walk each day to collect water for their families. At 3pm on Monday in Sydney, the walk from Bronte to Bondi, is an opportunity to generate awareness, discussion and action around the cause. It’s a chance for people to donate is they wish, but more importantly, for people to be generous with their energy.

Walk For Water is the brainchild of beauty company, Aveda. Are you someone that believes water is also an essential for good skin?-One of the simplest and easiest ways of improving your health and the quality of your skin is to consume more water. A hydrated body allows the your organs to function at their optimum, releasing toxins from the body and absorbing nutrients efficiently, so the quality of your skin immediately improves and brings a genuine, rather than cosmetically achieved glow!

Do you undertake any other daily beauty regimes to keep your skin healthy?

Omnilux Light Therapy – is the most amazing anti-aging salon treatment ever!

Yantra Mat (acupressure mat) is absolutely fantastic for circulation and firm skin.
yantramat.com.au

Aromatherapy is such an underrated beauty tool. And it is instantly transformative for me. The products I love the most and make me feel the best are the ones with beautiful essential or organic oils, such as Aveda. How something smells changes everything about the consumer experience. A shower with an aromatherapy gel, or a cream with an energizing or uplifting oil combination makes me feel amazing.

You'll be undertaking the 6km walk from Bronte to Bondi for this event - are you someone keen on regular exercise?

I am very passionate about exercise, especially outdoor exercise. It’s a chance to connect with the environment, clear your head with some fresh air and connect body and breath. I always feel my best on a post workout endorphin high. The added bonus is a fit body and a healthy attitude in other areas of your life.

Are there any other celebs we can expect to see joining you for Walk For Water?

Television presenter and passionate environmentalist Brendan Moar is also an Ambassador for Aveda walk for water, Biggest Loser host and coach Shannon Ponton will be giving us a warm up before we undertake the walk from Bronte to Bondi.

Other media identities joining us at the Aveda Walk For Water include; Blair McDonough, Rob Mills, Dan Ewing, Sophie Falkner, Dieter Brummer, Felicity Price, Lisa Gormley and Jack Campbell…just to name a few!

What can people do to help with Aveda's 2012 Earth Month?

I love the ambience of candlelight, and the sweet knowledge that I’m putting less stress on mother earth by turning out a few lights. During Aveda Earth month, the purchase of one of their Light the Way candles is a beautiful way to contribute to Global Greengrants water-related projects. Candles are available at all Aveda Spas, Salons and Experience Centers for $24.95 with 100 per cent of the purchase price going to the cause.

This month, our Earth Month campaign will seek to raise US $4.5 million for awareness and protection of clean water—a basic human right that nearly 900 million people around the world fight for daily.

Any small contribution to the fund makes the world of difference. Pop into your nearest Aveda Spa, Salons or Experience Center to make a donation.