A. I don’t think there was a defining moment but rather a subconscious infiltration of my mind from childhood through adolescence and then university and travelling that made me realise how important our environment is and just how much we rely on it for survival and enjoyment.

Q. As an environmental scientist and vocal advocate for protecting our Great Barrier Reef, what are some of your favourite tips for living a more sustainable life?

A. There is so much we can actually do, some practical, others more of a challenge. The first and foremost is only buy what you need, this goes for food and clothing. We often clutter our lives with the unnecessary so think twice before purchasing. Reusable EVERYTHING … bags, water bottles, coffee cups, straws, cutlery, lunch containers. We don’t need to be putting unnecessary strain on our landfills and oceans when there are fantastic reusable options out there that will last a lifetime if looked after well.

Q. What is the most exciting thing you’ve ever bought from a garage sale or thrift shop?

A. In New York City I scored an amazing vintage YSL bag for $40. It was such a great find, it pays to sift through!

Q. Why is Garage Sale Trail’s message of reducing the number of items going into landfill, important to you?

A. The excessive strain we are putting on our landfills with items that can be either reused or avoided altogether is creating a huge environmental problem especially in terms of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Many people don’t understand the correlation between landfill and climate change and then the subsequent effect this all has on the ocean. We can all do our part by limiting what we send to landfill and by recognising the value other people see in our items that we eventually deem as worthless once they have served their purpose.

Q. As a successful model, you’re surrounded by amazing fashion on a regular basis. Are there certain items or brands of clothing that seem to improve with age? What are some of your favourite vintage treasures?

A. Definitely. Anything designer never really loses its value, some items even become more expensive with age! Bags, books, photographs, things that tell stories are always interesting to me. Something with an interesting history that can still be enjoyed by someone else are the best finds.

Q. How would you style your ultimate garage sale?

A. A fun, friendly atmosphere will attract people to your sale, so having music is a total must and then just making sure everything is set out neatly and is easily accessible. Outdoors in a park would be great to keep the vibe relaxed and encourage people to check out what you have to offer.

Q. If you could find just one item on the Garage Sale Trail … what would that be?

A. A big old trunk that has some wear and tear to it but would look great in my living room!