179: Green Amendments for a Sustainable Future with Maya van Rossum
In this episode, we talk to Maya van Rossum. She is the founder of Green Amendments For the Generations, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to securing constitutional recognition and protection of environmental rights. She has been a passionate advocate for the health of the Delaware River and its tributaries for over 30 years as the Delaware Riverkeeper. She was a lead petitioner in the landmark Robinson Township case and has testified multiple times before US Congressional Committees. She is also the author of The Green Amendment, Securing Our Right to a Healthy Environment, which won the 2018 Living Now Evergreen Awards GOLD in the Nature Conservation category.
During this episode we looked at what green amendments are and how we can secure our right to an environmental future and what it takes to be the voice of a river.
Links from the episodes:
Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
Sharma vs Minister for Environment case in Australia.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Where can people find Maya?
KEY TAKE AWAY
“The laws, fundamentally fail us.”
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.