035: How we can turn our waste into treasures with Tiffany Threadgould
In this episode, we talk to Tiffany Threadgould. She is an eco-lifestyle expert who spreads do-it-yourself recycling goodness with simple solutions. She also has a published book, ReMake It and she is currently the Chief Design Junkie at TerraCycle, a mega recycling company.
During this episode, we take a look at how TerraCycle recycle hard to recycle items. What it takes to be a Chief Design Junkie, some of their upcycled art pieces that have created. Tiffany also gives us some tips on how we can upcycle at home.
Episode Highlights
[01:23] How did your sustainable journey start?
[02:41] I really do feel that everything can be given another life, it just is the lens that you are looking through it.
[03:02] What is TerraCycle?
[03:05] We are a recycling company but we focus on hard to recycle materials.
[04:08] We have a team of both designers an scientists on staff to figure out solutions for all of these weird materials that come our way.
[06:00] Packaging is really the number one thing recycled through TerraCycle and within packaging you have different categories. So flexible film packaging is one thing. Your lightweight chip bags and snacks packages and you also have the more durable pouches. Like your pouched food like baby food, some drinks come in pouches, like apple sauces, things of that nature and toothpaste would fall in that category too.
[06:35] Cigarette butts are one of the number one litter problems that are out there.
[08:12] Some of our major markets are the United States, England and Australia, but there are a number of other countries that participate. We are active in Japan, Mexico and a number of European countries and Canada.
[11:03] We are launching the first dirty diaper program in Amsterdam.
[16:40] More about Tiffany’s book, titled ReMake.
[18:06] Wat has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?
[18:13] I don’t just work at a recycling company, it is part of everything that I do.
Final Five
1. What is one social media platform that you follow?
2. What is your hope for mama earth going forward?
I hope that more people are cognizant of what they are consuming and what they are disposing of and quite honestly I would love to get to a point where TerraCycle does not exist anymore because single-use plastic and garbage does not exist.
3. What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?
Rethink things before you throw them away.
4. What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?
Over 40% of landfill waste is packaging materials. So that is materials that are only in your hand for a minute if that and then it goes into the garbage.
5. Where can people find you?
Key Take Away
“Rethink things before you throw them away.“
This is something that I could not have said better. Rethinking not only what you throw away but also what you bring into your environment all plays a big role. When we look at the term “away” what does that mean? Is there a place called away where all our waste magically go to and disappear, or is away just another word for a landfill? So when we do throw something “away” do we think on where it will be going next? It is therefore important to look at items before purchaisng them or brinign them into our lives to make sure that we really need the item and when it comes time to discard the item that we can be sure the items can be recycled, composted or even upcycled to give the item a second life.
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.
I like the report
Thanks, it’s quite informative