A Million Bottles Per Minute 1
“A million plastic bottles” that is how many single-use plastic bottles are sold globally EVERY SINGLE MINUTE. This number is likely to jump up another 20% in the next year. Out of the million bottles purchased a minute, less than half gets recycled. The rest end up in the environment, landfills or our oceans, creating an environmental crisis.
I wanted to shine a light on this statistic and for residents in the UAE to view two ways that water can reach their homes. The first through our pipes and the second through plastic bottles that we bring into our homes. I wanted people to look at their daily water usage and what effects that had on their health and that of the environment, and to ask themselves: Am I adding to the problem or the solution?
The piece was designed and donated for the Surge For Water Design, Dine and Make a Difference Gala. The piece, a multi-functional furniture piece can be a chaise longue chair when putting all three pieces together. It can also transform into two chairs and a table when taken apart. The chaise longue also has the option of being lit up. The lighting shining through the water, creates beautiful water shadows making you feel like you are floating on the water.
The piece won me the Highly Commended award and was praised by the judges for bringing people’s focus to the problem of plastic bottles.
Title: “A Million Bottles Per Minute 1 (edition 5 of 5)
Dimensions: 450mm x 900mm x 2000mm*
Medium: Water Bottles,steel, acrylic and pillow.
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.