Posts by Mariska Nell
My Little Cupcake
“My Little Cupcake” was inspired by a photo that I took. I baked cupcakes for the children and we had a large table set up with all the treats. Through all the laughter and excitement of the treats, this little girl stood out as she had a sense of sadness about her and tears in…
Read Full PostTrumpeting at the Fair
“Trumpeting at the Fair” was inspired by a photograph I took in Franschhoek main road during one of the Cape Minstrel’s parades. The entire vibe was a wonderful experience, and this particular man playing his trumpet was full of passion, and I wanted to capture the moment of this happiness in my art. I used…
Read Full PostThe Bleaching Hawk
Created using a frame covered with single-use plastic bags and straws placed on concrete. This piece represents the threat to turtles worldwide. The turtle, with excessive barnacles due to bad health, swims over bleached coral. The title refers to the Hawksbill turtle and the phrase watching like a hawk over the dying ocean. The concrete…
Read Full Post189: Sustainable Packaging Unwrapped with Wendy Jedlička
In this episode, we talk to Wendy Jedlička. She has a strong background in design, manufacturing, and business. As a Lifetime Certified Packaging Professional and certified Sustainability Associate, she brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable design and business strategies. She is the president of a packaging design firm that specializes in creating sustainable solutions, and she’s played a key role in coordinating the o2 International Network for Sustainable Design in the US. Beyond her work in the field, she also develops curriculum and teaches courses on sustainable design, marketing, and business. An internationally recognized speaker and prolific writer, she’s contributed to leading design publications and authored chapters in well-known books, bringing cutting-edge insights to professionals worldwide.
During this episode we talked about our guest’s journey into sustainable packaging, exploring what first inspired her, how packaging has evolved, and the latest materials and technologies shaping its future. She dispels common misconceptions about sustainable packaging, shares the biggest challenges businesses face in adopting sustainable practices, and discusses her efforts to weave sustainability into education. We also talk about her books, Packaging Sustainability and Sustainable Graphic Design, and hear her advice for anyone wanting to make a meaningful impact.
188: Bread, Buckwheat, and Bold Moves: Maddie Hamann’s Journey with PACHA
In this episode, we talk to Maddie Hamann, a remarkable individual with a journey that spans diverse fields. She began with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, followed by a Ph.D. in Oceanography, and went on to manage large-scale projects, ranging from research campaigns to art installations. Eventually, she made the bold move to start a sustainable bread company.
Her passion for healing humanity’s relationship with our planet led her to realize that her skills in organizing and executing impactful projects could make a greater difference than research alone. Now, as Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at PACHA, she promotes regenerative agriculture through healthy eating.
During this episode, we talked about what inspired Maddie’s career shift, the origins of PACHA, and why buckwheat was chosen for its environmental benefits. We also discussed her vision for PACHA’s future—all with a focus on supporting Mama Earth.