Coffee Addiction Lamp
“Coffee Addiction Lamp” was one of my first trash to treasure creations. I got inspired after making a coffee, like I had done so many times before. However, that day was different. I looked at the beautiful orange aluminium single-use coffee capsule in her hand and thought there had to be more to this capsule than just providing me with a coffee. I wanted to give the capsule a second chance in life.
I started saving my own capsules and also got friends, family and colleagues on board to start saving theirs’s for me too. After a few months, lots of coffee’s, capsule cleaning and flower making the very first “Coffee Addiction Lamp” was created.
I wanted the piece to be a conversation started. For people to start viewing everyday items that are conveniently thrown “away” with a new perspective and find ways to reused or upcycle rather than sending items to a landfill.
In the dark with the light switched on the piece comes to life, casting beautiful shadow art on the wall.
Title: “Coffee Addiction Lamp”
Dimensions: 380mm x 500mm
Medium: Mixed Medium (Wire Frame and Nespresso Capsules)
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.