000: Mama Earth Talk Welcomes You with Mariska Nell
Welcome to Mama Earth Talk. I am your host Mariska Nell. I am so grateful to have you here. If you are new to sustainability, already on the journey or just curious to learn more about the topic, then you are in the right spot.
Plastic pollution, climate change, the great pacific garbage patch are just some of the threats Mama Earth and therefore living a sustainable life is becoming more important but we are often left wondering how we can make changes to our daily life to help out Mama Earth.
It was during the 30 days #wastemenot campaign where I wore the trash of an average global citizen to generate awareness of the amount of waste people generate on a daily basis. During this campaign, I met a lot of people that wanted to make changes towards a more sustainable life but did not have all the answers or tools to move forward with their journey. This is where Mama Earth Talk would like to bring you value by interviewing guests and to talk about their experiences. We will also provide you with tips that you can use for a more sustainable you.
The podcast will launch with three episodes, and after the first three, I will be releasing an episode a day for the first week. I will then move into our planned schedule of two episodes a week. On Monday’s the episode will be an interview between our guest and me, talking about their field of expertise and the sustainability thereof. On Thursday’s we will have our bonus episode, Top Tip Thursday. Where I will be providing you with information on the latest sustainability trends, news or some advice that you can use in your daily life to live a more sustainable life.
This podcast is all about creating a more sustainable community where we can grow and for that I would like to encourage you to ask questions, or if there is any topic that you would like to hear about, please let me know that we can strive for a better Mama Earth Talk for you.
So let’s dig in.
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.