002: Top Tip Thursday on Living More Sustainable Using The 5R’s with Mariska Nell
Most of us might have heard of the 3 R’s. Reduce, reuse and recycle? Well, what if I told you there were two more R’s that can reduce your waste even more?
In this episode, I will be sharing the 5 R’s with you. During this episode, we take a look at each of the 5 R’s and provide you with tips on how you can easily implement them in your daily life.
The 5 R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot
Episode Highlights
[01:17] The first step is to REFUSE what you do not need.
[02:27] Saying no is something that you would have to get used to and the more you practice it, the easier it will become.
[02:35] The second R, REDUCE what you do need.
[03:45] The third R is REUSE.
[05:03] These glass jars can be used to store food, serve as a lunch box or even a water or coffee container. If you are worried that the container might break while having your coffee on the go, use one of your widow socks. You know the socks that go into the washer married and for some reason come out a widow. The possibilities are endless.
[05:30] The Fourth R is RECYCLE.
[06:12] Recycling is such a labour and energy-intensive process, that downcycle the materials into often lower quality.
[07:24] The final R is ROT. AKA COMPOST.
[09:00] And there you have it the 5’R is. Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot and I am looking forward to hearing more about your journey and how you have started to implement this in your daily life.
Key Take Away
“These glass jars can be used to store food, serve as a lunch box or even a water or coffee container. If you are worried that the container might break while having your coffee on the go, use one of your widow socks. You know the socks that go into the washer married and for some reason come out a widow. The possibilities are endless.”
We often look at an empty glass jar or bottle and think of what use to be inside. Whether it used to be a jam, mayonnaise, coffee or juice jar or bottle, when it is empty and washed well, it can be used for almost anything. However, whenever we see the jar we immediately think of the contents that use to be in the jar and it is like our mind is telling us this is a jam jar and it can only be used for jam. But when we start exploring you would find that jar would be able to be used for so many other uses. You would be able to store all sorts of food varieties, use it as a small lunch box and you could also use it as a coffee or tea cup on the go. (Test it first with water to ensure it seals before you use it for your hot beverages. ) The possibilities of these items are endless, so go wild and explore and see how many of the items can you reuse and how can you find interesting ways to use them. You would also discover that the next time you want to purchase items in reusable jars or bottles, you might look at how you can reuse it afterwards as well.
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.