004: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Waste In The Kitchen with Mariska Nell
A lot of the waste created in our homes is generated in the kitchen. It is not only food scraps that make their way to the bin, but also package materials.
In this episode, I will be sharing a few ways how you can reduce the amount of waste you create in the kitchen as well as a few easy steps you can do to minimize on the packaging you bring home with you. We will also look at a few swaps we can make when it comes to washing the dishes that will be great for the environment and also save us some money.
Episode Highlights
[00:45] The majority of waste we have in the kitchens comes from the way that we shop.
[00:59] Plastic grocery bags, you can switch them out for reusable bags.
[01:23] The average family accumulates around 60 plastic bags in only four grocery trips. 30 billion plastic bags are used annually in the USA alone.
[01:50] Single-use plastic water bottles you can switch to filtered tap water.
[02:26] These single-use bottles take more than twice as much water to produce than it holds and less than 10% of these bottles are recycled.
[02:50] Studies have shown that 93% of bottled water contains double the amount of microplastics than regular tap water.
[03:37] Cling wrap or plastic food bags you can switch to a reusable beeswax wrap.
[04:26] These wraps can last months depending on the usage and you would be able to rewax them yourself.
[04:43] In the last few months, I have been able to switch out the dishwashing sponges with a loofah.
[05:06] Not only is the loofah better for the environment but it is also more economical as the price for the large loofah, that would last me months is almost the same if not cheaper than a pack of 4 sponges.
[05:23] Composting
[05:50] For me living in an apartment composting was one of the harder things to do as I had no balcony
[06:32] The Smart Cara is lovely waste disposal unit that makes it easy for me to add all the food scraps too.
[06:52] Since I started composting and have my recycling bins set up, I have been able to reduce the amount of waste that our house creates with a lot.
[07:29] but I would also recommend to evaluate your kitchen and see what items you are currently using on a regular basis that would be easy to switch. You might be using a lot of paper towels and would be able to switch them for washable cloths or tea towels.
Key Take Away
“The average family accumulates around 60 plastic bags in only four grocery trips. 30 billion plastic bags are used annually in the USA alone”
When you hear a statistic like this it really hits me hard as when we go about our daily lives, we do not realize how many single-use items we are offered in a day. This is something that I have seen while taking part in the Waste Me Not challenge. It is very easy to take free items like the plastic bag but we seldom think about where would it go after you have used it? It is simple things like this that makes us reevaluate our habits and helps us to make changes for a more sustainable life.
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.