008: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Waste In The Bathroom with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing a few ways how you can reduce the amount of waste you create in the bathroom. Our bathrooms can easily be filled with a lot of plastic. I would like to give you some of my easy tips on how you can start making a switch and reduce your waste in the bathroom.
Episode Highlights
[01:09] Plastic toothbrush, switch to a biodegradable option like a bamboo toothbrush.
[01:16] 850 million toothbrushes are discarded off per year in the US alone.
[01:45] Toothpaste in plastic tubes switched to toothpaste in a reusable jar.
[01:52] About 1 billion toothpaste tubes are sent to the landfills every single year.
[02:19] But this defiantly took some getting used to. I did not like the taste of the toothpaste at first.
[02:50] Deodorant in plastic packaging switch to a deodorant in a reusable jar.
[03:33] Shower gel and shampoo’s in plastic packaging, switch to a soap bar or purchase package free.
[03:45] I have previously made my own body wash that I then store in a glass dispenser for easy use.
[04:16] I have also found bars for my conditioner and face wash.
[04:19] Disposable razor to be switched to an old-school safety razor as well as an old-school natural shaving cream.
[04:30] 2 Billion disposable razors are thrown away every year, with most of these ending in the landfill. In order for me to avoid sending my razor to landfill.
[05:10] I rarely cut myself anymore and also have not had any razor burns. I used to get it all the time with the disposables razors.
[05:48] Tampons or sanitary napkins switched to a reusable menstrual cups or sanitary pads.
[06:15] The average woman gets her period about 450 times in her lifetime and uses on average 11,000 disposable tampons or pads in her lifetime. In 2015 the Ocean Conservancy collected 27,938 used tampons and applicators on beaches all around the world in a single day.
[07:12] Some of the cardboard applicators and packaging can often be recycled, however some of the plastic applicators, wrapping and packaging usually cannot, and they end up in a landfill or ocean.
[07:35] I have been able to the reduce the amount of waste I send to the landfill as well as save money by reusing the menstrual cup instead of purchasing the single-use items monthly.
Key Take Away
“850 million toothbrushes are discarded off per year in the US alone.”
When you take into consideration how many toothbrushes we use in a year as an individual and think about how many other people will dispose of that same (sometimes even more) amount of toothbrushes, it becomes more clear that even something that we think is so small, it can pollute our environment. You might say what will one toothbrush do. It is not so much about the one toothbrush but if we put everyone’s, one toothbrush together it makes a big difference. It all starts with small changes that can create a ripple effect.
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.