012: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Your Water Use with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be talking to you about water and sharing with you a few tips on how you can reduce your water use at home. Water is such a valuable resource but it is becoming more scares, although 70% of our planet is covered in water, only 3% of that is fresh drinkable water, and from that 3% two-thirds are tucked away in frozen glaciers, and if we are not cautious about how we use our water resources, this number will only decrease. Therefore, we all need to do our part to save every drop we can.
Episode Highlights
[01:39] The power of a good shower.
[01:46] Instead of a bath take a shower.
[02:14] You would be able to place a bucket below and reuse the water that slowly warms up for the plants, washing the car, dishes or cleaning around the house.
[02:27] Pick your shower song.
[02:46] Switch off the tap when you are not using the water.
[03:07] Look at your tap and showerhead. Your current tap or shower head might not be the best at saving water.
[03:40] Don’t leave a tap dripping.
[04:21] Wait before you wash. Do not use the washing machine or dishwasher until you have enough to load it to its capacity.
[04:38] Go native with your plants.
[05:04] You might be flushing way more water away than needed.
[06:03] If it is yellow let it mellow and if it is brown flush it down” This way, they would be able to reduce the amount of water that is used within a household daily.
[06:15] My final tip for today is to do what you can and feel comfortable to start with. Living a more sustainable life is a journey and not a race.
Key Take Away
“Water is such a valuable resource but it is becoming more scares, although 70% of our planet is covered in water, only 3% of that is fresh drinkable water, and from that 3% two-thirds are tucked away in frozen glaciers, and if we are not cautious about how we use our water resources, this number will only decrease”
As children, we are taught that 70% of the planet is covered in water, yet little do we know how much of the 70% is clean drinkable water. Living in a city where we have easy access to clean water and sanitation it is hard for us to think what life would be if we had to walk long distances to access clean water or had water restrictions due to a limited water source. However, this is something that many people face around the world daily. There are many ways that we can save water even though we might not have any water restrictions currently our planet only has limited sources of water and if that is depleted, we have a major issue on our hands. There is no better time than the present to take the first step toward a sustainable future.
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.