015: Founder of AYWA tribe, Randi Stephan
In this episode, we talk to Randi Stephan. He is the founder of AYWA tribe a community of like-minded spirits creating new ways for people to connect sustainable.
During this episode, we take a look at what it takes to put together a sustainable festival for like-minded environmentally conscious people. Where participants will be encouraged to use a refillable water bottle and to reduce their waste to have a minimal effect on the environment.
Episode Highlights
[01:11] How did your journey in sustainability start?
[02:33] AYWA festival is the first time that me and my community, Aywa Tribe try and create our own understanding, our own vision of such an alternative gathering.
[02:43] Aywa in Arabic means to empower, means bravo.
[03:12] I think that Aywa is such a crucial aspect for all of us to continue sharing and empowering each other to move forward.
[04:54] The mission of the festival.
[06:36] What you can see and expect at the festival.
[07:57] In the collective vision stage one of the most exciting workshops we have is with one of my partners, Nizar Haddad, a green architect in Lebanon whose just about to finish the first fully sustainable building, called Lifehaus.
[08:47] How Aywa will be reducing the waste generated at the event.
[10:13] In Aywa festival we are providing free water for all.
[11:26] In many situations where I was using my personal reusable bottle I would look for gallons or a place where I could refill and so in a very cool way it would help create new connections, new friends, by looking for water sources and really there is nothing more special than to ask another human being for water and not ones have I been deterred or turned away.
[12:25] Aywa festival is from the 19th till the 24th of September 2018.
[12:41] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?
Final Five
1.What is one social media platform that you follow?
2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?
My hope is that each and every day more and more people take that step, take that decision to move in an alternative direction and that we can really achieve a healthy abundant, vibrant Mama Earth for years to come.
3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?
The best advice that I would give, if you haven’t already get online, look around. Look for a festival. Look for a gathering, look for a workshop and just get involved any way that you can.
4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?
The fact that most of our garbage, our waste if used in creative ways could become either homes or new material or art and that is a known fact that many people tend to forget. They just see a can and they are like, oh this gotta go to the garbage.
5.Where can people find you?
Key Take Away
“In many situations where I was using my personal reusable bottle I would look for gallons or a place where I could refill and so in a very cool way it would help create new connections, new friends, by looking for water sources and really there is nothing more special than to ask another human being for water and not ones have I been deterred or turned away.”
It is wonderful to see how we would be able to use something like filling a water bottle as an opportunity to meet new people and to allow them to assist us in fullfilling one of our basic needs. Sometimes we might feel shy or imbarresed to ask for a location to fill our water bottle and feel that it would be easier to just purchase the single-use plastic bottlle but try it out. When you are on your next trip ask around to get your bottle filled, when you are dinning out ask to have your bottle filled, you never know, you might start a wonderful conversation that leads to the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
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.