In this episode, I will be sharing with you some om my favourite tips, how you can reduce the amount of waste created during your weekly groceries shopping. These tips have helped us save a lot of waste from going to a landfill or recycling facility, but it has also helped us to save money, by minimizing our food waste.  

Episode Highlights

[00:55] Plastic grocery bags, you can switch them out for reusable bags.

[01:11] In Abu Dhabi, Waitrose, an upmarket grocery recently added a 0.25 fills fee per single-use plastic bag as part of a 12- week trial. During their trial, they reduced the amount of single-use plastic bags by 74% and have seen a drastic increase in the purchasing of reusable bags.

[01:55] I would recommend investing in a few reusable bags that you can take with you when going to the store. You can also leave a bag or two in your handbag, backpack or car to always have one close to you when needed.

[02:31] You would then be able to use these bags when you go to the store as well to place gifts in rather than to spend money on gift wrapping that is likely to end up in the bin. This way you are not only giving a gift but a gift that can help eliminate single-use plastic bags as well.

[02:49] Bringing your containers from home when visiting the grocery store will allow you to reduce the amount of waste you generate.

[03:08] Some of the different foods that I have managed to buy package free in our regular grocery store are meat, bread, fruit, vegetables, spices and some staples whenever they are in stock.

[03:21] Usually, the meat is packaged in a polystyrene tray and then cling wrapped with the price sticker. Having the meat packaged like this, I would not be able to recycle any of the packaging materials.

[04:25] This often starts a conversation as to why I would go through the trouble to purchase the meat package free, and I have found on some occasions that this conversation makes them think a bit more about how they package meat and for them to try and find better ways around it.

[04:43] Bread is usually packaged in a plastic bag tied with a plastic clip. I usually go to the bakery section and ask what breads they have unpackaged.

[05:22] Fruit and vegetables are some of the items that can easily be over-packaged.

[06:25] For the spices and some staples, I have found there are variety grocery stores that have almost like a spice souq set up where you can fill up your containers with the spices and staples you require. You would have to check with the store to first weigh your container before you start to fill it.

[07:34] Therefore only purchasing the amount that I require for these ingredients helps me saved money as I would only pay for what I need and this reduces the amount that needs to be thrown out to get compost as well.

[07:48] No receipt thank you. Your receipt might look like only a few a day or a week, but they do tend to accumulate quite quickly. Some of the receipts can be recycled, but then there are receipts printed on thermal papers that can not be recycled easily and in some cases not at all.

[08:14] When looking at how much resources it takes to produce it is unsustainable. In the US over 250 million gallons of oil, 10 million trees and 1 billion gallons of water are used to produce the receipts, and these receipts will then generate around 1.5 billion pounds of waste when disposed of. That to me seems like a lot of unnecessary receipts if you consider the cost the environment is paying.

[09:11] For these cases, I would create a separate email account only for the receipts that way I do not get them mixed with my regular email, and it is easy to go to a specific mailbox whenever I require one of the receipts.

[09:42] Shopping like this at your regular grocery store can be very difficult at first. However I found it was only challenging the first few times and now all my regular stores know me, and they provide me with the best service that allows me to enjoy my package free shopping on as many products as possible.

Key Take Away

“This often starts a conversation as to why I would go through the trouble to purchase the meat package free, and I have found on some occasions that this conversation makes them think a bit more about how they package meat and for them to try and find better ways around it.” 

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.

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