020: Top Tip Thursday, Sustainable Superheroes with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing some of the people that I find very inspiring. As I started my journey, I found it very intimidating. There was a lot I had to learn and understand and there were also many times that I felt frustrated. These three sustainable superheroes made my journey a lot easier and I am so proud to have interviewed all three of them on my podcast. During this episode, I will share with you how Bea Johnson, Rob Greenfield and Kathryn Kellogg helped me with my sustainable journey.
If you are listening to this and you too feel overwhelmed, not sure how or where to start or continue your journey, hang on there, there is hope.
Firstly you do not have to start by doing everything at ones. This might be very hard and might discourage you to continue with the journey.
Episode Highlights
[02:47] I also realise that I do not have to do everything overnight or on my own, but rather to embrace this as a journey and take it step by step.
[03:13] Rob Greenfield. Rob is an adventurer, environmental activist, humanitarian and a dude making a difference. He leads by example to create a more sustainable world.
[03:47] He cycled across the US twice on his bamboo bicycle spreading his sustainable message across the US and have recently launched a book, Dude Making a Difference.
04: 00Rob also wore his trash for 30 days in New York, and he was the inspiration behind Marita Peters and me starting our WasteMeNot campaign in the UAE with his wonderful support. He is for sure a dude making a difference for Mama Earth.
[04:18] Bea Johnson, Bea is the woman behind Zero Waste Home a blog that turned into a best selling book. She and her family adopted a Zero Waste lifestyle in 2008, which changed their life for the better as they now lead more meaningful lives based on experiences instead of stuff.
[04:42] One of the guidelines that she proposes is for people to follow 5’R Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot and only in that order.
[05:18] She owns to only 15 items, and from these 15 items, she can create 50 different looks.
[05:52] Going Zero Waste’s Kathryn Kellogg. Kathryn’s zero waste journey started when doctors discovered tumours in her breast after suffering from a lot of pain. Thankfully, everything was benign, but they did not recommend removing it as there was a good chance that it would grow back, so she had to live with the pain.
[06:22] After moving to California, she was shocked at the amount of plastic in her area and realised that it is not only bad for her health but also the health of our planet.
[06:46] She believes that small actions done by hundreds of thousands of people will change the world. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference, you just have to try.
[07:04] If you have any sustainability questions please do hesitate to let me know and I will try my best to help wherever I can. You can either send me a message on my Instagram @designbymariska, email me at hello@mamaearthtalk.com or fill out the contact form on our website mamaearthtalk.com.
[07:26] 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
“Small actions done by hundreds of thousands of people will change the world. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference, you just have to try.”
Sometimes we tend to get lost in the amount of work that needs to be done and it often can lead to use delaying to do things or addressing issues. But if we would instead of hesitating rather try and make a difference we might be creating a ripple effect that can be felt where needed. If we do not try we would not know if it what we want to do will make a difference or not. Therefore try and give it your best, you might be starting something magical.
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.