021: How you can cook with your food scraps with Max La Manna
In this episode, we talk to Max La Manna. He is an author, a vegan, zero-waste chef. He does not throw any food away and encourage all to compost their food rather than to throw it in a bin. He can often be seen picking up pieces of trash en-route as he goes about his daily life. He is also a magician when it comes to the kitchen, turning everyday ingredients into delicious, beautiful vegan dishes worthy to be served in some of the top restaurants.
During this episode, we take a look at what exactly it means to be a zero-waste chef. What some of Max’s go-to dishes are and also get some tips on how we can start our journey to more sustainable meals.
Episode Highlights
[01:48] How did your journey start?
[02:56] It only took one opportunity, two people, one opportunity to really make me consider my daily habits of consumption and you know through that journey I started realising what other impacts I am causing by being vegan.
[04:09] I just started looking for ways to reduce my waste and little by little here we are.
[04:28] Growing up in Connecticut, I grew up in a city. Not like New York City, but like a relatively smaller city and I would see people just litter all the time and it would just break my heart.
[04:58] There was always a time that we would pick up trash on our route or on our walk or when we were at the beach. We were always picking up trash. So it was kind of ingrained in me from a young age.
[05:48] What is it to be a zero waste vegan chef?
[05:54] The goal is to send nothing into a landfill.
[07:39] There are vegan restaurants now, they are everywhere. It is great because now I have friends who, they are not vegan but they are vegan-curious and they are now saying to me, “Hey I only eat meat like on a Wednesday or on a Friday or special occasions but for the most part I try to go to a vegan restaurant ones or twice a week.
[08:17] Veganism is taking over this isn’t a fad, this is actually a trend now like what you going to see on a regular basis and in that moment as I was telling this person, Veganism is taking over, I looked to the right of me and there was a little sign on the table, like a little info card that said “Now introducing vegan croissants”. So everywhere I go places that aren’t vegan they are now introducing vegan options.
[10:44] Some of Max’s favourite dishes to prepare.
[12:14] How would you recommend starting the journey to become vegan?
[15:24] 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?
For everyone to consume less meat, to eat more plants, to get rid of plastic and to start composting.
3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?
Find a way to compost, reuse your food scraps as much as you can. Your leftovers, if you have leftovers or food that you want to throw away maybe there is somebody less fortunate that wants the food. Find another purpose for you food. If you can not compost it then see if you can give it to someone else.
4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?
1.3 billion tons of food is thrown away each year and with that, we can feed everyone.
5.Where can people find you?
Key Take Away
” It only took one opportunity, two people, one opportunity to really make me consider my daily habits of consumption and you know through that journey I started realising what other impacts I am causing by being vegan.”
It only took one opportunity for Max to become Vegan. We often think that what we do does not really matter and question what effects we would be able to have on other people if we refuse a straw for example. It might only be little things but it might be the thing that makes someone else consider their daily habits and they might want to make changes in their life. No matter how big or small we think the change is that we are making, every little step towards a better and healthier Mama Earth is a step in the right direction.
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.