026: Top Tip Thursday, Plastic Not So Fantastic with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing with you why some plastics are bad and how they are causing pollution that is harmful to us and the environment. I also talk a bit about The Ocean Cleanup’s first cleaning system, Wilson that will help to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. I will also provide you with some tips on how you can phase out single-use plastic for a more sustainable future.
I recommend listening to episode 10 where I explain a little more about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, The Ocean Clean-up and the Dutch inventor behind it.
Episode Highlights
[01:26] In 1950 there were only 2.3 million tons of plastic produced. In 1993, 162 million tons rising to a staggering 448 million tons produced in 2015.
[01:51] Only around 9 per cent of that has been recycled, 12 per cent was incinerated, and 79 per cent accumulated in landfills or the environment.
[02:23] In June this year, a pilot whale died after eating 80 plastic bags. The animals often mistake these bags as food.
[03:02] Currently, the cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world and one that has very harmful effects.
[03:48] The study revealed that one single cigarette butt soaked in a litre of water for one day resulted in vastly lowering the water quality and resulting in the death of 50 per cent of the fish in the water.
[04:41] We have become more accustomed to purchasing items that are easily disposed of as well as purchasing lower quality items that need to be replaced more often.
[05:02] More than 40 per cent of plastic is used only once and then tossed. Plastic water bottles are something we see more often off.
[05:49] Often we wonder what difference one person can make, it might be small, but it also might be the start of a big ripple effect of a change.
[06:31] So, in a nutshell, my quick tips how you can reduce the amount of plastic you use is evaluate your life and to see what plastic items would you be able to easily phase out of your life by switching to a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Key Take Away
“Currently, the cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world and one that has very harmful effects.”
When we look a little bit deeper into cigarettes and the effects that they have on the environment and the way people dispose of them, it really makes me fear for the environment and therefore when someone is littering, whether it is a cigarette, plastic bag or a straw we need to address the issue as they might not be thinking that they are doing any harm.
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.