028: Top Tip Thursday, Trick or Treat with Mariska Nell
In this episode, things get a bit spooooky as I share with you some shocking facts about one of the most wasteful holidays, Halloween. I will also provide you with some great tips how you can have a more sustainable Halloween from the outfit, decorations and some great zero-waste candy treats that the kids will love as well.
Episode Highlights
[01:09] Therefore today I am going to go through a few tips that will help you have a more sustainable Halloween and it might also save you some money. So let’s dig right into the decorations.
[01:30] Pumpkins
[01:59] These pumpkins are fully compostable, and you would be able to cook or bake with them afterwards as well. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pumpkin biscuits oh my, the number of pumpkin recipes available are endless, so why not try a few out.
[02:19] You would be able to add some lighting in your garden or in front of your apartment by using some of your existing mason jars and adding a tea light to each one.
[02:45] Ghosts, witches and scarecrows can easily be made by stuffing a towel or sheet.
[03:10] Americans spend around $2.6 billion on Halloween costumes that are worn only for one night.
[05:15] Trick or a treat.
[06:58] You could also be able to bake some biscuits and treats and make up your own little goodie bags, by placing the items in a small paper bags that are just folded close at the top.
Key Take Away
“Americans spend around $2.6 billion on Halloween costumes that are worn only for one night.”
It is really shocking to see the amount of money that is spent on costumes for only one night and that a lot of these outfits will not be used again and could end up in landfills. Therefore it is very important for us to practise our 5R’s when planning our next Halloween costume. We might not only save money but following this but also help out the environment by reducing the number of items we purchase and dispose of.
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.