041: A journey of a zero-waste farmer with Manju Kumar
In this episode, we talk to Manju Kumar. She is CEO of Brush With Bamboo, the founder of The Growing Club. She is also known as the zero-waste farmer that grows some amazing food in her backyard.
During this episode, we take a look at how her journey to create one of the first Bamboo toothbrush brands. We also talk to her about her garden she turned into a permaculture garden and she gives us some tips to grow our own food as well.
Episode Highlights
[01:14] How did your sustainable journey start?
[04:30] This is how my sustainable journey started. It wasjust life changing, like click that happened after seeing all of these thingsthat we decided ok, I have to change, like I can not be part of the problem.
[08:45] Right now we have a tropical jungle of a feeling of our house, you can actually not tell that you are in the suburbs when you are on the property.
[09:33] I wanted to grow stuff that I could not get on the market.
[12:25] There is always something to eat in the garden I don’t really buy anything fruit. We have plenty of our own.
[14:37] Whatever nature can take care of, for me I just let her do it. My effort is just to returning the nutrients back to her.
[15:03] What is lasagna mulching.
[16:54] It is the soil beneath our feet that actually helps us thrive.
[17:55] One of the things that we realised is that the very first thing that goes into our mouths early morning, is plastic.
[19:23] Now Brush with Bamboo is leading bamboo toothbrush company, we have the first organic tooth brush. It is the first plant based tooth brush, are tooth brush bristles are made mostly with castor bean oil and we are constantly looking at how do we reduce the impact of our toothbrush.
[22:25] 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?
My hope is that she flourishes, that her eco-system is brought back to balance.
3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?
Start with just planting a tree, commit to planting one tree every year for the rest of your life.
4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?
Start looking at giving back. Look at how you can give back and giving back, that you have to understand the eco-system for each one of us the answer of what we can do is different, based on where we live, what is available to us.
5.Where can people find you?
Key Take Away
“It is the soil beneath our feet that actually helps us thrive.“
The soil plays the most critical role for our eco-system and we would not be able to survive without healthy soil and sometimes we need to take a moment to realise that and appreciate what Mama Earth is doing for us.
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.