044: How To Wrap Up Christmas More Sustainable with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing with you some tips on how you can have a sustainable Christmas with some gift ideas as well as a few DIY to get your creative juices flowing this festive season.
Links from the episode
DIY Christmas Advent Calendar made from empty toilet paper rolls
DIY Jazzed up Recycled Paper Photo Frame
Key Take Away
“Christmas, birthdays or any other occasions that we give or receive gifts can cause a lot of waste. There are so many gifts that we receive that we will never use and then it might end up on a shelf collecting dust until we eventually throw it out.”
It is easy to just keep on purchasing gifts for people to show them that you care and it is also so easy to receive these gifts. Often we feel embarrassed to say anything when we receive gifts as we do not want to offend the gift giver as they would have given it to us from a good place. However every time we accept these gift that we would not use or need it will just end up cluttering our homes. But we need to be able to tell the loved ones that we do not want to receive these items and that they should not be offended but we do not want to receive these items but would rather want to do an experience like going to watch a movie you really want to go and see. Maybe to help you to pay for a holiday that you always wanted to go on or it could be cooking or art class that you would have liked to go for. They could also make a donation on your behalf to an organisation that you support.
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.