047: How coconut oil can help your health with Raj Singh
In this episode, we talk to Raj Singh. He is the head of global strategy, international business development and marketing at Coco Veda a social enterprise established in the Philippines, with over 100 coconut-based products,
During this episode, we take a look at coconuts and coconut oil and what we need to look out for when purchasing coconut oil to ensure we get the best value for money.
Final Five
1.What is one social media platform that you follow?
2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?
We would like to extend what we are doing, collaborate with people in the coconut industry and do that starting from a governmental level. Get engaged with government. Feed that into academia and universities from a research point of view and bring in medical health care academic professionals.
3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?
Maybe try our products.
4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?
Sustainability is not just about the planet and the environment, the buildings and all. It is really about the people as well.
5.Where can people find you?
Key Take Away
“There are different kinds of coconut oil. The word coconut oil is loosely used”
When we look at the different coconut oil. We need to make sure that we get what we pay for. There are some brands that will market their coconut oil as a specific type but in actual fact, it might not be a 100% correct. A better quality coconut product would have a lot more health benefits and is also more likely to last longer.
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.