205: Earth Month: Small Steps, Big Impact (Plus a Special Gift for You!) with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I share why Earth Month holds such a special place in my heart, how a bold experiment in 2018 sparked meaningful conversations around waste, and why sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We explore how small, realistic steps can create real impact, and I also share an exciting Earth Month announcement to help you get started on your journey.
Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:
[00:00]-Intro
[00:30] Welcome + intro to the solo episode
[01:00] The 2018 “trash suit” story & how Mama Earth Talk started
[01:55] Why Earth Month is so special to me (and a personal connection)
[02:30] Teaser + exciting announcement coming up
[02:50] Why Earth Month can feel overwhelming
[03:30] Sustainability = small, consistent steps
[03:50] 🎉 Announcement: Free access to “Living Lighter” course
[04:20] How to access the course (quick hack explained)
[05:00] What the course includes (modules, videos, habits)
[06:30] Why you only need ONE action—not 150
[06:40] The power of small steps (water bottle example)
[07:30] Biggest lesson: start with what feels easy
[08:50] Practical tips for Earth Month begin
[09:00] Tip #1: Swap one daily habit
[09:30] Tip #2: Let your bin guide you
[10:10] Tip #3: Make it convenient
[10:40] Tip #4: Reduce food waste
[11:00] Tip #5: Change the question
[11:20] Letting go of perfection
[12:00] You are part of something bigger
[12:30] Your Earth Month challenge: one small step
[13:00] Final message: imperfect action matters
Links from the episodes:
Key Takeaways:
- Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming, start small and build from there
- Progress over perfection is the key to long-term change
- Your daily habits are the best place to begin your journey
- Awareness (like noticing what’s in your bin) creates powerful change
- Small swaps, done consistently, lead to big impact over time
- You don’t need to do everything, just start with one step.
- The planet needs more people taking imperfect action, not a few doing it perfectly.
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.