How do you start your sustainable journey?
This is a question that I often get, how do you start your sustainable journey? The answer is fairly easy, just start. You do not need any fancy reusables, fit out your house with more eco items, buy an electric car and install solar panels on your roof, just to start. If you want to that is great, but let’s take baby steps and know that you can start your journey right there where you are.
Amazingly, the world is starting to focus more on the environmental issues that are facing our planet. Schoolchildren around the world are taking to the streets or online to protest inaction on climate change, and famous influencers are taking a stand against single-use plastic. This awareness is helping to drive action, and while many companies are starting to offer sustainable alternatives, there are still many environmentally problematic things in our day to day lives.
Over the last few years, I have been actively trying to reduce the waste that our household produces. It was not always easy, but I am happy to say that we no longer have a rubbish bin and there is very little that leaves our house to go to the landfill. So little, that I haven’t seen our building’s garbage chute in a few months.
So now you might say, “well that is great, but in my situation, it is not possible”, and you may be right, but even if you cannot go to zero waste there are definitely things you can do to reduce your waste and the negative impact we are having on the planet. Luckily, I have already gone through this journey, and there are a lot of tips that I can give you, so you don’t need to figure it all out for yourself.
First, start with the things you can easily give up. If you start with the hard stuff, you may find yourself giving up before you have even tried. Once you have given up one or two things and created a new reduced waste habit, you can improve on your record by giving up more items. If you are not sure about the items you use most of and that has an impact on your waste, do a quick bin audit to find out. Make a list of everything you throw in the bin for a week and there you have it. I have also created an easy template to place by the bin and tick off whenever you throw something “away”.
Once you know what you throw away, look at the five items that made it in your bin most frequently. Select one of the items that would be easiest to reduce or remove from your daily life and make it a habit and then move on to the next until that becomes a habit.
Here are three easy swaps you can start with today.
- STRAWS are easy to avoid. You can either sip your drink directly from the glass or cup or use a reusable straw. There are many different reusable options available like glass, metal, silicon, bamboo and many more. They are easy to clean and can be reused. Next time you order a drink, make sure to ask for it to be served without a straw. The turtles in the ocean will thank you.
- Stop using single-use PLASTIC BAGS, instead carry a reusable bag with you. If you forgot your bag, ask for a box. On some occasions, my handbag has also doubled as a shopping bag. I have also pushed the shopping cart with all my groceries to my car, after forgetting all the bags in the car. It only took a few minutes to pack them in my reusable bags and no single-use plastic bags were used. It has also been a reminder to never forget them again.
- Get a reusable coffee cup and avoid disposable COFFEE CUPS. You will save trees, reduce waste and if you pick the right cafe, you will also save money. Some cafes have started offering a discount or incentive when using your reusable cup. If you forget your reusable cup, take a few minutes, sit down and enjoy your coffee in a ceramic mug. Life is too busy anyway, and you deserve a break. Some cafes have also started mug libraries, that allows you to use of their mugs for your takeaway coffee and you can return it on your next coffee run.
Every step you take towards a sustainable life is a step forward. Therefore, start your sustainable journey right where you are. Do what you can and feel comfortable with, living a more sustainable life is a journey and not a race.
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.