Show Notes

089: How 5 Gyres is helping people kick the single-use habit with Dr. Marcus Eriksen

In this episode, we talk to Dr Marcus Eriksen. He is an environmental scientist, educator and author committed to building stronger communities through art, science, adventure and activism. He is the co-founder of the 5 Gyres and LEAP LAB. He has also written one of the most comprehensive scientific articles on marine plastic pollution, partly based on his own expeditions.

During this episode, we take a look at some of the plastic discoveries that he has made on his exhibitions, including the stomach contents of a camel that died due to a belly full of plastic. We talk about recycling, biodegradable and compostable products and find out ways that we can help to protect our environments.

088: How the first Arab woman summit Everest from the North with Dolores Al Shelleh

In this episode, we talk to Dolores Al Shelleh. She is the first Jordanian woman to summit Everest as well as the 1st Arab woman and second Serbian woman summiting Everest from the North. She was also the first Arab to summit Mount Manaslu.

During this episode, we take a look at the effects climate change has on the mountains. We also talked about her role at the Sustainable City in Dubai and how she is creating more awareness through her climbs.

Mariska Nell

087: What you do makes a difference with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I am sharing with you some of the questions that I have been getting from you amazing crazy birds and I will be answering them. We had some great questions and please do keep them coming. I talked about feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and how a quote from Jane Goodall (one of my ultimate heroes) is always often stuck in my mind and how this quote has affected many of the choices I make daily.

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.⁠ ⁠What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make” – Jane Goodall

I also share a few amazing people and organization’s that inspire me to continue every day. I also take a look at the Amazon fires and what we can do to help out where we are.

Jay Siegel

086: How sustainable passion project can turn into business ventures with Jay Siegel

In this episode, we talk to Jay Siegel. He is the co-host of the Sustainability Defined podcast and the founder of Ground Up Impact that makes environmental and social business ventures profitable.

During this episode, we take a look at how sustainable business can be good for the environment as well as financially viable. We talked about some changes companies are making to educate their customers as well and how we as individuals and organisations can have a more significant impact.

Leif Cocks

085: How Palm Oil is destroying our Orangutans with Leif Cocks

In today’s episode, we talk Author, Speaker and the founder and president of the Orangutan Project, Leif Cocks. He and his team are working to ensure the compassion, freedom and protection for Critically Endangered Orangutans.

Palm oil is one of the main causes for destroying the forest, driving the Orangutan number down even further. We would be able to help the Orangutans by driving down the demand for Palm oil and refusing to purchase products containing Palm oil.

Dr Bruce Bekkar

084: How is climate change affecting our health with Dr. Bruce Bekkar

In this episode, we talk to Dr Bruce Bekkar. He is an M.D with over 20 years of experience. He is also a speaker and writer and devotes his time focusing on global Environmental issues as a passionate climate activist.

During this episode, we take a look at how climate change is affecting our health. What effects 2 degrees Celsius rise in temperature has on our body. We also look at the increase of tropical diseases appearing due to rising temperatures.

Kevin Gelsi

083: How Nudie Jeans is making your jeans more sustainable with Kevin Gelsi

In this episode, we talk to Kevin Gelsi. He is the Sustainability Coordinator at Nudie Jean’s head office and has been in the denim business since 2012. Currently, he is handling the internal projects in the Sustainability Department, the Environmental Management System and other random sustainability-related tasks.

During this episode, we take a look at how Nudie Jeans are produced more sustainable, what exactly is dry denim and how your Nudie Jean comes with a lifetime repair.

Scott Wilson

082: How to downsize without downgrading with Scott Wilson

In this episode, we talk to Scott Wilson. He is the Design Director and Co-Founder of ZeroSquared. Scott and his team have been transforming the way we look at tiny house living by living up to their slogan, “to downsize without downgrading”.

During this episode, we take a look at what is a tiny house. We look at the benefits of going tiny and also how the house can function off the grid. He also gives advice to anyone that is thinking of downsizing and moving into a tiny house.

Tomi Hartmann

081: Why purchasing better quality furniture is more sustainable with Tomi Hartmann

In this episode, we talk to Tomi Hartmann. He is the general manager of Fritz Kohl Middle East, one of the biggest veneer mills in the world and they created Table House 3 years ago in the UAE, producing one-of-a-kind tabletops.

During this episode, we take a look at what it takes to source wood sustainably. We look at some of the common mistakes we make with our wooden furniture that causes damages. Tomi also gives us some tips for selecting their next wooden table.

Colette Barr

080: Why we all need Eco-Heroes with Colette Barr

In this episode, we talk to Colette Barr. She is the founder of Save Our World and Author of The Eco-heroes’ environmental children’s book series

During this episode, we take a look at how do we talk to our children about important topics when it comes to sustainability. We also talk about what it takes to publish an eco-friendly book from the content to using 100% recycled paper, eco-friendly inks and printing it locally.

Adrienne

079: Why cleaning with chemicals is bad for your health with Adrienne Doolan

In this episode, we talk to Adrienne Doolan. She is CEO at Green Touches Echoes of Sustainability. She is a dedicated environmentalist. Striving to cause disruption in the cleaning and FM industry in the UAE and Middle Eastern region.

During this episode, we take a look at why cleaning without chemicals is better for you and the environment. We look at ways to reduce your water usage when cleaning and we can avoid perfumed fragrances and make our house smell great naturally.

Rebecca Price-Ruiz

078: How you can change your habits this Plastic Free July with Rebecca Prince-Ruiz

In this episode, we talk to Rebecca Prince-Ruiz. She is the Founder of the ‘for-purpose’ Plastic Free Foundation, a not-for-profit that brings the public and business together with the vision of a world without plastic waste. Plastic Free July challenge has grown to millions of participants across 177 countries.

During this episode, we take a look at how a month without plastic, turned into a global movement that has changed millions of peoples habits and reduce waste. We also look at how reducing one item can make a difference.

Gus

077: Why companies should plan ahead with EY’s Gus Schellekens

In this episode, we talk to Gus Schellekens. He is a Partner in EY’s MENA Clean Energy & Sustainability Services Team. He has over 25 years of experience in the management consultancy.

During this episode, we take a look at how business planning can help business leaders to think differently about a company’s direction. We also look at how companies can plan for legislations changes in the future for the company to plan ahead and how a plastic ban could affect a company.

The last straw project

076: Why Single-use plastic bans are important with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I am sharing some great news regarding a ban on single-use items. We will also look at why single-use plastic is a problem, and why it is important for us to get more governments and onboard to change legislation and for the organisation also to do their part and provide people with more environmentally friendly options.

Shirely Conlon

075: Why what you are putting on your skin matters with Shirley Conlon

In this episode, we talk to Shirley Conlon. She is the founder and CEO of The 1st Organic skincare brand made in Dubai.

During this episode, we take a look at why what you put on your skin matters as it is your largest organ. Our shampoo, lotion, and deodorant often contain a chemical that can cause as much damage to the environment as emissions from car exhaust fumes during rush-hour traffic and therefore it is becoming more important for a healthy environment to consider carefully what it is that we put on our skin. Shirley also takes us through her journey and how sharing her home-made products became one of the most successful skin care brands in the UAE.

Tom Outerbridge

074: How recycling can help out Mama Earth with Tom Outerbridge

In this episode, we talk to Tom Outerbridge. He is the general manager of Sims Municipal Recycling in Brooklyn with more than 30 years of experience in waste management.

During this episode, we dig a little into why recycling is important as well as what are some of the items that they receive that cannot be recycled. Spoiler alert your chips packets is, unfortunately, one of them. We also look at why plastic is downgraded each time it is recycled and how aluminium can be recycled indefinitely.

Leesa Carter Jones

073: The power is yours with Leesa Carter-Jones

In this episode, we talk to Leesa Carter-Jones. She is the President & CEO of Captain Planet Foundation. She has helped the organization successfully launch Project Learning Garden, the Institute for K-12 Science, Project Hero, EcoSTEM Resource Kits, as well as co-founded the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp, together with Lonely Whale and Point Break Foundation.

During this episode, we take a look at what the foundation is doing as well as their collaboration with Lonely Whale and Point Break for the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp and what some of the ocean heroes have done after attending the Bootcamp.

Dr Martin Blake

072: How we would be able to help woman out of poverty with Dr. Martin Blake

In this episode, we talk to Dr Martin Blake. He is the founder and patron of Embodhi.

During this episode, we take a look at some of the scary facts around woman earlier on average less than men and how Dr Martin has been trying to help set this right by starting Embodhi helping woman to make a better living. We also look at some of the projects that they are busy with and find out what is next for them.

Jo England

071: How Tribe is leading the way, ethically and sustainably with Jo England

In this episode, we talk to Jo England. She is the founder and designer at Tribe.

During this episode, we take a look at why it is important of purchasing ethically and sustainable products as well as look at some of the product that you would be able to find at Tribe and how Jo hand-select each of the designers and artists that produce their beautiful products.

Badar Farooq

070: Why it is important for companies to be transparent on their sustainability with Badar Farooq

In this episode, we talk to Badar Farooq. He is the founder of Sustainimate. Where he tries to increase transparency on corporate sustainability.

During this episode, we take a look at why it is important to know what greenwashing is and support more companies that are willing to be open about their sustainable efforts. We also look at the importance reports and how 70% of the world’s greenhouse gasses are created by 100 companies.

Team Angel Wolf Family

069: How Team Angel Wolf’s determination have inspired others with Delphine Watson

In this episode, we talk to Delphine Watson. She is an inspirational woman and the glue that holds Team Angel Wolf together. Her son Rio was diagnosed with 1q44 deletion denovo syndrome, which causes him many disabilities but this has not stopped Rio from inclusive racing as part of #TeamAngelWolf in the last 4 years. Rio has now covered 5,820 kilometres by being included in swimming/cycling/running/tower climbs/obstacle/in the races. He has now covered a distance further than Dubai to London!

During this episode, we take a look at what is Team Angel Wolf and how they as a family have made many changes to be more sustainable from homeschooling to living in the sustainable city in Dubai.

Claude Silver

068: How to build a socially sustainable organisation and scale with Claude Silver

In this episode, we talk to Claude Silver. She is the Chief Heart Officer at Gary Vaynerchuck’s Vayner Media.

During this episode, we take a look at social sustainability in the workplace and the effects it has on productivity as well as the moral of the team. We also talked about why people need people that listen, and then DO something.

Vanessa Woodthorpe Wright

067: How you can go plastic free on your period with Vanessa Woodthorpe Wright

In this episode, we talk to Vanessa Woodthorpe Wright. She is the founder of woman’s space,

During this episode, we take a look at how the topic of our period and the womb is becoming more open to talk about. We look at the amount of waste our periods are creating and how making an easy switch can save us a lot of money as well as the environment from resources and pollution.

Arabella Willing

066: How you can help save our turtles with Arabella Willing

In this episode, we talk to Arabella Willing. She is a British marine biologist, known for her work with Hawksbill turtles and environmental outreach programmes. She has worked all over the world educating isolated communities about biology, sustainability and marine conservation. She was the Hyatt hotels first “Resident Marine Biologist”. In January 2019 she joined Emirates Nature-WWF as a Conservation Education Consultant, helping them to launch “Connect with Nature” a programme that gives UAE youth access to learning and leadership opportunities, one-of-a-kind experiences and thrilling adventures.

During this episode, we take a look at how plastic pollution is affecting our marine life. What we can do if we ever find a turtle in distress on the beach and who to contact. We also look at how climate change is affecting the hatching of turtles as the heat of the sand determines the gender of the turtles.

Ryan Ingram

065: Why Should We Not Waste Our Food with Ryan Ingram

In this episode, we talk to Ryan Ingram. He is passionate about trees, the Zero-Waste Movement and raising awareness about how we can all live more environmentally responsible lives. He also started a food waste consultancy company, Terraloop providing practical, closed-loop solutions to the foodservice sector.

During this episode, we take a look at why it is important to reduce our food waste. We look at different options to compost and we also look at our plates and how by switching or reducing certain foods we can reduce our carbon and water footprint.

Cheryl Sanders

064: How One Wrap Can Reduce Your Plastic Waste with Cheryl Sanders

In this episode, we talk to Cheryl Sanders. She is the founder of Wrappa, an Australian based company that provides the world with fun, funky alternatives to plastic wrap.

During this episode, we take a look at what a reusable food wraps are. What the difference is between the beeswax and vegan wraps are as well as what you can and can not wrap up.

Simran Chowdhry

063: How A Robot Is Keeping Our Oceans Clean with Simran Chowdhry

In this episode, we talk to Simran Chowdhry. She is one of the co-founders of Blue Phin, a smart robot that can collect aquatic waste on the surface of commercial water bodies.

During this episode, we take a look at what inspired them to create Blue Phin. How much waste it can remove and why having zero carbon emission for Blue Phin was important to them.

Food Waste

062: Why you should not waste your food with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I am sharing with you some ways to reduce your food waste. We also look at the importance of composting and how we are globally waster almost a third of the food produced, yet we still have over 812 million food-insecure people globally.

061: How being Cheeki can save the planet, one bottle at a time with Anna Millington

In this episode, we talk to Anna Millington. She is the Global Marketing Manager for Cheeki, an Australian company that creates innovative products to promote their Refill Reuse message that is driven to design the most sophisticated stainless-steel range on the planet, for the planet.

During this episode, we take a look at how their products are made, why it is important to look for products that are BPA free and how one reusable water bottle could save thousands of single-use plastic bottles.

Adopt Rather Than Shop

060: Why you should adopt rather than shop for your next pet with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I am taking a look at the shocking fact that only 1 in 10 dogs find a forever home. I went to visit Amanda from Amanda’s Animal Rescue in Dubai during an adoption day and we talked about some of the reason that these dogs end up in their care and what we can do to help out our furry friends. 

Trace Dominguez

059: The Shocking Truth About Biodegradable Plastics and PLA with Trace Dominguez

In this episode, we talk to Trace Dominguez. He is an award-winning science communicator, video producer podcaster and curiosity explorer.

During this episode, we take a look at the greenwashing behind biodegradable and PLA products and what to look out for to avoid using “biodegradable” products that need to be composted at an industrial facility.

Be My Valentine

058: Be My Sustainable Valentine with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I am sharing with you some tips on how you can make your valentine’s day a little greener. Chocolates and roses seem to be the go-to gifts for the day, but they can come at a heavy price for us and the environment. I have put together a list of eco-friendly gifts and also share a few amazing organisations that you could donate money to on your loved one’s behalf that will support the amazing work they do.

057: How fries can fuel your car with Karl Feilder

In this episode, we talk to Karl Feilder. He is a serial entrepreneur, Founder and Chairman of The Neutral Group and CEO of Neutral Fuels.

During this episode, we take a look at how his company is turning cooking oil into fuel. The differences between biofuel and fossil fuel and what is the benefits of offsetting our carbon and being carbon neutral.

Loop

056: Two things that I am excited about this week and they both include ice cream with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I am sharing with you two things that have made headlines that I am excited about this week. I scream you scream we all scream for ice cream and it is indeed something that I want to scream about. Ben & Jerry’s and Loop are making some changes that will have an impact on how we shop and enjoy your ice cream more sustainably.

The Concept

055: How one company is saving airlines millions with The Concept

In this episode, we talk to Maria Sobh, Rijal Hikmatullah and Yadhushan Mahendran. They are the co-founders of The Concept, a solution-based company that stride on innovating through and with efficiency, sustainability and adaptation while immersing the entire market’s ecosystem.

During this episode, we take a look at how it can sometimes be the small things that make a great impact and how something as small as an airline tray has the potential to save airlines millions and help our Mama Earth.

054: Why You Should Switch To An Eco-Friendly Mattress with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I take a look at the way we sleep. Nearly a third of our lives we spend sleeping. You might have heard about the differences between organic and non-organic food and the benefits of organic food, so why not have a mattress that will also have more benefits. Providing you with better rest and having less harmful impacts on Mama Earth. I also provide you with some tips on what to do with your old mattress and also a quiz to find the right mattress for you.

Bridgett Lau

053: How One Good Thing can make a difference with Bridgett Lau

In this episode, we talk to Bridgett Lau. She is the co-founder of One Good Thing that strives to do just that. Their platform shares the best stories and most exquisite products, gadgets and gifts all with a great story and causes that it supports. One Good Thing was founded in 2017 with her husband, (Michael Cooke). It was the result of an epiphany – a diagnosis of cancer, a memorable trip to Asia, and the inherent desire to help people feel good and to do One Good Thing.

During this episode, we take a look at how her journey started and why doing One Good Thing was important to share impact and making better choices.

How to declutter your home

052: How to declutter your home with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I am sharing with you some tips on how you can declutter your home. How you can find out what clothing you no longer wear and see if they cannot be sold or given to someone else that will wear it more frequently. I also share the system I use to declutter and make sure all the items get sold, donated or recycled correctly.

Dr Steven Cohen

051: Why Sustainable Cities are required for a greener future with Dr. Steven Cohen

In this episode, we talk to Dr Steven Cohen. He is a professor in the Practice of Public Affairs, Columbia University Director, MS (Master of Science) and MPA (Master of Public Administration) Programs in Sustainability. He has been an advisor to many boards and committees over the years.

During this episode, we take a look at climate change. The importance of the EPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency) plays in protecting the environment. We also look at his book, The Sustainable City and why it was important for him to share it.

050: Reflecting on the past 50 episodes with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I am looking back at the first 50 episodes of the Mama Earth Talk podcast and some of the amazing guests that we had on the podcast so far. I will be sharing some of the clips that provide you with some great tips and also a reminder for us to take a deep breath every now and then and remind ourselves that we do not have to be perfect on our journey, even the smallest of steps are making a difference. Take it one step and one day at a time.

049: How red-listed animals are being held captive for profit in Armenia with Haya Altamimi

In this episode, we talk to Haya Altamimi. She is a producer and editor. Her first film War Sweet Home won several international awards and her second documentary titled Keepers of the Wild premiered late last year. She hopes that her documentary will help many bears to be freed and to be able to live a full and healthy life and I would love to share that with you.

During this episode, we take a look at how some of these bears are illegally taken captive, the environments that they are locked up in and who this is impacting their health. We also talked about organisations that are helping the free these bears and giving them much-needed nutrition and support.

Lonely Whale

048: Organisations that helped my sustainable journey with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I will be sharing with you two organisation that has really helped me a lot on my sustainable journey. I will also be giving you some tips that you can use to help you reduce your waste.

Coco Veda

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.

SDG

046: How can the 17 Sustainable Development Goals create a more sustainable future for you and Mama Earth with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I am looking back at some goals that were set for Mama Earth and that is the Sustainable Development Goals we will also be looking at great organizations like the Goalkeepers that are bringing leaders from all around the world to accelerate progress toward ending poverty and fighting inequality.

Kyle Weber

045: How to select your next electric vehicle with Kyle Weber

In this episode, we talk to Kyle Weber. He is the founder of EVERA, where he and his team are working hard to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy and bridging the sustainability gap between the private sector/government and community through innovative engineering activities.

During this episode, we take a look at some of the differences between electric and gasoline cars. How easy it is to charge your electric vehicle as well as look at some of the brands and models available.

Merry Christmas

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.

Mariama Kumara

043: How we can all smile through light with Mariama Kamara

In this episode, we talk to Mariama Kamara. She is the founder and director of Smiling Through Light that works with a network of women to provide clean, reliable and sustainable energy in Sierra Leone.

During this episode, we take a look at how Smiling Through Light has impacted many lives in Sierra Leone and Mariama’s Beam Talks in the UK that is inspiring many. We also talked about Paloma Faith’s music video, Warrior and how Mariama got selected to be featured as one of the “warriors”.

Eco-Brick

042: Top Tip Thursday, Eco-Bricks with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I will be sharing with you what an eco-bricks is and how this bulletproof building material is making waves in the building industry and cleaning up waste while doing so.

Manju Kumar

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.

Sharjah Entrepreneur Festival

040: Top Tip Thursday, Entrepreneurs and Sustainability with Mariska Nell

In this episode, I am talking with a few entrepreneurs at the Sharjah Entrepreneur Festival about the role that entrepreneurs play in sustainability.

Some of the entrepreneurs included:

Tom Otton, Vishen Lakhiani, Alex Stifler, Dave Crane, Martin Scholtz, Salem Ahmed and Paris Norriss.