Show Notes
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”.
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.
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.
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.
039: How we can be greener in our cupboards with Kaméa Chayne
In this episode, we talk to Kaméa Chayne. She is the host of Green Dreamer Podcast, the Founder of Conscious Fashion Collective, an author, and a Duke-certified Integrative Health Coach. She’s also been named “Millennial Pioneer in Sustainable Living” by Halfstack Mag and as one of the “Top Wellness Influencers” by Origin Magazine.
During this episode, we take a look at why it is important for us to be more conscious about what we wear and find out how we can make better choices right where we are on our journey.
038: Top Tip Thursday, The Water Footprint with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing with you what exactly a water footprint is. If you are not sure what I am talking about and wondering if the water footprint might be the footprints you leave behind when getting out of the pool or shower. It is not quite those footprints I am referring to today. Everything we use, wear, buy, sell and eat uses water to make and can be measured for a single process, such as growing an apple, for a specific product that you have, the making of your pair of jeans to helping us in determining the water footprint of an entire company, country as well as the global total. We will also be looking at what the water footprint is for a few items like an apple, egg, chocolate and a few others to see exactly how much “water we use” every day.
037: How a company is raising awareness for endangered species with Luke Morris
In this episode, we talk to Luke Morris. He is an entrepreneur and the creator of Wild Body Active and Wild Wood.
During this episode, we take a look at some of the endangered species their Wild Wood products are named after. We also look at how switching to a bamboo toothbrush can help the environment.
036: Top Tip Thursday, Black Friday with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing with you what exactly is Black Friday and how it has turned into the biggest shopping day of the year. We also look at some companies like Patagonia that is sending the message that you should not purchase anything unless you need it. Even if the items in on sale. I will take a little recap to Bea Johnson’s 5 R’s and how they can help you avoid purchasing items you might regret afterwards.
035: How we can turn our waste into treasures with Tiffany Threadgould
In this episode, we talk to Tiffany Threadgould. She is an eco-lifestyle expert who spreads do-it-yourself recycling goodness with simple solutions. She also has a published book, ReMake It and she is currently the Chief Design Junkie at TerraCycle, a mega recycling company.
During this episode, we take a look at how TerraCycle recycle hard to recycle items. What it takes to be a Chief Design Junkie, some of their upcycled art pieces that have created. Tiffany also gives us some tips on how we can upcycle at home.
034: Top Tip Thursday, Crazy Bird Questions with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I am answering some of the questions that I have been getting from all the crazy birds. I will be sharing with you some tips on how I have reduced our bin size, sending a lot less waste to landfill. How you can compost even if you live in an apartment. I also share with you my thoughts on clothing made from recycled plastic bottles and why I am not a fan. I will also provide you with some tips on how you can shop package free in your regular supermarket.
033: Why sustainable fashion matters with Sass Brown
In this episode, we talk to Sass Brown. She is a journalist, writer, researcher and ethical fashion activist, as well as the author of two published books, Eco Fashion and ReFashioned. She has been in the fashion industry for more than 30 years as a fashion designer with a background in sustainable development. She was the founding Dean at DIDI a world-class Design Education in the Dubai Design District.
During this episode, we take a look at what exactly is fast fashion and the hidden price tag that it leaves behind for the environment and the garment workers to pay. We also looked at eco-brands and things to look out for to avoid greenwashing.
032: Top Tip Thursday, Tips From Our Guests with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I am reflecting back on some of the amazing guests that we have had so far on the podcast. I have interviewed so many great guests and wanted to recap on some of the advice they gave to help us on our sustainable journey’s.
031: How Nude Foods are changing the way we shop with Paul Rubin
In this episode, we talk to Paul Rubin. He is the founder of Nude Foods the first plastic-free grocery in Cape Town, South Africa.
During this episode, we take a look at his journey that leading him to open a plastic-free store, some of the challenges he had as well as the client’s feedback on the old-school grocery with a modern twist. We look at the why plastic and packaging are as pointless as a bodysuit on a butternut.
030: Top Tip Thursday, Microplastics with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be talking to you about microplastic. These little particles seem to be making their way into the ocean, our environment, food chain and as a recent study has found microplastic in our guts. We will be looking at what exactly they are and I will also provide you with some tips for you to look out for when buying beauty products to make sure you do not buy something containing microplastics. I also provide tips on washing your clothes to reduce microplastics from entering our water sources as well.
029: How the Zero Waste Queen started her journey with Bea Johnson
In this episode, we talk to Bea Johnson. She is the global Zero-Waste Lifestyle originator, her book Zero Waste Home has been translated into over 20 languages and she also consults large corporations like IKEA and countries to address their waste issues.
During this episode, we take a look at how her journey started to now where her family of four only create a jar of trash a year and that also inspired a global waste-reducing movement following her 5 R’s. She also shares with us her tips for a capsule wardrobe and how we can shop zero-waste at our local store.
028: Top Tip Thursday, Trick or Treat with Mariska Nell
In this episode, things get a bit spooooky as I share with you some shocking facts about one of the most wasteful holidays, Halloween. I will also provide you with some great tips how you can have a more sustainable Halloween from the outfit, decorations and some great zero-waste candy treats that the kids will love as well.
027: How an organisation have Retold our clothing stories and gave it a second life with Sian Rowlands
In this episode, we talk to Sian Rowlands. She is an award-winning creative businesswoman. She is the CEO and Chief Storyteller of a growing regional retail SME, Retold. The company focus on female fashion, where she gives clothes a second chance of happiness.
During this episode, we take a look at the process of selling or buying with Retold. We look at what is a capsule wardrobe and how a few key clothing pieces could go a long way. We also talked about some of the clothes that you might find at Retold ranging from Zara to Prada to give these pre-owned clothing a second chance to shine.
026: Top Tip Thursday, Plastic Not So Fantastic with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing with you why some plastics are bad and how they are causing pollution that is harmful to us and the environment. I also talk a bit about The Ocean Cleanup’s first cleaning system, Wilson that will help to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. I will also provide you with some tips how you can phase out single-use plastic for a more sustainable future.
I recommend listening to episode 10 where I explain a little more about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, The Ocean Clean-up and the Dutch inventor behind it.
025: How to live a zero-waste life with Kathryn Kellogg
In this episode, we talk to Kathryn Kellogg. She is an author, professional actor, the founder of the leading zero waste living blog, Going Zero Waste.com. She is also a spoke person for National Geographic’s Planet or Plastic campaign.
During the episode, we take a look at how her journey started, her involvement as a spoke person for National Geographic’s Planet or Plastic. We also talked about her book, 101 Ways to go Zero-Waste. Kathryn also provided us with some tips to help up reduce our waste and to embrace the inner three-year-old to ask more questions.
024: Top Tip Thursday, There Is Hope with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I take a look at some of the things that had happened in the last few months that made me even more hopeful for a sustainable future.
New Zealand banning single-use plastic bags. Ikea pledging to remove all single-use plastic from their product ranges as well as in-store restaurants and Norway becoming the first country to ban deforestation are just some of the things that I will be talking about during this episode. I will also be sharing some tips with you on how you can make a difference right there where you are.
023: The last razor that you would ever buy with Adam Simone
In this episode, we talk to Adam Simone. He is founder of Leaf Shave, a company that is changing the way people get a great shave at the best value.
During this episode, we take a look at how our shaving habits have an effect on the environment. How to recycle your double edge razor blades and find out what makes Leaf shave different from other razor companies out there.
022: Top Tip Thursday, Food Waste with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing with you some more tips to reduce your food waste. In episode 21, we had zero-waste chef Max La Manna sharing some of his tips and recipes and I wanted to add to this with a few things I have learned on my journey that you might find helpful. Not only will these tips reduce your food waste but also help you save some money as you will be throwing away less food.
021: How you can cook with your food scraps with Max La Manna
In this episode, we talk to Max La Manna. He is an author, a vegan, zero-waste chef. He does not throw any food away and encourage all to compost their food rather than to throw it in a bin. He can often be seen picking up pieces of trash en-route as he goes about his daily life. He is also a magician when it comes to the kitchen, turning everyday ingredients into delicious, beautiful vegan dishes worthy to be served in some of the top restaurants.
During this episode, we take a look at what exactly it means to be a zero-waste chef. What some of Max’s go to dishes are and also get some tips how we can start our journey to more sustainable meals.
020: Top Tip Thursday, Sustainable Superheroes with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing some of the people that I find very inspiring. As I started my journey, I found it very intimidating. There was a lot I had to learn and understand and there were also many times that I felt frustrated. These three sustainable superheroes made my journey a lot easier and I am so proud to have interviewed all three of them on my podcast. During this episode I will share with you how Bea Johnson, Rob Greenfield and Kathryn Kellogg helped me with my sustainable journey.
019: How to use photography as a social advocacy with Chris Calumberan
In this episode, we talk to Chris Calumberan. He is a photographer as well as a social advocate. He continuously produces initiatives for the community and environmental awareness. He also collaborated with a not-for-profit organisation, 4get Me Not, that raises awareness on Alzheimer’s in the UAE. He was also named one of the most influential Filipinos in the Gulf by Illustrado magazine. He was also awarded the bronze award at the Tokyo International Foto Award for his project Code Blue.
During this episode, we take a look at some of the projects that Chris has worked on and the reason behind his litter to light photos.
018: Top Tip Thursday, Fast Fashion with Mariska Nell
In this episode, we will be taking a look at fast fashion and why it is important for us to look into sustainable fashion options. I will also be sharing with you some of my tips to help you create a sustainable wardrobe and how you can get more out of your clothing.
017: Head of Sustainability Operations at Expo 2020, Dina Mustafa
In this episode, we talk to Dina Mustafa. She is the Head of Sustainability Operations at Expo 2020, Dubai. She began her career with the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (UNFAO) where she conducted agricultural data collection, maintained budgets and prepare research papers. She is a LEED-certified sustainability expert with more than 14 years’ experience in the public and private sector. She is currently leading the development and implementation of the World Expo’s sustainable event management strategy, and her expertise enables her to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions to help Expo 2020 achieve all their sustainability goals
During this episode, we take a look at what it takes to stay on track of creating the most sustainable Expo. What the Expo is and what we can expect to see there. We also discover a few interesting things that were first revealed at a world expo, like the ice cream cone and ketchup.
016: Top Tip Thursday, Shopping Plastic Free with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing with you some om my favourite tips, how you can reduce the amount of waste created during your weekly groceries shopping. These tips have helped us save a lot of waste from going to a landfill or recycling facility, but it has also helped us to save money, by minimizing our food waste.
015: Founder of AYWA tribe, Randi Stephan
In this episode, we talk to Randi Stephan. He is the founder of AYWA tribe a community of like-minded spirits creating new ways for people to connect sustainable.
During this episode, we take a look at what it takes to put together a sustainable festival for like-minded environmentally conscious people. Where participants will be encouraged to use a refillable water bottle and to reduce their waste to have a minimal effect on the environment.
014: Top Tip Thursday, Coffee with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing with you some interesting facts about coffee. Like how much coffee we consume. Who is the world’s biggest coffee drinkers. We also look at the way coffee is farmed and how climate change can influence the yields and how this has an influence on coffee farmers and the sustainability and survival of your cuppa joe.
013: Owner/Managing Director of Greenheart, Elena Kinane
Our guest today is a very passionate organic farmer that started growing her produce in the UAE desert. Her produce…
012: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Your Water Use with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be talking to you about water and sharing with you a few tips on how you can reduce your water use at home. Water is such a valuable resource but it is becoming more scares, although 70% of our planet is covered in water, only 3% of that is fresh drinkable water, and from that 3% two-thirds are tucked away in frozen glaciers, and if we are not cautious about how we use our water resources, this number will only decrease. Therefore, we all need to do our part to save every drop we can.
011: Executive Director of Surge, Marita Peters
In this episode, we talk to Marita Peters. She is Executive Director of Surge, a non-profit water organisation. She and her team have grown the organisation steadily for the past few years since the branch was established in Dubai and its headquarters in Chicago. She is also a budding environmental activist that helps organizes community events like beach clean-ups, teaching at her children’s schools eco-club and for 30 days she participated with me in the waste me not challenge
During this episode, we take a look at the importance of water. How access to clean water and sanitation can help many young girls to stay in school. We also look at the water footprint and how everything we eat, drink or use, wear, buy, sell and eat takes water to make.
010: Top Tip Thursday The Great Pacific Garbage Patch with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be talking to you about gyres. What it is. Why trash is accumulating in these areas. There are currently five large gyres in the ocean (North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Indian Ocean, South Pacific and the North Pacific Gyre). The biggest of the five is the North Pacific Gyre better known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is located between California and Hawaii. We will also be talking about the biggest ocean clean up and how this can be a game-changer for the future.
009: Executive Director at SEE Nexus, Karim El-Jisr
In this episode, we talk to Karim El-Jisr. He is the Executive Director at SEE Nexus, the innovation centre at The Sustainable City, Dubai. He has held many high-profile sustainability positions in the MENA region including the World Bank, ECODIT and Executive Council of the Government of Dubai.
During this episode, we take a look at how The Sustainable City has created a benchmark for sustainable living. We look at solar energy as well as the importance of removing cars and why it is important to push to alternative transport and to walk more.
008: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Waste In The Bathroom with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I will be sharing a few ways how you can reduce the amount of waste you create in the bathroom. Our bathrooms can easily be filled with a lot of plastic. I would like to give you some of my easy tips on how you can start making a switch and reduce your waste in the bathroom.
007: Founding Partner of Liquid of Life, Rukhsana Kausar
In this episode, we talk to Rukhsana Kausar. She is one of the founding partners of Liquid of Life, a provider of drinking water solutions. After moving to the UAE, she made the transition from the legal industry and established Liquid of Life. She does a lot to promote and implement green initiatives in the private as well as public sectors. She was listed as one of the top 50 most influential people who is shaping the future of the facilities management industry in the GCC region, two years in a row.
During this episode, we take a look a look at how people are experiencing filtered water. Find out how people are reducing their water cost by 80% after installing a filter. We also talked about the benefits of filtered water for us as well as the environment.
006: Top Tip Thursday Sustainable Travelling with Mariska Nell
In the previous episode we talked to, Sal Lavallo one of the youngest people to have visited every single country in the world.
In this episode, I will be sharing with you some of my tips to travel more sustainable and how being a little prepared can save a lot of waste. The average person on a flight creates around 1kg of waste, with a full plane and a lot of travelling that certainly adds up.
005: Talking Sustainability with Sal Lavallo whom have visited every single country
Our guest today has travelled to every single country in the world. 15 of those he has lived in for…
004: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Waste In The Kitchen with Mariska Nell
A lot of the waste created in our homes is generated in the kitchen. It is not only food scraps that make their way to the bin, but also package materials.
In this episode, I will be sharing a few ways how you can reduce the amount of waste you create in the kitchen as well as a few easy steps you can do to minimize on the packaging you bring home with you. We will also look at a few swaps we can make when it comes to washing the dishes that will be great for the environment and also save us some money.
003: Freedom Pizza’s Founder & Chief Executive, Ian Ohan Leading The Way in the F&B Industry
In this episode, we talk to Ian Ohan. He is an entrepreneur, Founder & CEO at Freedom Pizza, a UAE based, natural carry out and delivery pizza chain. Freedom boasts with over 250 employees as well as an airline and VOX Cinema packaged product division. He is also an investor and operating partner for Wild Peeta and I thinGourmet Shawarma.
During this episode, we take a look at some ways that the hospitality industry can make a difference. We also discuss the impact that Freedom had by no longer offering free single-use plastic utensils and how Adrian Grenier inspired him to stop using single-use plastic straws
002: Top Tip Thursday on Living More Sustainable Using The 5R’s with Mariska Nell
Most of us might have heard of the 3 R’s. Reduce, reuse and recycle? Well, what if I told you there were two more R’s that can reduce your waste even more?
In this episode, I will be sharing the 5 R’s with you. During this episode, we take a look at each of the 5 R’s and provide you with tips on how you can easily implement them in your daily life.
The 5 R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot
001: Azraq’s Managing Director Natalie Banks on Marine Conservation
In this episode, we talk to Natalie Banks. She is the Managing Director of Azraq, a not-for-profit organization that focuses their attention on marine conservation issues in the Middle East and North Africa. Natalie is a qualified journalist that started her career as a radio journalist, before working as a media adviser for the Commonwealth Government of Australia, after which she moved into the not-for-profit sector. She has been instrumental in organising national and international rallies against the use of drum lines and shark nets in Australia.
She started up her own association, No Shark Cull Inc and starting working for Sea Shepherd Australia on marine conservation.
During this episode, we take a look at what effects our ecosystems are facing with almost 100 million sharks being killed annually. We also dig a little deeper in other issues that our ocean is struggling with from single-use plastics, pollution and also look into some wonderful campaigns that Azraq have been doing to create more awareness.
000: Mama Earth Talk Welcomes You with Mariska Nell
Welcome to Mama Earth Talk. I am your host Mariska Nell. I am so grateful to have you here. If you are new to sustainability, already on the journey or just curious to learn more about the topic, then you are in the right spot.