Show Notes
099: How A Plastic Ocean Is Changing our Habits with Jo Ruxton
In this episode, we talk to, Jo Ruxton. She is the founder and director at Plastic Oceans UK, producer and ambassador for the film A Plastic Ocean.
During this episode, we take a look at inspired her to work on the multi-award-winning film. We look at some of the worst things she has seen when it comes to plastic pollution and find out what we can do today to have a positive effect on our environment
098: How A Professional Surfer Is Making A Wave of Change with Frank Solomon
In this episode, we talk to, Frank Solomon. He is a professional surfer and the founder of ‘The Sentinel Ocean Alliance‘ and have also created a short film titles The Street Surfers.
During this episode, we take a look at how he has seen the ocean change over the years due to plastic pollution. We also talk about a differ type of surfer, The Street Surfers his short film is about and the important role they play in recycling and the hardships they go through to earn a living in South Africa. Frank also shares how he has used his passion for surfing to create a space where kids of the community can safely learn, play, feel inspired and fall in love with the ocean.
097: How one journalist is making a difference with Candice Batista
In this episode, we talk to, Candice Batista. She is an Award-Winning Environmental Journalist, Writer, Speaker, Educator. She’s also one of a few select Canadians hand-picked to be trained by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, to give the Inconvenient Truth Presentation.
During this episode, we take a look at greenwashing and fake news and how to better consume information to avoid that. We also look at why it is important to have television shows and news agencies shine a light on environmental issues. She also gave some tips to anyone wanting to start a career in eco journalism.
096: How we can shop more sustainable for clothing with Araceli Gallego
In this episode, we talk to, Araceli Gallego. She is an Entrepreneur & Storyteller with a passion for fashion, creativity, and sustainability. She is also a sustainable fashion advocate and the founder of Goshopia.
During this episode, we take a look at some of the secrets of the fashion industry as well as how fashion brands can be more sustainable. We also look at what exactly is slow fashion and how we can make a difference by supporting more sustainable brands.
095: How we can drop our plastic habits with Tatiana Antonelli Abella
In this episode, we talk to Tatiana Antonelli Abella. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Goumbook, a Social Enterprise dedicated to raising awareness among the local community on Sustainability and Green Living. She is also the founder of the only tree planting initiative of the GCC, Give a Ghaf Tree Planting Program.
During this episode, we take a look at how her journey started and how providing clean water opens an entirely new view of life. We also look at why she wanted to plant Ghaf trees and why it is important to plant indigenous trees in your region. She also gave us some tips on how we can reduce our waste and drop plastic.
094: How a a theater-based collective is driving change with Tanya Daud
In this episode, we talk to Tanya Daud. She is the founder and CEO of Qissa’Go, a theatre-based collective, which focusses on the promotion, preservation and celebration of South Asian languages and literature.
During this episode, we take a look at the importance of preserving a language and how the loss of a language can lead to losing out on a culture. We also talk about how the effects on climate change have an impact, as many South Asian islands are being lost due to climate change and we are seeing more climate refugees leaving their home countries and the effects this has on their culture and heritage.
093: The Last Swab that you would ever need with Isabel Aagaard
In this episode, we talk to Isabel Aagaard. She is the co-founder of LastSwab, a dedicated Danish company creating sustainable alternatives to single-use items. They have designed a reusable cotton swab or q-tip to reduce the 550 billion cotton swabs that are produced every single year.
During this episode, we take a look at why they decided to start with the cotton swab and what their product is made off? We also look at ways that we can take care of our Last Swab and how they are so confident in their products that they offer an 11% refund. We also talked about all the copies of their product that is on the market and how to identify if a product is the real deal and live up to the Last Swab’s high standards.
092: How Plastic Change is making a change with Anne Aittomaki
In this episode, we talk to Anne Aittomaki. She is the is Strategic Director and CSO at Plastic Change, a Danish environmental NGO and fighting hard to break the exponential growth of plastic pollution.
During this episode, we take a look at some of the issues around the single-use culture we have. We also talk about how she and her team are educating many people through their great content and also provides us with some tips to help fight the plastic pollution problem.
091:How we can be more aware this pink October Lina Al-Sharif
In this episode, we talk to Lina Al-Sharif. She is the founder of Hooking Good and is currently going through her second time being diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
During this episode, we take a look at her journey and how she discovered she had cancer, her treatment and how we can do our best to help people going through cancer and what not to ask someone that is going through this.
090: How one tree planted can make a difference with Matt Hill
In this episode, we talk to Matt Hill. He is the founder and CEO of One Tree Planted a Vermont-based non-profit that is making it their mission to make it easier for people to give back to the environment.
During this episode, we take a look at some of the projects that One Tree planted was a part of and we also look at ways how we can get involved to start tree planting as well as the importance of planting trees.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.