Useless Utensils
“Useless Utensils” was created as part of a collaboration with AZRAQ. The hospitality sector is one of the biggest contributors to plastic pollution globally. The majority of these utensils are thrown away after just one use. In 2016, Worldcentric.org estimated that 40 billion plastic utensils were used every year in the United States alone. The #uselessutensils campaign brought awareness to how easily we accept useless utensils. It also inspired hospitality outlets to ditch the useless utensils or started charging for a more environmentally friendly option that allowed the customers to pay if they really needed it rather than giving it with every order.
Over 30,000 plastic utensils were collected from participating F&B outlets and drop off locations during the six-week campaign and handed over to me as well we partnered schools to turn the “trash into treasure”.
I wanted to create a piece that not only shows the uselessness of the utensils but also show the effects that these utensils have on the environment and how of our habits are threatening the health of the ocean as well as our own. Every second breath we take is because of a healthy ocean, yet we pollute the ocean with our single-use habits. Many of these utensils, as well as other single-use items, makes their way into our oceans and mistaken for food by marine life. This can be fatal to many of them. Another threat I wanted to highlight was overfishing and how this was leading to the proliferation of jellyfish in our oceans.
The art piece is designed to represent a jellyfish made from the useless utensils and is also a functional lamp. Shining some light on a very important topic, that we need to take action on.
I was awarded the People’s Choice Award, voted by the public for this art piece.
Title: Useless Utensils
Dimensions: 440mm x 400mm x 1400mm*
Medium: Mixed Medium( Wire, single-use plastic utensils, fishing line and acrylic paint)
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.