Mama Earth Talk

WTF with Marc Maron (podcast)

Key Takeaways:

Use what you own.The “most sustainable” piece is the one already in your closet; aim for ~30 wearsper item.
Plan > impulse.Digitizing your closet and pre-planning outfits slashes returns, unused buys, and clutter.
Versatility = fewer purchases.Pairing pieces in new ways reduces the urge to “add another top.”
Measure what matters.Cost-per-wearand category mix reveal where your money goes vs. what you actually wear.
Make the most of the loop.Repairs, alterations, and resale extend life, fit, and value.
Style Blueprint wins.Knowing yourcolors, silhouettes, and personalitymakes every future purchase smarter.
Perspective resets habits.One T-shirt uses ~700 gallonsof water; globally,11.3M tonsof textiles hit landfills annually.

201: Plant-Based Holiday Tips with Molly Patrick: Simple, Joyful, and Sustainable Eating for You and Mama Earth

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Molly Patrick, — co-founder & CEO of Clean Food Dirty Girl, certified life coach, and straight-talking expert in whole-food, plant-based eating. Molly shares her unconventional roots, why progress beats perfection, and specific ways to add joyful, plant-powered dishes to your holiday table.

During this episode, Molly shares how her off-grid upbringing shaped a lifelong sustainability compass and the playful, imperfect ethos behind Clean Food Dirty Girl. She busts the “but what about protein?” myth and offers simple swaps to start eating more whole plants today. We dig into a holiday game plan that keeps the joy and nostalgia while adding clean, crowd-pleasing dishes for Christmas—plus mains, sides, plating tips, and pantry staples that make weeknights (and festivities) easy. Along the way, we talk family buy-in without pressure or perfection, and why plant-forward choices create a micro–macro win-win for our bodies and for Mama Earth.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:

[00:00]-Intro

[00:00] – Intro – Why the holidays are perfect for plant-based joy

[02:21] – Trash Talk: Eco-Wins and Fails – Host update + new tools/waitlist

[02:34] – Guest – Welcome, Molly Patrick

[04:08] – Off-grid childhood, adobe homes, and a built-in sustainability mindset

[09:52] – Clean Food Dirty Girl: mission, community, and imperfect action

[12:00] – Protein myths, social media noise, and trusting the process

[20:43] – Simple Shifts – Easy day-one swaps for more whole plants

[24:45] – Holiday Playbook – Keep the joy, add the plants (no all-or-nothing)

[26:40] – Holiday Dishes – Mashed potatoes, stuffed squash, tofu “centerpieces,” gravies, glazes

[30:34] – Family Buy-In – Hybrid meals, low expectations, lots of love

[34:56] – Staples – Tofu, soy curls, canned beans, tahini, herbs/spices, nutritional yeast

[36:15] – Food x Planet – Local sourcing, lower footprint, everyday wins

[43:30] – Final 5 – Faves to follow, weekly eco-tip list, hope for the planet

[51:48] – Hope for the Planet – Compassionate, pragmatic optimism

Links from the episodes:

Clean Food Dirty Girl

Rancho Gordo (heirloom beans)

Holiday Receipes from Molly

Where can people find our guest?

Key Takeaways:

Progress > perfection.Holiday tables don’t need a total overhaul—add a few stellar plant-based sides and keep the traditions you love.
Simple swaps work.Brown rice for white, whole-grain breads/tortillas, beans instead of chicken one night, fruit at breakfast—easy, meaningful wins.
Flavor is your friend.Herbs, spices, textures, and colorful garnishes (hello, pomegranate seeds + rosemary) make veggies exciting and festive.
Build a “holiday staples” kit.Tofu/soy curls, canned beans, tahini, whole-grain pasta, frozen veg, great herbs/spices, and nutritional yeast = quick, delicious meals.
Family buy-in happens with kindness.Offer tastes, keep pressure low, and try hybrid meals (shared base + optional add-ons).
Eat close to the source when you can.Local produce and minimally processed foods are better for your body and Mama Earth.
One choice, many wins.More plants supports your health, the planet, and animal welfare—macro and micro benefits from the same decision.

200: Embrace your Ideas: The world needs you, celebrating our 200th episode.

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:30:00 +0400

In this conversation, Mariska emphasizes the importance of sharing unique ideas and stories, highlighting that the world needs diverse voices rather than a few perfect examples. She advocates for embracing imperfection, especially in the context of sustainability, and encourages listeners to trust in the value of their contributions. Our 200th episode, we could not have done this withouth everyone of you listening, so this is the biggest Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:

[00:00] -Intro

[01:15] – A Spark in 2018: Wearing My Trash for 30 Days

[02:20] – – The New York Moment

[04:00] – Vision Boards and Full Circles

[04:50] – Honoring Dr. Jane Goodall

[06:40] – Lessons from 200 Conversations

[08:10] – The Heart of Mama Earth Talk

[09:20] – The Early Podcast Days

[11:10] – The Growth Journey

[12:30] – Launch Announcement: Mama Earth Online Course

[13:50] – Inside the Course

[15:10] – Founder’s Offer & Giveaways

[16:30] – Gratitude and Acknowledgments

[18:00] – Lessons Worth Remembering

[19:20] – What’s Next for Mama Earth Talk

[21:00] – The Power of Imperfect Action

[22:30] – Closing Message

Links from the episodes:

Key Takeaways:

If you are sitting on an idea, share it.
Every story or dream has value.
The world needs diverse voices.
Imperfection can lead to meaningful change.
Sustainability is about heart, not perfection.
Trust in your unique perspective.
Small actions can have a big impact.
Embrace your individuality in storytelling.
Don't wait for the perfect moment to act.
Your contributions matter, no matter how small.

199: Beyond Box-Ticking: Building Trust and Impact with Jim Massey

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Jim Massey. He is the best-selling author of Trust in Action and the soon-to-be-released Risk in Action. He’s also the founder of Eastward, a company rethinking how organizations see and act on risk. A former Chief Sustainability Officer at AstraZeneca and Zai Lab, Jim has spent his career helping leaders turn trust, ethics, and innovation into impact.

During this episode Jim shares how he’s advised boards, led bold ESG agendas, and built simple models that cut through the noise so leaders can act. Outside of work, he’s a traveller, a dad, and co-author of the Amazon #1 bestseller GeoKids. Jim’s all about turning big talk into bold action.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:

[00:00]- Introduction to Sustainability and Business Ethics

[03:05]- The Journey into Sustainability

[06:11]- Trust and Human Behavior in ESG

[09:14]- Navigating Certifications and Transparency

[12:07]- Focusing on Sustainable Development Goals

[17:57]- Innovation as a Catalyst for Change

[24:43]- Navigating the Land of Next: AI and Innovation

[31:43]- The Path to Net Zero: Understanding Emissions

[36:10]- Transformational Leadership: Bridging the Gap

[41:09]- Risk, Trust, and Fear: A New Framework for Action

Where can people find our guest?

How Your Coffee Can Make A Difference with RAW Coffee

Book

Key Takeaways:

Businesses must move beyond box ticking to create real impact.
Trust and ethics are essential for sustainable business practices.
Transparency is more valuable than certifications in building trust.
Focusing on specific Sustainable Development Goals can drive meaningful change.
Innovation should be viewed as a catalyst for sustainable practices.
Human behavior plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of ESG initiatives.
Risk should be seen as an opportunity for growth and change.
Companies need to address core issues rather than just the fringe parts.
The journey to sustainability often requires a shift in mindset.
Building trust involves doing what you say you will do. AI is advancing faster than regulations can keep up.
Participation in AI contributes to its advancement.
Risk should be seen as an invitation to innovate.
Companies often have outdated policies on AI.
The fear of job loss due to AI is prevalent.
Transformational leadership is essential for change.
Focus on scope one and two emissions for net zero.
Transparency in corporate goals is crucial.
Action is necessary to address climate change.
Understanding and addressing fear can lead to progress.

198: Coffee Watch: A Mission for Change with Etelle Higonnet

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Etelle Higonnet. She is the Founder & Director of Coffee Watch. A graduate of Yale Law School, she's an attorney and environmental and human rights activist. She previously worked at Mighty Earth, National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, as well as two war crimes courts.

She was knighted as a Chevalier de l'ordre national du Mérite in her home country of France for her pioneering efforts to curb deforestation in high-risk commodities with an emphasis on cocoa, rubber, palm oil, cattle, and soy industries. She has worked in over 30 countries, is widely published, speaks 9 languages, and is now dedicated to trying to end deforestation and slavery in the global coffee industry

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:

[00:00] -Introduction to Etelle Higonnet

[02:52] -The Birth of Coffee Watch

[04:22] -The Dark Side of Coffee Production

[08:27] -Child Labor in Coffee Farming

[15:04] -Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

[18:52] -The Role of Law in Corporate Accountability

[23:56] -Greenwashing and Consumer Power

[34:37] -Impact of Coffee Watch and Future Goals

[47:18] - Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Links from the episodes:

Where can people find our guest?

Coffee Watch

Etelle Higonnet

Key Takeaways:

Etelle's journey into human rights began in Guatemala as a teenager.
Coffee Watch aims to combat human rights and environmental abuses in the coffee industry.
Most coffee consumed globally is linked to child labor and deforestation.
Parents of child laborers want their children in school but face economic obstacles.
Living income for farmers can eliminate child labor and poverty in coffee production.
Certifications often do not guarantee a living wage for farmers.
Consumer demand can drive companies to adopt better practices.
Greenwashing is prevalent in the coffee industry, making it hard to identify ethical products.
Law enforcement is crucial for addressing illegal practices in the coffee industry.
The future of coffee production can be sustainable with consumer awareness and action.

197: The Role of Earthworms in Soil Health with Sam Baker

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Sam Baker. He shares his journey from studying chemistry and pyrotechnics to founding Wriggle Brew, a company focused on creating sustainable fertilizers using earthworms. He discusses the environmental challenges posed by synthetic fertilizers, the importance of soil health in combating climate change, and the role of decomposers in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Sam also highlights the challenges faced in developing their product and the significance of perseverance in scientific research. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of sustainability and the responsibility we all have to protect our planet.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:

[00:00]- The Journey Begins: From Pyrotechnics to Sustainability

[04:36]- Wriggle Brew: Revolutionizing Fertilizers with Earthworms

[06:41]- Soil Health: The Connection to Climate Change

[09:56]- The Impact of Synthetic Fertilizers on Soil and Ecosystems

[20:13]- The Science of Earthworms: Nature's Decomposers

[24:55]- Overcoming Challenges: The Trials of Wriggle Brew

[29:57]- Scaling Up: The Future of Wriggle Brew and Sustainable Practices

[36:57]- Final 5

Where can people find our guest?

Instagram - WriggleBrew

Instagram - Sam Baker

LinkedIn - WriggleBrew

LinkedIn - Sam Baker

TikTok

Yellowstone National Park

Key Takeaways:

Sam's journey began with a passion for chemistry and pyrotechnics.
Environmental challenges led Sam to focus on sustainable solutions.
Wriggle Brew uses earthworms to create organic fertilizers.
Synthetic fertilizers harm soil health and ecosystems.
Healthy soil is crucial for combating climate change.
Earthworms play a vital role in nutrient recycling.
The use of nitrogen fertilizers creates a feedback loop of soil depletion.
Science often involves trial and error in research.
Sustainability requires collective effort and responsibility.
The future of our planet depends on our actions today.

In next months episode we are are looking at some sustainability certifications. What it means and that to whatch out for.

196: Why National Parks Matter

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode of Mama Earth Talk, host Mariska shares her transformative experience hiking through Yellowstone National Park, emphasizing the beauty and importance of national parks for conservation, mental health, and cultural heritage. She discusses the challenges these parks face, including poaching and budget cuts, and highlights the need for protection and expansion of these vital spaces for future generations.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:

[00:00] Exploring the Beauty of Nature

[01:48] The Importance of National Parks

[08:51] Challenges Facing National Parks

[13:49] Why We Must Protect National Parks

Links from the episodes:

Yellowstone’s national park’s 150^th year anniversary with Kevin Costner

Wildland Trekking

5 Day hiking tour that we took

Bob Brown Foundation

Black Mamba's

Key Takeaways:

The beauty of untouched landscapes is transformative.
National parks are crucial for our mental and physical health.
Conservation and biodiversity are key reasons to protect parks.
National parks play a vital role in climate resilience.
Cultural and historical preservation is essential in national parks.
Spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety.
Budget cuts can lead to trail despair and increased poaching.
Education programs in parks are vital for awareness and protection.
Corporate encroachment poses a risk to national parks.
We must value and protect our national parks for future generations.

In our next episode, we’ll be talking worms, looking at some amazing ways they are playing their part.

195: The Ground Beneath Our Feet: A Hidden Climate Solution — with Rebecca Tickell

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Rebecca Tickell. She is an award-winning environmental filmmaker, activist, and co-director of Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, two powerful documentaries that spotlight the role of regenerative farming in healing our planet.

During this episode, we dive into the urgent need to restore soil health, the surprising connection between agriculture and climate change, and how storytelling can drive global transformation. Rebecca shares her journey from child actor to environmental changemaker, and offers practical ways we can all support a more sustainable food system.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:

[02:30]-Rebecca's Sustainable Journey

[06:00]- The Power of Regenerative Agriculture

[12:50]- Documentary Impact: Common Ground and Kiss the Ground

[17:30]- The Challenges of Farming

[24:00]- The Role of Community in regeneration

[33:55]- Final 5

Links from the episodes:

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

Common Ground - Official Trailer | Prime Video

Kiss the Ground - Official Movie Trailer (2020)

Where can people find our guest?

Key Takeaways:

Farmers who transition from industrialized agriculture to regenerative agriculture, over 90% of them saw an increase in their profits within year one.
Feeding the world is a myth... you have to be able to feed the farmers' families and that ecosystem that the food comes from.
Rebecca's journey began with witnessing the harmful effects of industrial farming in her family.
Regenerative agriculture can heal the planet and improve farmers' profits.
Soil health is crucial for climate stability and food nutrition.
Farmers often feel trapped in a cycle of debt and chemical dependence.
Community support is essential for transitioning to regenerative practices.
Eating locally and seasonally can help support sustainable farming.
The narrative of 'feeding the world' needs to shift to 'feeding communities'.
Conversations about farming practices must be approached with empathy and understanding.
There is hope for a sustainable future through collective action.

*Assets courtesy of Big Picture Ranch.

How to Support the Mama Earth Talk Podcast

Wed, 21 May 2025 05:30:00 +0400

Ever wondered how you can support Mama Earth Talk? In this special bonus episode, I (Mariska) answer the many requests from our amazing community about how to help us grow and continue spreading sustainability inspiration.

Ways to Support the Podcast:

1. Listen to More Episodes

Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform

Catch up on older episodes and explore curated playlists

2. Leave a Review

Reviews help others find the show and tell me what’s resonating with you.

You can leave a review on:

Podchaser (How to Video)
Apple Podcast (How to Video)
Spotify (How to Video)
or your favorite platform

3. Subscribe or Follow

Hit the Subscribe or Follow button on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.

4. Share the Podcast

Know someone who loves the planet or runs a purpose-driven business? Share your favorite episode with them.

5. Connect on Social Media

Engaging with us on social media helps us reach more people.

Instagram: @mamaearthtalk

6. Join Our Newsletter

Get eco-tips, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes updates delivered to your inbox.

Feeling Extra Generous?

Become a Monthly Supporter

If you’d like to go above and beyond, you can join our monthly membership. Your support directly helps keep the podcast going and growing—and you’ll get access to exclusive perks.

Sponsor or Collaborate with Us

We’re also opening a few sponsorship opportunities for upcoming episodes. If you’re an eco-conscious brand, purpose-driven business, or organization interested in partnering, we’d love to hear from you.

Reach out via our Contact Page or send a direct message on Instagram.

Your support—whether through listening, sharing, reviewing, or partnering—helps amplify our message of sustainability and inspires others to live lighter on the planet.

Thank you for being part of the Mama Earth Talk journey.

Mama Earth Talk: Real Stories, Honest Advice & a Greener Way Forward – Why Mama Earth Talk? What to Expect & How You’ll Be Inspired [Trailer]

Tue, 20 May 2025 09:00:00 +0400

Hello and welcome to Mama Earth Talk—a podcast for busy, eco-curious individuals and businesses who want to make a real difference, live a little lighter on the planet... and do it all without the pressure to be perfect.

I’m Mariska Nell, Founder and host of Mama Earth Talk and Tails and Tones. With a background in Environmental Science, a Master’s in Sustainable Design, and years of experience in sustainability across lifestyle and industry—I’m here to help you cut through the noise and take meaningful action.

Every Monday, I bring you honest conversations, relatable stories, and super practical tips to help you reduce waste and live more sustainably—in ways that actually fit your life and your work. Whether you’re making choices at home or guiding your business away from greenwashing toward real impact, this podcast is here to support you.

No guilt. No overwhelm. Just real talk, and real change—one small step at a time.

Most episodes are just you and me, but now and then, I’m joined by scientists, activists, creators, and changemakers from around the world—people who are doing the work and bringing us hope for the future.

If you’re already part of the Crazy Birds community—welcome back. And if you’re new here: welcome in. You’re officially one of us now.

You can listen to Mama Earth Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon—anywhere you tune in. And to subscribe, just head to MamaEarthTalk.com/listen.

Mama Earth has a voice—and it is us Crazy Birds.

Mama Earth Talk: The Thank You Episode – Behind the Mic, Beyond the Mission

Mon, 05 May 2025 09:00:00 +0400

In this special episode, I’m hitting pause—not on the podcast, but on the journey—to say thank you.

From the very first episode to now, over 180 episodes later, Mama Earth Talk has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined… and it’s all thanks to you—our amazing guests, loyal listeners, generous collaborators, mentors, and my beautiful Crazy Birds community.

Special thanks to:

and to all you amazing crazy birds checking in every week.

194: Is Coldplay’s Eco-Tour the Real Deal or Just Greenwashing? A Deep Dive into Sustainable Touring

Mon, 05 May 2025 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode of Mama Earth Talk, Mariska explores Coldplay's sustainability efforts during their world tour. She discusses the band's commitment to reducing carbon emissions, innovative solutions for sustainable touring, and the importance of transparency in their environmental claims. The episode highlights how Coldplay engages fans in their green initiatives and emphasizes that while they may not be perfect, their efforts are a significant step towards a more sustainable music industry.

[00:00] Coldplay's Sustainable Tour: An Introduction

[03:04]Coldplay's Commitment to Sustainability

[08:43] Innovative Solutions for Reducing Emissions

[13:12] Assessing Coldplay's Green Claims

[17:35] Engaging Fans in Sustainability

[22:19] The Verdict on Coldplay's Efforts

Links from the episodes:

157: How the sounds of the ocean can impact our lives with Joshua Sam Miller

057: How fries can fuel your car with Karl Feilder

090: How one tree planted can make a difference with Matt Hill

Where can people find Cold Play?

Cold Plays Sustainability

Key takeaways:

Coldplay's commitment to sustainability began with a pledge to not tour until they could do so sustainably.
They aim to reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to previous tours.
Partnerships with companies like DHL help reduce transport emissions.
Coldplay uses renewable energy sources to power their shows.
The band encourages fans to participate in sustainability efforts during concerts.
Transparency in sustainability reporting is crucial for building trust.
Coldplay's sustainability report is accessible and easy to understand.
Engaging fans in eco-friendly practices can inspire broader change.
Sustainability in the music industry is about progress, not perfection.
Coldplay's efforts could set a precedent for other artists and venues.

Photo: Coldplay via Spotify

193: Hope in Action with Dr. Jane Goodall

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:00:00 +0400

In this episode, we celebrate the incredible life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall — world-renowned primatologist, environmentalist, and lifelong advocate for animals and the planet.

During this very special episode, we reflect on her 91st birthday and share highlights from a rare and personal interview I had the honor of recording with her. We explore the connection between science, spirituality, and activism, dive into what chimpanzees might teach us about ourselves, and reimagine how we define our relationship with nature — all through the wise and hopeful lens of Dr. Goodall.

Happy birthday, Dr. Goodall. Thank you for your tireless work and for showing us that every individual makes a difference.

Thank you for all the messages and inparticular the two below:

Yolande Swanepoel

Her favorite quote from Dr. Jane is: “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.”

She writes: “Thank you, Dr. Jane, for all your inspiration, and keep doing what you do to inspire the younger generation. One person cannot save all the animals, BUT one person can make a difference for animals.”

Raksha Uttamchandani

“On your birthday, Dr. Goodall, I would simply say: Thank you. Thank you for showing us that every small action matters, that hope is a choice, and that one voice—when used with purpose—can inspire a global movement. Wishing you a day filled with the same joy and wonder you’ve given to the world.”

Thank you for the amazing team at Terra at Expo and Roots and Shoots for hosting this amazing event.

Links from the episodes:

Waste Me Not Campaign

Wounda's Journey

Where can people find Dr. Jane?

Jane Googall Institute

Roots & Shoots

Roots & Shoots UAE

180: 1% for the Planet: Pioneering Global Environmental Solutions with Kate Williams

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Together we can, together we will, together we must change the world”

192: Plugging the Past, Protecting the Future: Curtis Shuck on Fixing Abandoned Wells

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Curtis Shuck. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Well-Done Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to tackling the environmental challenges posed by the millions of orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells.

During this episode we dig deep into the scale of the issue, the environmental impact of their work as well as look at the innovative solutions the Well Done Foundation is implementing.

Links from the episodes:

Landman

Where can people find Curtis and the Well Done Foundation?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Leaving things better than we found them"

191: Revolutionizing Philanthropy and Fighting Factory Farming with Thom Norman

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Thom Norman. He is trailblazer in the fight against factory farming and the founder of FarmKind—the first organization to use research-backed insights from GivingMultiplier.org to address this critical issue. FarmKind helps donors maximize their impact by splitting contributions between expert-recommended charities tackling factory farming’s effects on animals and the planet, and their own favorite causes, with bonuses to amplify both. Thom’s work is revolutionizing philanthropy to create a more humane and sustainable world.

During this episode, we explore how Thom transitioned from the courtroom to advocating against factory farming, shedding light on its profound environmental and ethical impacts. He shares thought-provoking insights on greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and the psychological toll of our food choices. We also dive into the innovative work of FarmKind, from leveraging psychology to amplify the impact of ethical donations to collaborating with chefs to transform supply chains.

Links from the episodes

Where can people find Thom and FarmKind?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Empowering consumers to make a difference in farming”

190: Empowering Conservation with Brett Jenks: Rare’s Global Impact on Climate and Sustainability

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Brett Jenks, who leads Rare, a global organization empowering communities to protect and manage natural resources sustainably. As CEO, he has driven initiatives like Fish Forever—the world’s largest coastal fishery recovery effort—and has blended behavioral science with community-led conservation, expanding the organization’s reach to over 60 countries to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable agriculture. He has also extended this work into the for-profit sector with The Meloy Fund. Additionally, he is a Catto Fellow, Braddock Scholar, McNulty Prize laureate, and trustee of the Grantham Trust. His commitment to our planet has earned him global recognition, including the Rose-Walters Prize for Environmental Activism.

During this episode, we explore Rare’s innovative approach to conservation, including how behavioral science and community-led efforts are transforming global environmental action. We discuss lessons from partnerships, the role of impact investing, and the potential of tech innovations like the EverForest game. Plus, we uncover practical steps listeners can take to support conservation and examine the decisions that have shaped Rare’s impact under his leadership.

Links from the episodes:

Ever Forrest Game

Where can people find Brett and Rare?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“People change when they see other people change.”

189: Sustainable Packaging Unwrapped with Wendy Jedlička

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Wendy Jedlička. She has a strong background in design, manufacturing, and business. As a Lifetime Certified Packaging Professional and certified Sustainability Associate, she brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable design and business strategies. She is the president of a packaging design firm that specializes in creating sustainable solutions, and she’s played a key role in coordinating the o2 International Network for Sustainable Design in the US. Beyond her work in the field, she also develops curriculum and teaches courses on sustainable design, marketing, and business. An internationally recognized speaker and prolific writer, she’s contributed to leading design publications and authored chapters in well-known books, bringing cutting-edge insights to professionals worldwide.

During this episode we talked about our guest’s journey into sustainable packaging, exploring what first inspired her, how packaging has evolved, and the latest materials and technologies shaping its future. She dispels common misconceptions about sustainable packaging, shares the biggest challenges businesses face in adopting sustainable practices, and discusses her efforts to weave sustainability into education. We also talk about her books, Packaging Sustainability and Sustainable Graphic Design, and hear her advice for anyone wanting to make a meaningful impact.

Links from the episodes:

Course 77 video

Nanobag

Where can people find Wendy?

MCAD

O2 Upper Midwest

KEY TAKE AWAY

"Products and packaging needs to be a team and currently they are not treated that way."

188: Bread, Buckwheat, and Bold Moves: Maddie Hamann’s Journey with PACHA

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Maddie Hamann, a remarkable individual with a journey that spans diverse fields. She began with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, followed by a Ph.D. in Oceanography, and went on to manage large-scale projects, ranging from research campaigns to art installations. Eventually, she made the bold move to start a sustainable bread company.

Her passion for healing humanity’s relationship with our planet led her to realize that her skills in organizing and executing impactful projects could make a greater difference than research alone. Now, as Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at PACHA, she promotes regenerative agriculture through healthy eating.

During this episode, we talked about what inspired Maddie’s career shift, the origins of PACHA, and why buckwheat was chosen for its environmental benefits. We also discussed her vision for PACHA’s future—all with a focus on supporting Mama Earth.

Links from the episodes:

Kiss the ground documentary

Invest in Pacha

Where can people find Maddie and Pacha?

LinkedIn - Maddie

KEY TAKE AWAY

“I wanted to be part of the solution.”

187: Sustainable Business Insights: Paul Hargreaves on B Corp and The Fourth Bottom Line

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Paul Hargreaves, the CEO of Cotswold Fayre and Flourish, two award-winning businesses committed to sustainability. Paul's company was one of the first in the UK to certify as a B Corp, setting a powerful example for other companies looking to balance purpose and profit. He’s also a speaker and author of Forces for Good and The Fourth Bottom Line, where he explores the impact businesses can have beyond the traditional triple bottom line.

During this episode, we delve into Paul's inspiring sustainability journey and discuss how businesses can drive positive change for both people and the planet. We’ll uncover what it really takes to become B Corp certified, the challenges along the way, and how companies can go beyond certification to create lasting legacies. Paul shares insights into how Cotswold Fayre integrates sustainability into everyday operations and explains the concept of the “fourth bottom line.” Plus, he offers a glimpse into the future of business as a force for good, and what he's most proud of on this mission to protect Mama Earth.

Links from the episodes

Triple bottom line episode with Julian Gunderley

1% for the planet episode with Kate Williams

Where can people find Paul?

Cotswold Fayre

Flourish

Paul LinkedIn

Ellen MacArthur Foundation

KEY TAKE AWAY

“You can be a successful business and do good for the world at the same time.”

186: Circular Economy in Action

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +0400

In this episode, we dive into the concept of the circular economy, exploring how it differs from the traditional linear model and why it’s essential for a sustainable future. From understanding the role of design in extending product lifecycles to discovering innovative companies like Loop by Terracycle and Herman Miller, we highlight real-world examples of circularity in action.

Key differences between the linear and circular economies:

Linear Economy: Us humans have adopted a linear approach that maximizes profits without paying the true costs. (Short term profit, no real thought of the long term implications)
Circular Economy: Nature shows us the way with a circular approach, where everything goes back into the earth to feed the next cycle, maximizing the life cycle of products. (There is a )
Linear Economy: Waste equals waste.
Circular Economy: Waste equals food for the next step in the cycle.
Linear Economy: Design prioritizes customer needs, usability, and appealing packaging.
Circular Economy: Design prioritizes recycling, easy repair and replacement of components, and ultimately, a product's full lifecycle.

Links from the episodes:

The Story of stuff by Annie Leonard

Patagonia

The Shitthropocene | Full Film | Welcome to the Age of Cheap Crap

KEY TAKE AWAY

“The circular economy reimagines waste as a resource, driving sustainability by keeping products and materials in use and regenerating nature.”

Image Source: Final Straw

185: From Milestones to Community A Journey in Sustainability and Connection

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +0400

In this episode, I am thrilled to return after a brief hiatus to share some exciting personal and professional updates. I recently graduated with a post-grad degree in Environmental Science, making the Dean's List, and am now diving into a Master's in Sustainable Design with a focus on transforming sustainability in the pet industry as well as a Masters in Environmental Science. I also proudly attended my Australian Citizenship ceremony and embarked on training for my first ultra marathon. Additionally, our family has decided to call Dubai home once again, and I am recording this episode from my brand-new green room, excited to test out some new setups.

During this episode, we discuss the importance of community, especially in transient cities like Dubai. Reflecting on my recent experiences and studies, I delve into the role of community in fostering resilience and support. Highlighting the inspiring work of past guest Shani Graham and her TED Talks on building and sustaining community, I explore various ways to get involved, from Buy Nothing groups to community gardens. I encourage listeners to find or start local initiatives, emphasizing that every small step counts towards making a positive impact. Join me as we reconnect and rediscover the power of community in driving sustainability and personal growth.

Links from the episodes:

136: Why building a resilient and connected community is important for a sustainable future with Shani Graham

Take a street and build a community: Shani Graham at TEDxPerth

Resilience in turbulent times? The answer is community. | Shani Graham | TEDxPerth

178: Sailing the waves of change a conversation with Captain Paul Watson

Free Captain Paul Watson

Bob Brown Foundation

Key Take Away

“There are so many different ways how we can step up or step in and join a community. ”

184: Virtual Reality, Real Impact with Briege Whitehead

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Briege Whitehead. She is the Founder and Creative Director of White Spark Pictures, driven by a passion for storytelling. Through her innovative work in film, she inspires change and elevates environmental awareness. A critically acclaimed director and executive producer, she has spearheaded numerous projects, including 'Impossible Planet' and 'Beyond the Milky Way.' Notably, her groundbreaking VR hit, 'The Antarctica Experience,' earned her the Channel 7’s Western Australian Young Achiever of the Year Award. Other awards include the 40under40 winner (2020), former SPA (Screen Producers Australia) 'One-to-Watch,' and the winner of the 2020 ECU International Alumni Award.

During this episode, we discussed how the origins of her sustainable journey intertwined storytelling with environmental advocacy, emphasizing the importance of factual content. We also delved into her groundbreaking VR project, 'The Antarctica Experience,' and explored some exciting new projects she has in the pipeline.

Links from the episodes:

White Spark Pictures Programmes

Where can people find Briege?

The best books on environmental impact assessment

Key Take Away

“You take it for granted when it is in your own backyard”

183: How Environmental Impact Assessment Shapes Our Sustainable Future: Insights with Angus Morrison-Saunders

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Angus Morrison-Saunders. He is an Environmental Impact Assessment expert with over 35 years of experience. He has excelled in academia, research, and consultancy as well as an editor of leading EIA journals and a dedicated environmental consultant, who has significantly shaped the field.

During this episode we talked about origins of EIA, highlighted EIA's pivotal role in mitigating environmental impacts, and explored challenges like defining "significant" impacts and the comprehensive EIA process. Emphasizing the evolving role of public engagement, obstacles in EIA, the practice of offsetting impacts, and the necessity of collaboration between sectors.

Links from the episodes:

Where can people find Angus?

ECU

Key Take Away

“Think before you act”

182: From Green Hues to Environmental Blues: Decoding Eutrophication's Impact with Mariska Nell

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, I share with you one of the important topics that I looked out in depth this year, that is eutrophication. It might seem like a big word and if you are wondering what am I talking about, well it simple terms it is mainly the greenish water that you might often come across in some of the aqua systems, but there is a lot more to it.

The term, eutrophication. originating from the Greek word "eutrophos,", meaning well-nourished, is a complex environmental issue that has far-reaching consequences on aquatic ecosystems. This phenomenon involves the enrichment of aquatic environments with excess nutrients, leading to profound ecological changes. While eutrophication can occur naturally over extended periods, the recent acceleration of this process is primarily attributed to human activities, marking it as a significant contemporary environmental challenge.

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Every step no matter how big or small can make a difference.”

181: Adventures for change with Lisa Blair

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Lisa Blair. She is a record holding sailor, that only started her sailing journey at the age of 25 and in seven short years, started making history. She was the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica with one stop, overcoming a dramatic dismasting at sea. She went on to lead the first all-female team in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race after setting two more world records by sailing solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Australia. In 2022, she became the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica while conducting crucial ocean health research. With over 110,000 nautical miles under her belt, she is not only an accomplished sailor but also an author, adventurer, and inspirational speaker.

During this episode we talked about some of the challenges she faced while sailing solo around Antarctica, What inspired her naming her boat Climate Action Now. Some of the magical wild life encounters she shared while at sea as well as how climate change and the plastic pollution is impacting our oceans.

Links from the episodes:

178: Sailing the waves of change a conversation with Captain Paul Watson

Climate Action Now Message

Ice Maiden the film

Facing Fear Book

Melanie Perkins (Canva)

Million Dollar Island

Where can people find Lisa?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“The rhythm of the planet is changing.”

180: 1% for the Planet: Pioneering Global Environmental Solutions with Kate Williams

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Kate Williams. She is the CEO at 1 % for the Planet. Founded in 2002 it is a global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions. Her relentless dedication to environmental sustainability has made her a driving force in corporate responsibility.

During this episode, we talked about what exactly is 1% for the planet, how the certification process works as well as what type organisations forms part of the 1% for the planet network. We also dug into some of Kate’s goals and aspirations as CEO and the involvement of the environment over the last two decades of 1 % of the planet.

Links from the episodes:

Let my People go surfing book by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of 1% for the Planet

Planet impact fund

British cycling team

Where can people find Kate and 1% for the Planet?

LinkedIn - 1% for the Planet

LinkedIn - Kate Williams

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Progress not perfection”

179: Green Amendments for a Sustainable Future with Maya van Rossum

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Maya van Rossum. She is the founder of Green Amendments For the Generations, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to securing constitutional recognition and protection of environmental rights. She has been a passionate advocate for the health of the Delaware River and its tributaries for over 30 years as the Delaware Riverkeeper. She was a lead petitioner in the landmark Robinson Township case and has testified multiple times before US Congressional Committees. She is also the author of The Green Amendment, Securing Our Right to a Healthy Environment, which won the 2018 Living Now Evergreen Awards GOLD in the Nature Conservation category.

During this episode we looked at what green amendments are and how we can secure our right to an environmental future and what it takes to be the voice of a river.

Links from the episodes:

Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass

Sharma vs Minister for Environment case in Australia.

The Green Amendment book

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

Where can people find Maya?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“The laws, fundamentally fail us.”

178: Sailing the waves of change a conversation with Captain Paul Watson

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Captain Paul Watson. He is a true legend in, marine wildlife conservation and environmental activist. As one of the founding members of Greenpeace (which he left in 1977) and founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Captain Watson has spent his life fighting for the protection of our oceans and marine life. He continues this mission today through the new Captain Paul Watson Foundation.

A master mariner, accomplished author, and renowned speaker, he has received numerous honors for his dedication to the planet, including the Genesis Award for Lifetime Achievement, being named one of Time Magazine's Top 20 Environmental Heroes of the 20th Century, and induction into the U.S. Animal Rights Hall of Fame. In 2007, he was awarded the Amazon Peace Prize by the president of Ecuador and in 2012, he became only the second person, after Captain Jacques Cousteau, to receive the Jules Verne Award for environmentalists and adventurers.

During this episode we talked about the current state of our oceans, how we are all connected to the oceans and took a deep dive into the environmental movements, the role media plays and what the future might have in store for us.

Links from the episodes:

Seaspiracy

Where can people find Captain Paul Watson?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Be passionate, courageous and persistent”

177: Reducing Plastic Pollution with Doug Woodring

Mon, 01 May 2023 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Doug Woodring. He is the Founder and Managing Director at Ocean Recovery Alliance. He was also awarded the coveted Prince's Prize for Innovative Philanthropy from Prince Albert of Monaco for his work in this space. He is the originator and initiator of Rebound Plastic Exchange for the global trading of recycled plastic feedstock in a certified, verified manner.

During this episode we took a deep dive on how his sustainable journey started, Looking at the Great pacific garbage patch. We also talked about the importance of organisation and consumers in the current plastic waste problem as well as looked at some of their wonderful initiatives they have started from an app all the way through to their Plastic Disclosure Projects.

Links from the episodes

010: Top Tip Thursday The Great Pacific Garbage Patch with Mariska Nell

Ellen Macarthur Foundation

Global Alert App

Where can people find Doug?

090: How one tree planted can make a difference with Matt Hill

KEY TAKE AWAY

“They are reminded to recycle.”

176: Changing the way we milk with Alicia Long

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Alicia Long. She is the founder and CEO of Nutr, a sustainable wellness brand that is changing the way we consume milk. She has been featured in major outlets such as Good Morning America, TODAY Show, Forbes, New York Magazine, Women’s Health.

During this episode we talked about some of the benefits to us as well as the planet to switching to a milk alternative and we take a look at what exactly is Nutr and how is it revolutionising the way we enjoy milk alternatives without packaging.

Links from the episodes:

Nutr Recipes

Step down Converter This is the one I have, but you can use anyone that steps down from a US to where you are located.

Where can people find Alicia?

15% Discount code - MAMAEARTH15

KEY TAKE AWAY

“It all starts with a problem that you experience.”

175: Why saying no to shark fin soup is so important with Andrea Richey

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 21:00:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Andrea Richey. She is an animal activist, educator, TEDx Speaker and know by many as the Shark Lady. She is the Executive director of the Hong Kong Shark Foundation where she is reaching out to over 10,000 students annually to encourage them to say no to shark fin soup.

During this episode we take a look at the shark fin industry, from what a bowl of soup would cost you, to what that bowl of soup is costing the environment. Andrea also gave us some great tips that we can do to help out our sharks and make sure the are around for future generations.

Links from the episodes

Where can people find Andrea?

YouTube - Andrea's TEDx Talk

KEY TAKE AWAY

“You can actually be the change”

174: How dogs are assisting with scientific research with Kayla Fratt

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Kayla Fratt. She is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and the founder of K9 Conservationists and extremely dedicated to effective and humane dog training methods.

During this episode we talked about how these K9’s are doing their part for the environment when it comes to conservation. What training they go through and also looked at a cool project with Cheethas she was part of in Kenya.

Links from the episodes

My top 20 Christmas Stocking fillers

058: Be My Sustainable Valentine with Mariska Nell

145: Sustainable holiday gift ideas with Mariska Nell

A video that K9 Conservationists made to try and win a new field vehicle, but shows our dogs and our purpose nicely before the final vehicle pitch.

K9 Conservationists's mission and core values

Where can people find Kayla?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Focussing on what you can control and doing your best to let go of the rest.”

173: One Green Thing with Heather White

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Heather White. She is the founder and CEO of One Green Thing, Sustainability and climate leader, eco-anxiety expert, speaker and the author of “One Green Thing: Discover Your Hidden Power to Help Save the Planet” and referred to by Erin Brockovich as the Brené Brown of the environmental movement.

During this episode we talked about what is eco anxiety, how can we address our own eco anxiety as well as some daily things you could do to help you on your sustainable journey.

Links from the episodes

Where can people find Heather?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Spend time in nature.”

172: Setting Goals with Mariska Nell

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 13:30:00 +0400

In this episode, I share with you some of the important progress we have made in the climate change fight. What I am excited for in 2023 and also provide you with some tips on how you can start setting goals for your sustainable journey.

Links from the episodes:

004: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Waste In The Kitchen with Mariska Nell

008: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Waste In The Bathroom with Mariska Nell

022: Top Tip Thursday, Food Waste with Mariska Nell

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

164: Zero Waste Tips for the bathroom with Mariska Nell

My top 10 tips to reduce your waste

4 Ways to Minimise Your Carbon Footprint at Home

KEY TAKE AWAY

“You don't have to do everything, you just need to do something.”

171: Why Coral Reefs are important with Shelby Thomas

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Shelby Thomas. She is the founder and CEO of the Ocean Rescue Alliance a marine conservation and restoration non-profit organization. She is also the CEO of the 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project as well as a PhD Candidate with the University of Florida.

During this episode we talked about the importance of coral reefs. Take a deep dive into some options that you can do to help out our oceans and corals as well as look at some of the amazing artistic project they are working on in and around the ocean.

Links from the episodes

Where can people find Shelby?

LinkedIn - Ocean Rescue Alliance

LinkedIn - Shelby

Website - Ocean Rescue Alliance

Website - 1000 Mermaids

KEY TAKE AWAY

“”

170: Green Business making a difference with Billy Fetzner

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Billy Fetzner. He is an ecopreneur, podcaster, and coach working to make the world a greener place by helping ecopreneurs scale their businesses through the power of harnessing their own creativity.

During this episode we talked about how his sustainable journey started, some ecopreneurs for you to keep an eye on as well as giving you some tips when you want to move into the ecopreneur space.

Links from the episodes

Where can people find Billy?

Green Business Impact Podcast

The Friendly Futurist podcast episode with Dave Monk, Mariska Nell and Lina Yarysh

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Find something that you are passionate about.”

169: The future of farming with Lina Yarysh

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Lina Yarysh. She is the Head of Customer Success Manger at EOS Data Analytics, a global provider of AI-powered satellite imagery analytics.

During this episode we talked about how satellites and AI can revolutionize the agricultural industry, reducing food and water waste. We took a deep dive on how these systems work and how some communities around the world have already benefited from this technology.

Links from the episodes:

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

Where can people find Lina?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“If you can measure it, you can control it.”

168: Sustainable Investing with Zach Stein

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 17:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Zach Stein. He is the co-founder of Carbon Collective, the first online investment advisor 100% focused on solving climate change with a clear theory of change around 100% divestment from fossil fuels, reinvestment into science-based climate solutions, and shareholder advocacy.

During this episode we talked about what is the Carbon Collective. Why it is important for us to divest from fossil fuels and reinvest in climate solutions. Zach provides is with some tips what to look out for when you would like your investments to solve climate change.

Links from the episodes

Fossil Free Funds

Where can people find Zach?

LinkedIn - Carbon Collective

LinkedIn - Zach

157: How the sounds of the ocean can impact our lives with Joshua Sam Miller

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Invest in the world, you actually want to retire into.”

167: Sailing to sustainability with Leonardo Zangrando

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 20:00:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Leonardo Zangrando. He is a Transformational Coach helping gamechangers who want to make the World a better place, look beyond their current horizon to multiply their impact. Founder of Startups 4 Oceans.

During this episode we talked about Leonardo’s upcoming journey for a solo trip around the world for Ocean Sustainability. He also provides us with some great tips for anyone wanting to start an eco-venture.

Links from the episodes:

My Sustainability Kits Images

Whale Art

Where can people find Leonardo?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“We are not passengers on the planet, we are part of it.”

166: How to create Sustainability Starter Kits with Mariska Nell

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode I will be sharing with you How to create Sustainability Starter Kits, This three sustainability kits will reduce the time you spend searching for your reusable items and zero waste essentials. Making it easier for you to be zero waste with less effort.

MY SUSTAINABILITY DRAWER

Reusable shopping bags
Reusable cloth and produce bags
Stasher bags
Beeswax wraps
Reusable silicone wraps
Reusable fabric lid covers
Reusable cutlery set
Bread bag
Reusable egg container
Widdow socks
Reusable coffee cups

MY SUSTAINABILITY KIT

Shopping bag
Water Bottle
Beeswax wraps
Cutlery set
Chopsticks
Straw and straw cleaner
Coffee Cup or Glass jar*
Napkin or cloth*

ALWAYS IN THE CAR

Reusable shopping bags
Cloth bags
Produce bags
Glass containers
Tins

Links from the episodes:

The Swag Bags

Stasher Bag

KEY TAKE AWAY

"The most sustainable items are the ones you already have.”

165: Why is creativity important in sustainability with Mari Reisberg

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Mari Reisberg. She is a therapist, performer, creativity coach, and host of the Sustaining Creativity Podcast. She holds a BFA in Acting from the Hartt School and an MA in Somatic Counseling Psychology, Dance/Movement Therapy, from Naropa University.

During this episode we talked about how we can use creativity in our lives to help us on our sustainable journey, fun ways to tap into our creativity as well as some tips to help you when you feel stuck when it comes to creativity.

Where can people find Mari?

008: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Waste In The Bathroom with Mariska Nell

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Giving yourself some structure can help spark some creativity.”

164: Zero Waste Tips for the bathroom with Mariska Nell

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we take a look at Zero Waste Tips for the bathroom. How you can reduce your waste with a few simple steps

During this episode we talked about what is zero waste, tips on reducing waste and then take a deep dive into what pesky plastics are lurking in your bathroom and provide you with some plastic free solutions in the bathrooms.

Links from the episodes:

002: Top Tip Thursday on Living More Sustainable Using The 5R’s with Mariska Nell

151: Biork A Great Plastic Free and Zero Waste Deodorant with Philip Wagner

108: How one bottle of shampoo is making a difference with Lindsey McCoy

023: The last razor that you would ever buy with Adam Simone

093: The Last Swab that you would ever need with Isabel Aagaard

146: How a Plastic Free Sunscreen can safe our reefs with Jade Chan

154: Feeling Good with Kooshoo

Elate Beauty

Who Gives A Crap

Recipes to try:

Foaming Face Wash

AM Cream With Sun Protection

Hard Watermark Cleaner

Toilet Bombs

Wakey Wakey scent to start the day fresh

163: How we can use all the resources from sustainable energy with John Belizaire

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to John Belizaire. He is the CEO of Soluna Computing, Inc. John is on a mission to reimagine the renewable energy grid and to make renewable energy more efficient and environmentally friendly. Soluna is currently focused on some of the biggest unsolved problems for the economics of renewable energy: sustainable computing, sustainable data center spaces and wasted energy.

During this episode we take a look at how we can use all the resources from sustainable energy. What we could use those resources for as well as take a deep dive into some of the energy hungry computing that can benefit from Soluna Computing.

Links from the episodes:

Mama Earth Talk podcast episode with John Cooley

Who is Gary Vaynerchuck?

Dorothy Project

Soluna Career Page

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Where can people find John?

Clean Integration Podcast

KEY TAKE AWAY

“The price of solar equipment has dropped by 99.6%”

162: How ethical and sustainable are Lithium batteries with John Cooley

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Dr. John Cooley. He is the co-founder and Chief of Products and Innovation of Nanoramic Laboratories. Where he focus on technology development and commercialization. He has led the execution of Nanoramic’s first product lines. He co-authored multiple winning grant proposals, holds five technical degrees from MIT including the Ph.D. from the Electrical Engineering dept and also won both the David Adler Memorial Thesis Prize and the Morris Joseph Levin Award for his thesis work and was a Martin Family Fellow in 2009.

During this episode we talked about the ethicality and sustainability of Lithium batteries. How easy or it is to recycle batteries as well as how their battery will impact the automotive industry.

Where can people find John?

How can NFT's Help The Artistic Community?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Our hope is that we can accelerate the pace of EV adoption.”

161: What is Web 3.0 with Dave Monk

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Dave Monk. He is the Founder and Creative Director at Podcasts West, a Metaverse Evangelist, Host of The Friendly Futurist Podcast and a casual academic at Edith Cowan University.

During this episode we talked about what is web 3.0, what “green” NFT’s and Crypto currencies are there at the moment as well as what the future might look like in a web 3.0 world.

Links from the episodes:

We need to make the metaverse safe for everyone. Here's how.

3 technologies that will shape the future of the metaverse – and the human experience

Where can people find Dave?

The Friendly Futurist Podcast

KEY TAKE AWAY

“We can regenerate the future.”

160: How to set up your own worm farm with Cathy Nesbitt

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Cathy Nesbitt. She is a Health and Wellness Advocate. She is the founder of Cathy’s Crawly Composters (Est 2002), Cathy’s Sprouters and Cathy’s Laughter Club. She is a multi award-winning environmental innovator who uses workshops and inspirational speaking to motivate people to live a more sustainable life. She is also a certified Laughter Yoga Teacher. Working title is Cathy Crawly Laughing Bean Queen.

During this episode we talked about how to set up your own vermicomposting, what to avoid putting into the composting as well as the pro’s from doing vermicomposting. We also took a look at how a daily dose of laughter could be beneficial to your health.

Links from the episodes:

Kiss the Ground Documentary

Cathy's Weekly Zoom Laughter Club

Squirm - The Cathy's Crawly Composters Story

Where can people find Cathy?

Website - Cathy's Crawly Composters

Website - Cathy's Chuckle Club

KEY TAKE AWAY

“When we feel good, we do good.”

159: What health benefits eliminating toxic cleaning products and single-use plastics from your house has with Simona Sotirovska

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Simona Sotirovska. She is the co-founder of The Botanist Dubai, a UAE born brand offering a toxin free, botanical and eco-friendly home care and home cleaning range.

During this episode to took a deep dive in what is the Botanist, why they are on a mission to eliminate toxins and single-use plastics and what health benefits it has for us to remove them.

Links from the episodes

Where can people find The Botanist Dubai?

011: Executive Director of Surge, Marita Peters

KEY TAKE AWAY

“You don’t need the harsh chemicals to get a good clean.”

158: How decentralization is impacting water with Riggs Eckelberry

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Riggs Eckelberry. He is the founder and CEO of the innovative water technology company, OriginClear, that has developed and licensed a decentralized system that treats industrial and agricultural waste water worldwide with very little energy and no chemicals.

During this episode we take look at the importance of industries and agriculture treating water. The process that Origin Clear use to make that possible as well as how a financial decentralization of water can impact water as we know it.

Links from the episodes:

154: Feeling Good with Kooshoo

153: NFT for Good with Mariska Nell

Where can people find Riggs?

Facebook - Origin Clear

Facebook - Riggs

LinkedIn - Origin Clear

LinkedIn - Riggs

Dr Sylvia Earle Podcast Episode

KEY TAKE AWAY

“The purpose of having it is to make the world a better place.”

157: How the sounds of the ocean can impact our lives with Joshua Sam Miller

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Joshua Sam Miller. He is a musician & environmentalist focused on helping people connect back to nature through immersive audio and visual experiences. He is the Chief Sound Explorer at Embodied Sounds and creator of Sounds of the Ocean, which supports mental wellness and ocean conservation efforts around the world.

During this episode we take a look at the importance of connecting to nature, therapeutic and healing roles that sound play in our lives as well as taking a deep dive into Joshua’s Sound of the Ocean.

Links from the episodes:

Oceanic Global Tips

Where can people find Joshua?

The Embodied Sounds Podcast

Website - Joshua Sam Miller

Website - Sounds of the Ocean

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Spend as much time as possible in nature.”

156: Reflecting with Mariska Nell

Mon, 30 May 2022 12:00:00 +0400

Reflecting on the Mama Earth Talk podcast and sharing my top interviews and tips if you are new to zero waste, the podcast or just would love a little recap on some of the great guests we had on the podcast. From Dr Sylivia Earle, Rob Greenfield, Zero waste royalty Bea Johnson, Gary Vayberchuck’s Chief heart officer, Claude Silver, Columbia University Director Dr Steven Cohen to Eco with Em and many more.

Links from the episodes:

3 Podcast to get you started if you are new to zero waste:

002: Top Tip Thursday on Living More Sustainable Using The 5R’s with Mariska Nell

004: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Waste In The Kitchen with Mariska Nell

008: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Waste In The Bathroom with Mariska Nell

Download your free Beginner's Guide to Waste-Free Living

3 of my favorite episodes with great guests:

149: How to have Energy on Purpose with Indira Dejtiar

123: How One Womans Artivism Is Creating A Ripple Of Change With Emily Ehlers

Some other amazing guests that we had on the podcast that I mentioned in this episodes:

139: How One Movement is making a ripple effect of change with Petrice Jones

135: How Flow Hive is “beeing” the change with Stuart Anderson

133: How My Farm Dubai built an eco system not just a food system with Mohamed Aissaoui

132: How a minimalist lifestyle can maximize our wellness with Becca Shern

128: How an urban harvester is bringing awareness to the food crisis with Matt Homewood

126: How To Live A Low Tox Life With Alexx Stuart

119: How 1 Million Women is making a difference with Natalie Isaacs

107: How a zero-waste chef turns waste into amazing food with Anne-Marie Bonneau

105: How one dude is making a difference with Rob Greenfield

102: How Big Green is bringing the focus on food back to schools with Tighe Brown

029: How the Zero Waste Queen started her journey with Bea Johnson

155: How to master our sustainability talk with Brenden Kumarasamy

Mon, 16 May 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Brenden Kumarasamy. He is the founder of Master Talk. A public speaking coach helping ambitious executives and coaches become top 1% communicators in their industries. He also has a popular YouTube channel called MasterTalk, with the goal of providing free access to communication tools for everyone in the world. He is also a member of Spring Charity Water.

During this episode we talked about the importance of communication, how we can use it to make our voices heard and raise awareness for Mama Earth. Brenden also gave us some great tips and tools that we can use to become great communications.

Where can people find Brenden?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“We need everybody.”

154: Feeling Good with Kooshoo

Mon, 02 May 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Jesse Schiller and Rachel Evans. They are the Founders of Kooshoo, a Vancouver based company, that is dedicated to working with ethical and sustainable suppliers to make beautiful organic products that work for you. They are also committed to using earth friendly materials, transparency in their supply chain, and fair-trade production.

During this episode we take a look at what exactly is Kooshoo and why it was so important for them to create the first ever zero waste hair tie as well as what it takes to creating a closed loop product that is good for us as well as Mama Earth.

Links from the episodes:

Sustainability and Certifications

Where can people find Kooshoo?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“You are not too small too make a difference.”

153: NFT for Good with Mariska Nell

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 17:30:00 +0400

In this episode, I share with you more about the NFT that I have been working on that is built on three pillars to shine a light on my trash to treasure art, sustainability as well as giving back.

During this episode we take a look at what exactly is the NFT and how each aspect of it is shining a light on Mama Earth.

Links from the episodes

About the NFT

Phase 1 of the NFT

Discord Community

Where to buy the NFT's

KEY TAKE AWAY

“I wanted to create something that can do good and give back.”

152: How to create a stress-free life with Charlotte Stebbing-Mills and Jonathan Mills

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Charlotte Stebbing-Mills and Jonathan Mills. They are both Master Coaches and the Co-Founders of the Wellness Theory. With over 35+ years combined in health, fitness and wellness; this duo has been empowering individuals all over the world to become happier, healthier versions of themselves. They coach under 45s to eliminate stress, calm a racing mind, feel in control of emotions & build a healthy, meaningful life. They are also the podcast hosts of Stress Relief in your pocket with the Wellness Theory.

During this episode we take a look into stress and why it is important for us to understand stress and unhealthy stress. They also provide us with a bit of a deep dive into the three different levels of stress management as well as provide us with a great breathing exercise you can do right now to align more with Mama Earth as well.

Links from the episodes

The Magic 8 Wellness Journal Paperback

Stress-Free wellness scorecard

Where can people find The Wellness Theory?

LinkedIn - Charlotte Stebbing-Mills

LinkedIn - Jonathan Mills

What to do when your stone is broken?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“When we are healthy and well, we can become a force for good in the world.”

151: Biork A Great Plastic Free and Zero Waste Deodorant with Philip Wagner

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Philip Wagner. He is the creator of the Biork Deo. That is an unscented and hypoallergenic. It is a plastic free and zero waste deodorant and has been a hit in our house the last couple of years.

During this episode we look at what exactly is Biork and how it works as a deodorant. Why the cork packaging was important to them as well as some creative ways to upcycle your Biork Cork.

Links from the episodes

Upcycling ideas for your empty Biok cork

Refill stone

Refillable BioVitamin

Where can people find Biork?

Where to buy Biork around the world?

Where to buy Biork in Europe?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“We have to save Mama Earth”

150: How The Block Dock is changing the way we use bars with Clare Wilson

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Clare Wilson. She is an imperfect minimalist committed to a low consumption lifestyle. She is the maker of the Block Dock for bars and a range of annoying-problem-solving household accessories. The Block Dock’s intentions is to switch and stay switched and to give up the bottle for good.

During this episode we looked at some of the pro’s of using bar products instead of plastic bottled products. We also take a bit of a deep dive in how the Block Dock was created and the problems it solved and how their company is creating local impact with a global product.

Links from the episodes

Shelfie

Where can people find Clare and The Block Dock?

Dr. Joe Dispenza's Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself - How to lose your mind and create a new one

KEY TAKE AWAY

“If a plastic bottle is never made it can never be pollution.”

149: How to have Energy on Purpose with Indira Dejtiar

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Indira Dejtiar. She is a Law of Attraction and Mindset Coach, a Clinical Hypnotherapist, an NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Practitioner and an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Practitioner, and co-host of The Energy On Purpose Podcast. She’s on a mission to normalize energy work, manifestation, neuroplasticity, and the untapped potential of the subconscious mind to empower all womxn to be, do, and have everything she desires!

During this episode we talked about the importance to align your energy with the frequency that you want. The differences between guided meditation, Hypnotherapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. She also gave us some great tips on how we can ground ourselves and also start a journey with purpose.

Links from the episodes

Energy on Purpose - The High 5 Habit

The High Habit by Mel Robins

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Superlife by Darin Olien

The Darin Olien Show

Where can people find Indira and Energy on Purpose?

Facebook - Indira

Instagram - Indira

Instagram - Energy On Purpose

Episode 145: Sustainable holiday gift ideas with Mariska Nell

KEY TAKE AWAY

“What you feel is what you attract .”

148: Answering your sustainability questions with Mariska Nell

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode I answer some of the questions that I have been getting from you crazy birds. We also talk a bit about Valentine's day and you find out what was the first Valentines gift my hubby got me that I still use today.

Links from the episodes

My top 20 Christmas Stocking Fillers (That is also some great Valentine's gifts)

Episode 058: Be My Sustainable Valentine with Mariska Nell

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

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Do not let Valentines day be the only day a year you show love.”

147: How a Cool Climate Collective is making a difference with Tristan Pollock and Mehrad Yaghmai

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Tristan Pollock and Mehrad Yaghmai. They are the are the founding partner and partner at Cool Climate Collective. Which brings together investors and operators at the intersection of climate and technology.

Mehrad is an instructor in Terra's Climate Change for VCs program as well as a partner at Climate Foundry and has been involved in various programming at MENA-based accelerators, while also being a mentor to various Techstars programs. He’s also built deep relationships in the academic and scientific communities, including at Yale, Berkeley, and other tech transfer offices.

Tristan has spent the last decade building, selling, and investing in startups and is bent on spending the next decade dedicated to fixing our climate problem. He's been a VC at 500 Startups where he directed $30M in funding, an EIR at Google for Startups, listed at Forbes 30 Under 30, a Terra ClimateTech VC Fellow, and a mentor at hundreds of accelerator programs, including Techstars, Katapult Climate, and Norrsken Impact. He’s also built and sold 2 startups at the intersection of impact and technology.

During this episode we talk about their reason for wanting to help climate focus start-ups. We also look at some of the key things they look out for when finding the next start-up to join the collective? They also provide some great tips for all your crazy bird entrepreneurs that would like to launch their one start ups.

Links from the episode

Episode 55 with The Concept

Akua - Kelp Burgers

Wasted - Tesla for Toilets

Riide - Ebikes

Other projects

Below are some of the names that are used to hide palm oil in our ingredients.

PKO – Palm Kernel Oil
PKO fractionations: Palm Kernel Stearin (PKs); Palm Kernel Olein (PKOo)
PHPKO – Partially hydrogenated Palm Oil
FP(K)O – Fractionated Palm Oil
OPKO – Organic Palm Kernel Oil
Palmitate – Vitamin A or Asorbyl Palmitate (NOTE: Vitamin A Palmitate is a very common ingredient in breakfast cereals and we have confirmed 100% of the samples we’ve investigated to be derived from palm oil)
Palmate
Sodium Laureth Sulphate (Can also be from coconut)
Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (can also be from ricinus oil)
Sodium dodecyl Sulphate (SDS or NaDS)
Elaeis Guineensis
Glyceryl Stearate
Stearic Acid
Chemicals which contain palm oil
Steareth -2
Steareth -20
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (coconut and/or palm)
Hydrated palm glycerides
Sodium isostearoyl lactylaye (derived from vegetable stearic acid)
Cetyl palmitate and octyl palmitate (names with palmitate at the end are usually derived from palm oil, but as in the case of Vitamin A Palmitate, very rarely a company will use a different vegetable oil)

Where can people find Cool Climate Collective?

LinkedIn - Cool Climate Collective

LinkedIn - Mehrad Yaghmai

LinkedIn - Tristan Pollock

Twitter - Mehrad Yaghmai

Twitter - Tristan Pollock

KEY TAKE AWAY

“The small things we don’t think about on a day to day can have a big impact.”

146: How a Plastic Free Sunscreen can safe our reefs with Jade Chan

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Jade Chan. She is Founder of Sun Slayer Australia, a new reef safe and plastic free sunscreen brand made in WA. As an avid scuba diver and free diver, she is passionate about protecting our oceans.

During this episode, we take a look at why it is important to wear sun protection, what the difference is between the different SPF’s (Sun Protection Factors). We also look at some of the ingredients to avoid when purchasing sun cream to ensure that it is safe for our reefs as well.

Links from the episodes:

List of Sunscreen ingredients to look out for:

Oxybenzone
Octinoxate
Octocrylene
(PABA) Para-aminobenzoic acid.
Parabens
Nanoparticles
Microplastics
(MBC) 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
Triclosan
Sulfates SLS or SLES

Where can people find Sunslayer?

My Top 20 Christmas Stocking Fillers

KEY TAKE AWAY

“People to be more aware of what we put on our bodies and the waste we are creating.”

145: Sustainable holiday gift ideas with Mariska Nell

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 17:30:00 +0400

In this episode, I will provide you my some of my favorite sustainable holiday gift ideas. I will be sharing my eco-friendly gift guide that is always a winner for any gifting occasion from a holiday, birthday to a special day or just as a thank you.

During this episode, I will also share with you my top 20 Christmas stocking fillers for any last minute shoppers, that want to give a great gift but also look out for Mama Earth.

Links from the episodes:

Episode 036: Top Tip Thursday, Black Friday

KEY TAKE AWAY

“The best gift that you can give to someone is a gift that they will actually use. ”

144: Waste As A Building Resource with Frank Cato Lahti

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 12:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Frank Cato Lahti. He is the founder of Othalo. A company that has developed a patented system that use recycled plastic waste for construction materials to build affordable housing on an industrial scale. Born and raised in Vardø, an island in the middle of the Barents sea with the worlds richest fishing fields surrounding this little island. With a background in housebuilding as well as an officer in the army he saw a link between the world’s plastic pollution and the worlds need for affordable housing as a solution to each of these global problems. His believe have we all have an obligation to not hurt the planet and protect it for future generation as well as his believe that all is connected and that we all are as one, was the starting point for Othalo.

During this episode, we talked about the importance of housing and how his company is changing plastic from waste to a resource. We also looked at the importance of lifting up women and how that has a positive ripple effect in the communities they are working with.

Links from the episodes

Episode 011: Executive Director of Surge with Marita Peters

DIY YouTube Play list

Download your FREE Beginner's Guide To Waste-Free Living

Othalo Affordable Housing

Where can people find Othalo?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“It's making this not a problem, but a resource.”

143: How To Save Our Oceans With Dr. Sylvia Earle

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Sylvia Earle. She is National Geographic’s Explorer At Large, internationally renowned oceanographer, explorer and author of the highly-anticipated forthcoming book National Geographic Ocean: A Global Odyssey She has been called Her Deepness, A Living Legend, dubbed Time Magazine’s first Hero of the Planet. She holds the record for deepest walk on the sea floor and is a world-renowned expert on marine biology. She has led more than a 100 oceanic expeditions and has logged over 7,000 hours under water.

She is also the President & Chairman of Mission Blue as well as The Sylvia Earle Alliance. She has developed a comprehensive reference explaining the fundamental science of the ocean with more than 100 maps and diagrams, including seafloor and political maps of all Earth's seas and oceans. She has made a lifelong commitment to protect the planet with a soft spot for our blue heart aka the ocean.

During this episode we talked about how Dr. Earle’s journey started, her love for our ocean. She shared why it was important for her to write her latest book . We also digged a little deeper into the importance of the ocean and how we can do our part to help protect it and how hotspots around the world are bringing hope to our ocean.

Links from the episodes

Dr. Earle's Book - National Geographic Ocean : A Global Odyssey

Hope Spots

Where can people find Dr. Earle?

Instagram - Dr. Earle

Instagram - Mission Blue

Episode 2 Top Tip Thursday on Living More Sustainable Using The 5 R's with Mariska Nell

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Together we can be the heroes, for all of civilization to follow. ”

The photo used for this podcast is take by Kip Evans Photography "Sylvia Earle passes a barrel sponge as she explores outside Aquarius laboratory."

142: Where to start with a waste free journey with Mariska Nell

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +0400

In this episode, I answer one of the question that I have been getting from a lot of you crazy birds. "Where do I start with a waste free journey?"

During this episode, I provide you with some tips on where to start your journey. We also look at how to do a bin audit to determine what your top 5 items are filling up your bin. I also touch on some ways to reduce your waste this Halloween and announce the next episodes epic guest.

Links from the episodes

The Ocean Cleanup

Episode 10 Top Tip Thursday, The Great Pacific Garbage Patch with Mariska Nell

Episode 28: Top Tip Thursday, Trick or Treat with Mariska Nell

Bin Audit Template

KEY TAKE AWAY

"There is no “perfect choice” only a better choice for the environment."

141: Zero Waste Living with Stephanie Miller

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Stephanie Miller. She is the author of Zero Waste Living, the 80/20 Way: The Busy Person’s Guide to a Lighter Footprint. She is also the founder of Zero Waste in DC, to focus on the application of zero waste strategies that have a real and sustainable impact. With a goal of reaching as wide an audience as possible, she provides keynote presentations, learning events and individual household consultations. Within her 25-year career at the international finance corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, she served as director of International Finance Corporation’s climate business department where she led global teams to find innovative solutions to climate change.

During this episode we looked at the importance of recycling right, what is driving the zero waste movement and how our choices impact the climate and waste crises.

Links from the episodes

Zero Waste Mariska - Website

Zero Waste Mariska - YouTube Channel

Podcast Episode with Bea Johnson

Podcast Episode with Zero Waste Chef (Anne-Marie Bonneau)

The Magic Three

Where can people find Stephanie Miller?

Book - Zero Waste Living, The 80/20 Way: The Busy Person's Guide To A Lighter Footprint

KEY TAKE AWAY

“We can make such a difference.”

140: How councils are making a difference to reduce waste with Carey Wright

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Carey Wright. She is the Waste Minimisation Officer at Town of Cambridge. Her work in sustainability and waste minimisation brings together so many of her life passions- writing, creativity, making a difference to people’s lives and contributing to society in a meaningful manner. Over the last couple of years she has had an impact in her council as well as spread a ripple effect of change to many others that have experience her waste minimisation passion.

During this episode we look at some of the challenge a local council face when it comes to waste reduction, but also look at the procedures involved in implementing something new. We also dig into some of their waste reducing programs some even won awards. She also gives us some valuable tips to help out our local councils.

Links from the episodes

Where can people find Carey and The Town of Cambridge?

Episode 98 with Frank Solomon regarding the street surfers

LinkedIn - Town Of Cambridge

KEY TAKE AWAY

“We all need to do whatever we can, within our means.”

139: How One Movement is making a ripple effect of change with Petrice Jones

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Petrice Jones. He is the co-founder and CEO of The One Movement. He is also the host of The Lonely Whale Podcast, 52hz an environmental activist, entrepreneur and actor. If you are a fan of Netflix’s Locke & Key or some of his other films like Step Up: High Water, Lucky Man and iBoy to name a few. During this episode, we take a look at how his journey into environmental activism started and how this journey led him to want to have more impact. We also talked about the importance of climate optimism and how each of us can play a vital role for a more sustainable future.

Links from the episodes:

Where can people find Petrice?

Facebook - The One Movement Facebook - Petrice Instagram - The One Movement Instagram - Petrice LinkedIn - The One Movement LinkedIn - Petrice Twitter - The One Movement Twitter - Petrice Website Indiegogo

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Start speaking up ”

138: Some of my biggest challenges this Plastic Free July with Mariska Nell

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 05:30:00 +0400

We are in July!! July for me usually means Plastic Free July and making sure I change some of my own habits during the month. This year I had a few items that I have not yet found great alternatives for and decided I will take them on for the month and see if I can go without having to purchase cheese, milk, cream or yoghurt packaged in single-use plastic. Halfway through the month and I had already been a failure, but for sure learning out of this.

During this episode, I share with you my struggles and some solutions that I have found. I also share with you some tips that can help you with your own Plastic Free July journey.

Links from the episodes:

Free-beginners-guide-to-waste-free-living

Cheesy Fire Starters

Baboo electric toothbrushes

Episode 78 with the founder of Plastic Free July, Rebecca Price-Ruiz

Episode 130 wit General Manager of Responsible Cafe's, Jo Horsley

Episode 136 with Shani from Ecoburbia

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Start where you are at.”

137: How Ecobricks are used as a building and educational tool with Candice Mostert

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Candice Mostert. She is the South African founder of Waste-ED, a waste education project with the aim to reconnect people with wasted materials and send less to landfill. Waste-ED is researching and using the Ecobrick as a tool to transform waste systems and re-learn sustainable building practices

During this episode, we talked about Ecobricks. How they are used and the impacts they are making with raising awareness of unrecyclable items and finding better solutions.

Links from the episodes:

Episode 98 with Frank Solomon regarding the street surfers

Episode 31 with Nude Food founder, Paul Rubin.

Where can people find Candice?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Looking at every little aspect and seeing if there's a reusable option for it”

136: Why building a resilient and connected community is important for a sustainable future with Shani Graham

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Shani Graham. She is one of the co-founders of Ecoburbia. Who won the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce award in 2011, and a West Australian Best Small Business Environmental award the same year. She was also the Fremantle Citizen of the Year in 2011. The next year they were honoured to win the Australia wide Banksia Award for Excellence in Small Business. Discovering that awards made very little difference to her life, she stopped applying for them and is content milking goats, talking to her neighbours and tending to her garden.

During this episode, we talked about her journey, the importance of community and look at some ways how we can build a community where we are. We also dig a little into urban agriculture and how it can help to maintain a sustainable community.

Links from the episodes:

Tedx Perth Talk - Take a street and build a community

Where can people find Shani

KEY TAKE AWAY

“I think when you give people the time in the space, they do the right thing.”

135: How Flow Hive is “beeing” the change with Stuart Anderson

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Stuart Anderson. He is a life-long beekeeper and the co-inventor of the revolutionary honey extraction system, the Flow Frame. Inspired by his son, who wondered if there was not a better way to get honey out of the beehive without disturbing the bees. This was the start of a ten-year journey together of designing and testing.

Since its launch in 2015, the Australian-made Flow Hive has inspired tens of thousands of new beekeepers around the world, with over 75,000 hives now flowing in 130 countries.

During this episode, we take a look at the importance of bees. What exactly the Flow Hive is, the importance of being educated when it comes to bees and how we can get started with our own hive or look out for our pollinator friends right where we are.

Links from the episodes:

Which Flow Hive is right for me?

Where can people find Flow Hive?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Passion helps keep you focused."

134: How a company is reviving PPE during a pandemic with Andy Straisfeld

Mon, 24 May 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Andy Straisfeld, He has over 15 years of experience in medical sales and us currently the VP of Business Development for Lifecycle Revive, a sustainable PPE supply chain and Canada’s first circular economy-based industry on used medical textiles. Lifecycle takes medical waste, reduces it to plastic pellets, and transforms it into new PPE products. They are currently working with 12 others worldwide to recycle PPE worldwide.

During this episode we look at what is currently happening with our PPE and how Lifecycle Revive created a circular economy for PPE.

Where can people find Lifecycle Revive?

LinkedIn - Andy Straisfeld

KEY TAKE AWAY

“There is gold in the garbage.”

133: How My Farm Dubai built an eco system not just a food system with Mohamed Aissaoui

Mon, 10 May 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to, Mohamed Aissaoui. He is the CEO & Founder of My Farm Dubai that built an ecosystem, not just a food system. He is a 5th farmer with an educational background in the engineering sector. He founded My Farm using the low-Tech and the new-Tech to optimize organic food production safely. He is currently working on circular systems which are key to reach the food security goals they have in the UAE. One of his key priorities is growing plants, fruits and vegetables in a forest soil without disturbing the ecosystem.

During this episode we look at the importance of soil and compost for growing quality food, the process of the seeds collected by my farm as well as the importance of including the community.

Where can people find My Farm?

Kale Coleslaw with Jalapeno Dressing

KEY TAKE AWAY

“ We have to build the system, understand the system and use the system.”

132: How a minimalist lifestyle can maximize our wellness with Becca Shern

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to, Becca Shern. She is a registered dietitian, mother, wife, health-advocate, and podcaster. She founded and runs minimalwellness.com and the new podcast How to Love, along with her husband and co-host, Joshua Fields Millburn of The Minimalists.

During this episode, we talk about her journey to minimal wellness, what exactly is whole foods and how minimalising our lifestyle and health can make us focus more on the important things in life. She also shared some of her top recipes and we talked about her podcast with her husband, How to love.

Becca's Top Three Recipes

Golden Recovery Milk

Tom Kha Gai - Thai Coconut Soup (Chicken or Tofu)

Where can people find Becca?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“ Pay attention to that voice that says you want to start something and honoring that and listening to what it's nudging you towards.”

131: How a Mushroom Revival is changing the way we view fungi with Alex Dorr

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Alex Dorr. He is the founder and CEO of the functional mushroom company, Mushroom Revival Inc. He also co-hosts the number one mushroom podcast in the world, The Mushroom Revival Podcast. After earning his degree in mycology, he authored the book “Mycoremediation Handbook: A Grassroots Guide to Growing Mushrooms and Cleaning up Toxic Waste with Fungi.” He was recently nominated as one of Austin Inno’s 25 under 25. He is absolutely obsessed with mushrooms' healing power and has signed his life away to the bidding of the mushrooms.

During this episode we take a look at the importance of mushrooms, the role they play in the eco system as well as some benefits of making mushrooms part of our daily routines. We also take a look at different type of mushrooms and explore a bit in the fungi world.

Get 10% off by using the discount code MAMAEARTH on your next order.

Where can people find Alex?

Mushroom Revival Podcast

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Fungi can store up to 70% of the carbon in the soil.”

130: How cafes can be more responsible with Jo Horsley

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Jo Horsley. She is the General Manager of Responsible Cafes - a community organisation aimed at reducing plastic and carbon emissions from the cafe community. She is also a mum of a 5-year-old and in her 'spare' time she writes and illustrate children's books and sings children's books with a mental health theme!

During this episode, we talked about the impact cafes can have on reducing waste and how we can encourage more cafe's to make switches. We also take about the bean rating system they have been using and talked about some amazing cafe's that are doing wonderful work.

Where can people find Responsible Cafe's

LinkedIn – Jo Horsley

The Whale Who Could Not Sing

KEY TAKE AWAY

"Dust off that reusable cup or just find the mug in your cupboard"

129: My top 10 tips to reduce your waste with Mariska Nell

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0400

In this episode, I am sharing with you my top 10 tips to reduce your waste. I've been using these tips during my zero waste journey and has helped a lot to reduce the amount of waste that we create.

Let's take just a little step back for those of you that are new to the concept of Zero Waste I've written an entire blog about Zero Waste and explain where the term comes from and how it changes into a movement. That’s the long answer about what is zero-waste the short one is to send Zero Waste to landfill.

When it comes to making choices whether you buy this apple or that banana. Whether you use your produce bag or whether you just chuck it in your normal handbag. If you eat a plant-based diet or have meat regularly in your diet. All of those things are really more of a personal choice and I don't think it is my place to judge anyone for the choices they make.

Links from the episodes:

Leaf Shave with Adam Simone

Reusable sanitary items with Vanessa Woodthorpe Wright

The 5 R's Podcast episode with Mariska Nell

Zero Waste Blog

Recipes:

To be added shortly

KEY TAKE AWAY

“There is no “perfect” choice, only a better choice for the environment.”

128: How an urban harvester is bringing awareness to the food crisis with Matt Homewood

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Matt Homewood. He is a food waste campaigner who documents, exposes, and researches the extent of supermarket food waste. He is actively bringing awareness to how much perfectly good commercial foods gets wasted.

During this episode, we talk about the enormity of the commercial food waste problem, how this has come to be this way and what needs to take place to see the end of commercial food waste so that society can go on designing a more ethical, sustainable food system.

Links from the episodes

Where can people find Matt?

KEY TAKE AWAY

"I just realized that if you could fix food, waste, you could fix many of these social environmental issues that we face today."

127: The Very Good Bra with Stephanie Devine

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Stephanie Devine. She is the CEO and Founder of The Very Good Bra. She created and launched the world's first zero, post-production bra in the world via Kickstarter in 2018. Following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2006, she became obsessed with creating a non-wired bra made with natural fibres. She was awarded the prestigious Best in Class Good Design Award for Fashion Impact in 2020.

During this episode, we talked about her journey and find out some interesting facts on the process of making a sustainable bra. She also shared with us a few handy tips on how you can make your bra last longer.

Where can people find The Very Good Bra?

LinkedIn - Stephanie Devine

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Just try and do one thing. If after taking your own bags to a supermarket your own produce bags as an extra development from that, but don't be put off by not being perfect.”

126: How To Live A Low Tox Life With Alexx Stuart

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Alexx Stuart. She is an educator, change agent, columnist, speaker, consultant and a four-time bestselling author. She is also the founder of the thriving online education hub, Low Tox Life and the host of the Low Tox Life Podcast.

During this episode, we take a look at some of the toxic ingredients that are hiding in your shopping cart and also provide you with some low-tox life tips.

Links from the episodes

Milo Recipe

Decadent Coconut Ganache Tart

Crunchy Banana Buckwheat Bars

Where can people find Alexx?

Instagram - Low Tox Life

Instagram - Alexx Stuart

Podcast episode with Rebecca Price- Ruiz from Plastic Free July

KEY TAKE AWAY

"Start to swap out as you run out. It is not about freaking out it is about phasing out. "

125: How Your Coffee Can Make A Difference with RAW Coffee

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Kim Thompson. She is the founder and managing director of RAW coffee company. She was the first woman in the Middle East to obtain her Speciality Coffee Association Diploma and a certified AST instructor.

During this episode, we dig a little deeper into coffee and look at some of the threats that the coffee farmers are facing and why selecting ethical coffee is more social, economical and environmentally sustainable.

Links from the episodes

Bean Belt Countries

Hawaii (US), Mexico*, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico (US), Jamaica, Venezuela, Brazil*, Guatemala*, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia*, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Sudan, Cameroon, Cote D’ivoire*, Sao Tome e Principe, Angola, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Yemen, Ethiopia*, Kenya, Uganda*, Burundi, Tanzania, Madagascar, India*, Vietnam*, The Philippines, Indonesia*, Papua New Guinea

*A top 10 coffee bean producer.

Where can people find RAW Coffee?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“By supporting a local roaster who is sourcing their products sustainably, you definitely making a difference.”

124: Flower Alchemy with Katie Hess

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Katie Hess. She is an expert of flower alchemy, using the healing power of flowers to awaken our true potential. She is the author of Flower Evolution and founder of LOTUSWEI.

During this episode, we discover that there are so much more to a flower than just something beautiful to look at and also that sometimes we need to stop and smell the flowers as they can provide us with some flower remedies as well.

Where can people find Katie?

Flower Evolution Book

KEY TAKE AWAY

“The earth has different lessons at different places and it comes through in the flowers”

123: How One Womans Artivism Is Creating A Ripple Of Change With Emily Ehlers

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Emily Ehlers aka Eco with Em. She is a writer and illustrator that uses her superpowers to make heavy environmental issues feel lighter and less terrifying. She focuses on solutions and story-telling and squeezes a lot of hope, humour and puns in her work. Herstory’s have been shared globally and she is known for her bright and busy designs that have helped turned environmental apathy into everyday action.

During this episode, we find out how her journey started, the importance of art in the environmental movement and she gave us some tips to keep us going.

Links from the episodes

Podcast episode with Natalie Isaacs from One Million Women

The Last Northern Rhino that died image.

Where can people find Em?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“I feel that we all need to be more connected to nature and to each other.”

122: Thinking Carbon for a Sustainable Future with Anthony Day

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Anthony Day. He is the presenter of the Sustainable Futures Report, a weekly podcast and blog on energy, resources, pollution and the climate crisis in which he looks at how we can face up to these challenges and how far technology can help us.

During this episode, we are taking a look into carbon offset and see if it is used as a get out of jail free card or is it the start to rethinking how much carbon we use? We also talked about voting and how not only your vote at the ballot can make a change but your daily voting with your money could too.

Links from the episodes

Think Carbon

Where can people find Anthony?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“7 Billion people want what you’ve got. ”

121: Zero Waste During Isolation with Mariska Nell

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, I am sharing with you my experience during 14 days if self-isolation, while trying to still be zero-waste. No way to shop package-free, just online grocery delivery and one delivery from family. I share with you some of my tips and tricks that I used to minimize our waste as much as possible and some of the trash that we were left with.

KEY TAKE AWAY

"One of the biggest tips for any situation is to come prepared."

120: How A Conservation Tribe Can Make A Difference with Blane Edwards

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Blane Edwards. He is an architect turned digital conservationist, content creator and podcaster.

During this episode, we find out how our guest definition of a conservationist and why having a conservationist tribe is important to us as well as the environment and how you can start making a difference right where you are.

Links from the episodes

Dr Evan Antin Podcast Episode

Leif Cocks Podcast Episode

Elephant Voices Podcast Episode

Where can people find Blane?

Mama Earth Talk Episode with Zero Waste Chef, Anne-Marie Bonneau

Instagram - Earth Offline

Instagram - Conservation Tribe

KEY TAKE AWAY

“I started to rethink potentially what my life could be like.”

119: How 1 Million Women is making a difference with Natalie Isaacs

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Natalie Isaacs. She is the founder and CEO of 1 Million Women and the author of Every woman’s guide to saving the planet and has was won the Australian Geographics Conservationist of the Year.

During this episode, we find out how important it is to find your tribe. We talked about the inspiration behind finding 1 Million Women as well as Natalie’s book, “Every Woman’s Guide to Saving the planet”. We also find out how we can vote with our money with not just the way we spend our money, but also how we bank our money.

Links from the episodes

Food Waste Free October

Raise the Bar

Where can people find Natalie?

Instagram - 1 Million Women

Instagram - Natalie Isaacs

Every Woman's Guide to Saving the Planet

1 Million Women App

KEY TAKE AWAY

“1 Million Women is a movement, where we are all in this together and we have one end goal and that is to act on climate change through everything we do.”

118: How leaders can make a difference for a sustainable future with Arron Wood

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Arron Wood. He is was elected as a Councillor of Melbourne in 2012 and 2016 and Deputy Lord Mayor Melbourne. He is the founder and principal of the award-winning environmental educational program, Kids Teaching Kids Program and a respected sustainability and environmental leader. He was selected to be part of Al Gore’s Climate Change Leadership Program and was also the Winner of the United Nations Individual Award for Outstanding Service to the Environment and in 2001 was awarded as Young Australian of the year.

During this episode, we talked about why Arron started his Kids Teaching Kids program, why it was important for him. As well as talked about some of the biggest changes for cities as we know it with the sustainable movement is gaining momentum. And we also touched a little on tiny houses.

Where can people find Arron?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Don’t underestimate what a letter or an email or turning up to a council meeting can actually do.”

117: How the triple-bottom-line can help a regenerative movement with Julian Guderley

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Julian Guderley. He is the host of GreenPlanet BluePlanet podcast. He is a Transformational Leadership Coach, Breathwork Facilitator & Teacher and a Movement Catalyst. He is on a quest to identify, interview & collaboratively empower the key players in the regenerative movement.

During this episode, we find out what exactly is the triple-bottom-line that Julian's podcast GreenPlanet BluePlanet is all about. We also talk about the importance of collaboration and finding your tribe.

Julian's triple bottom line

Where can people find Julian?

Download Your Free Beginner’s Guide To Waste-Free Living

KEY TAKE AWAY

“50% of the world population is 27 years and younger, there is a lot of hope in the world.”

116: How a Goodwill Wine company is giving back with David Laity

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to David Laity. He is the CEO of Goodwill Wine, an organisation that gives back 50% of everything they earned to charities their customers are passionate about. All of their wine is vegan and we took a look at what makes a wine vegan and what some wineries might add other than grapes to not be classified as vegan.

During this episode, we take a look at how David was inspired to give back after a devastating fire. We also talk about their quirky wine labels, what inspired it and how you can do good by having a glass of their vino ad supporting an organisation close to your heart.

Episode 085 with Leif Cocks, the founder and president of the Orangutan Project.

Where can people find David?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“We have turned that $15,000 that we were given way back at the start into $350,000 we have donated.”

115: Sheets and Giggles with Colin McIntosh

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Colin McIntosh. He is the founder and CEO of Sheets and Giggles, a Denver-based fast-growing eco-friendly bedding brand that makes their sheets and giggles from eucalyptus trees. The company was launched on Indiegogo in 2018 with a $284,000 crowdfunding campaign.

During this episode, we take a look at what makes their sheets eco-friendly and find out some shocking facts about thread counting that will have you question the comfort of a 1000 thread Egyptian cotton and find out what thread count is worth your buck. We were also greeted by their VP of Barketing, Harvey making sure we know how comfy their bedding is.

Get 10% off by using the discount code MAMAEARTHTALK on your next order.

Where can people find Colin?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Microfibers are clever marketing for polyester.”

114: Single Use Ain’t Sexy with Josh Howard

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Josh Howard. He is the CEO and founder of Single Use Ain't Sexy. A company that combines the health of the environment and cool convenience.

During this episode, we take a look at how these small tablets can have a big impact. We also looked at why it is better for us and the Mama Earth to switch to reusable bottles rather than adding to the recycling pile as that aint sexy at all.

Where can people find Josh?

Podcast Episode with Rebecca Price Ruiz from Plastic Free July

KEY TAKE AWAY

“I realised that there are all these little things that I can do that ain’t that hard.”

113: How to Tread Your Own Path with Lindsay Miles

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Lindsay Miles. She is a Zero Waste, Plastic-Free and sustainability educator, advisor and public speaker. She is also the founder of Treading My Own Path a successful online platform where she has been sharing her personal journey to her zero-waste lifestyle. She is also the author of two books, Less Stuff and Less Waste No fuss kitchen.

During this episode, we take a look at how her journey started with Plastic Free July that sparked a passion for sustainable behaviour change. Lindsay also shares how she transformed her lawn into a wonderful veggie garden and we talked Less Waste No Fuss Kitchen, the title of her recent book and what you can expect when reading it as it is full of handy tips and great stories.

Where can people find Lindsay?

Buy Linday's book here

KEY TAKE AWAY

“It feels better to do something than to do nothing.”

112: The Inspired Little Pot with Krissy Ballinger

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Krissy Ballinger. She is the founder of The Inspired Little Pot aka Krissy Ballinger Naturally Inspired. She is also the author of Naturally Inspired, a book full of simple DIY recipes for body care and cleaning. She is passionate about educating and increasing the awareness on reducing the number of toxins that people expose themselves to on a daily basis.

During this episode, we take a look at why it was important for Krissy to ditch chemicals and use natural ingredients. We also talk about her book, Naturally Inspired and she shares some of her favorite DIY recipes. Krissy also shares her go-to ingredients and some staples that she is never without in her house.

Bath Bomb Recipe

Purchase Krissy's Naturally Inspired book here

Find your local stockist of Naturally Inspired here.

Krissy's favourite suppliers of natural ingredients

Where can people find Krissy and The Inspired Little Pot?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Once I learned something I couldn't unlearn it”

111: How you can suck responsibly with a Final Straw with Emma Rose Cohen

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Emma Rose Cohen. She studied Environmental Management and Sustainability at Harvard and spent four years working in waste management, before becoming a strawtrepreneur. She started a non-profit called Save the Mermaids, that educate children on the harmful effects of single-use plastic. She is the Founder and CEO of the Final Straw.

During this episode, we take a look at how their Kickstarter raised millions in their first weeks. We also talk about the materials used to create the Final Straw and that they as a company take responsibility for their products and if for whatever reason your straw is no longer used you can send it back and they will correctly recycle it. We also talked about what is next for Final and how they are designing for a more sustainable future.

Where can people find Emma and The Final Straw?

Instagram- Final Straw

KEY TAKE AWAY

“If all companies took responsibility for the products that they produce, it would shift things.”

110: How following a frog can make a difference with Rainforest Alliance’s Melanie Mokken

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to, Melanie Mokken. She is the Market Development Manager for Rainforest Alliance for the Australian and New Zealand market. The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization, working at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests to make the responsible business the new normal.

During this episode, we take a look at what exactly is the Rainforest Alliance and how companies and products can get their green frog, seal and how following the frog can make a difference. We also talk about the UTZ merger and how farmers can switch to a different crop if not paid fair wages and prices for their products and how the Rainforest Alliance is supporting farmers to make sure they can thrive.

Follow the frog video

Where can people find Rainforest Alliance?

Instagram - Rainforest Alliance

Instagram - Melanie

Youtube

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Things change, so we need to change with them.”

109: Chocolate that is Beyond Good with Tim McCollum

Mon, 25 May 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Tim McCollum. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Good, a company that makes heirloom chocolate from the earth’s original variety of cocoa and has sustainability and helping people at the core of the business.

During this episode, we take a look at where the majority of cocoa beans are grown and what the process is from the bean to the bar. We also talked about the different beans and why they decided to use heirloom cocoa beans. Tim also shared some of the hardships that cocoa farmers are facing and how Beyond Good is tacking some of the issues to make sure their farmer is paid fair wages and have all the support they need to thrive.

Where can people find Tim and Beyond Good?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“You don’t need to be an activist or an environmentalist to do the right thing for the planet or to start the journey."

108: How one bottle of shampoo is making a difference with Lindsey McCoy

Mon, 11 May 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to, Lindsey McCoy. She has worked in the non-profit sector for 20 years. From 2005 – 2015 she worked on environmental education in The Bahamas. In 2017 she founded along with her sister Plaine Products of which she is the CEO of.

During this episode, we take a look at why they decided to use aluminium bottles for Plaine Products, the process of refilling their bottles and why what was going inside the bottle was just as important as reducing the waste.

Where can people find Plaine Products?

Get 20% off by using the discount code MAMAEARTHTALK on your next order.

Podcast episode with Kathryn Kellogg from Going Zero Waste.

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Progress not perfection.”

107: How a zero-waste chef turns waste into amazing food with Anne-Marie Bonneau

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to, Anne-Marie Bonneau. She is a zero-waste advocate, that has been living plastic-free since 2011. She is also the inspirational woman behind Zero-Wate Chef and always have an amazing zero waste recipe to share.

During this episode, we take a look at her journey living plastic-free since 2011 and solutions that she found for items hard to find without plastic. She also shares all about her sourdough starter, Elanor and gives us some tips on how to make that perfect bread. We also take a peek into her pantry and look at her key ingredients she cannot live without.

Where can people find Anne-Marie Bonneau?

Episode 73 with Leesa Carter-Jones

KEY TAKE AWAY

"When we have to change, we can change and really quickly. "

106: How Lonely Whale is spreading ripples for our oceans with Emy Kane

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 13:00:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to, Emy Kane. She is the Director of Digital Strategy at Lonely Whale and Program Manager of the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp. She is currently leading its online content and strategy that includes spreading the Lonely Whale's #StopSucking social media challenge. She previously worked in the start-up space as a digital and social expert within tech and entertainment.

During this episode, we take a look at the work that Lonely Whale is doing. How their #stopsucking campaign has been a gateway plastic that many people, cities, states and even football stadiums have now ditched. We also look at the museum of plastic and how it got a lot of people to look at how they hydrate.

Where can people find Lonely Whale and Emy?

Instagram - Lonely Whale

Instagram - Emy

LinkedIn - Lonely Whale

LinkedIn - Emy

Indigenous and women-led grassroots environmental organizations that Rob support

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Whatever it is that you know you can commit to, commit to it.”

105: How one dude is making a difference with Rob Greenfield

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to, Rob Greenfield. He is an activist and humanitarian dedicated to leading the way to a more sustainable world. He is also the author of Dude Making a Difference and the creator of The Food Waste Fiasco. He’s been named “The Robin Hood of modern times” by France 2 TV and “The Forest Gump of Ecology. He has been taking on many challenges over the years like cycling around the US on a bamboo bicycle, wearing his trash for 30 days in New York and growing and foraging all of his own food for a year and is currently travelling the world with all his possessions that fit in a backpack.

During this episode, we take a look at his decision to earn no more than the federal threshold each year. We also look at the 44 items he owned, fitting in his backpack and what key items he cannot go without. He also shares with us his journey from wearing his trash for 30 days to growing and foraging all his food for a year and gave us some tips on how we can help out Mama Earth.

My 44 possessions, everything I own fits in my backpack

How to turn your yard into a garden, grow food not lawns

Grow and forage 100% of your food in central Florida

Food Freedom Book, pre-order

Where can people find Rob?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“When we actually depend upon each other then we figure out ways to make sure that we are lifting others up, rather than bringing them down.”

104: How your yoga mat can make a difference with Anup Chandran

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 15:00:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to, Anup Chandran. He is a product manager with an 18-year history of software development. He is not only passionate about creating software solutions, but also creating eco-conscious products that have a positive impact on our planet and our lives. He is the founder of Ayuray, a brand that creates organic products by blends the world of Yoga and Ayurveda.

During this episode, we take a look at how traditional yogi’s use to use their mats and why it is important to use an organic cotton mat. We also look in the manufacturing process of the mats and how it is coloured using natural dyes and the health impacts that cotton farming has on farmers if not done organically.

Where can people find Ayuray?

Get 10% off by using the discount code MAMAEARTHTALK on your next order.

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Use less, buy well, make it last.”

103: What is the true cost of your fashion with Taryn Hipwell

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 08:00:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to, Taryn Hipwell. She is a creator, educator, author and producer. She is also the founder of Beyond the Label that was started as a partnership with TEDxLA to educated people about the true cost of their fashion purchases.

During this episode, we take a look at why it is important to know what is in your clothing and how it is made. We also look at the pollution caused by the dyeing processes and the number of industrial water pollution. She also gives us some tips on How to Shop for Shi(f)t that is also the title of her book.

Film: River Blue

Where can people find Taryn?

Beyond the label's website

Taryn's Website

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Investing in clothes that are healthy fabrics.”

102: How Big Green is bringing the focus on food back to schools with Tighe Brown

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 05:30:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to, Tighe Brown. She is the President of Big Green and has helped to create, build and implement educational programs for schools with learning gardens for the past seven years.

During this episode, we take a look at why it is important to grow food and to establish a connection with our food. Tighe tells us about their learning gardens and how their founders (Kimbal Musk and Hugo Matheson) dream of food education is changing the lives of many families.

Where can people find Big Green?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Valuing the connection between the earth, the soil and us.”

101: We Made It to 2020 with Mariska Nell

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 05:15:00 +0400

In this episode, I am looking back at the last 100 episodes, (still can’t believe we made it to a 100) and discuss me moving to Brisbane. I also give you some tips on what you can do when you need to prep and pack for a move and share our goal for 2020.

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Minimize to only what you need”

100: How An Artivist Is Raising Awareness On Pollution with Marina DeBris

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 05:15:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to, Marina DeBris. She is an artivist on a mission to eliminate waste and cruelty to other species.

During this episode, we take a look at some of her art pieces, the inspiration behind her art as well as some of the weirdest stuff she had picked up from the beach.

Where can people find Marina?

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Successful artists can really change people hearts and minds”

099: How A Plastic Ocean Is Changing our Habits with Jo Ruxton

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 05:15:00 +0400

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

Where can people find Jo?

Instagram - A Plastic Ocean UK

Instagram - Jo Ruxton

The Sentinel Ocean Alliance

KEY TAKE AWAY

“If people don't know about something, how could they care?”

098: How A Professional Surfer Is Making A Wave of Change with Frank Solomon

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 05:15:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Frank?

Key Take Away

“I felt that I needed to do something.”

097: How one journalist is making a difference with Candice Batista

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 01:10:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Candice?

Key Take Away

“One person can make a difference”

096: How we can shop more sustainable for clothing with Araceli Gallego

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 01:10:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Goshopia?

Key Take Away

“Our clothes have more than one life.”

095: How we can drop our plastic habits with Tatiana Antonelli Abella

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 13:00:00 +0400

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.

In the episode, we mentioned a previous guest, Elena Kinane.

Where can people find Tatiana?

Key Take Away

“The Ghaf tree is a symbol of surviving in the desert”

094: How a a theater-based collective is driving change with Tanya Daud

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 01:10:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Qissa’Go?

Key Take Away

“In the next three decades, there will be 25 million to a billion climate refugees in the world.”

093: The Last Swab that you would ever need with Isabel Aagaard

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 00:10:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Isabel?

Key Take Away

“Give your habits a check as they change constantly.”

092: How Plastic Change is making a change with Anne Aittomaki

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 00:10:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Plastic Change?

Key Take Away

“You can not have a single-use culture in a circular economy”

091:How we can be more aware this pink October Lina Al-Sharif

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 00:10:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Lina?

Key Take Away

“The keyword is balance, in everything.”

090: How one tree planted can make a difference with Matt Hill

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 00:10:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find One Tree Planted?

Key Take Away

“If you can tell a story then they can relate to it”

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

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 00:10:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Marcus?

Key Take Away

“Lead by Example”

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

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 00:20:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Dolores?

Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation

Key Take Away

“Nothing is impossible”

087: What you do makes a difference with Mariska Nell

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 00:15:00 +0400

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.

Reference in this episode

Save the Amazon petition

Jane Goodall

Greta Thunberg

Amazon Watch

Earth Alliance

Greenpeace

Below are some of the names that are used to hide palm oil in our ingredients.

PKO – Palm Kernel Oil
PKO fractionations: Palm Kernel Stearin (PKs); Palm Kernel Olein (PKOo)
PHPKO – Partially hydrogenated Palm Oil
FP(K)O – Fractionated Palm Oil
OPKO – Organic Palm Kernel Oil
Palmitate – Vitamin A or Asorbyl Palmitate (NOTE: Vitamin A Palmitate is a very common ingredient in breakfast cereals and we have confirmed 100% of the samples we’ve investigated to be derived from palm oil)
Palmate
Sodium Laureth Sulphate (Can also be from coconut)
Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (can also be from ricinus oil)
Sodium dodecyl Sulphate (SDS or NaDS)
Elaeis Guineensis
Glyceryl Stearate
Stearic Acid
Chemicals which contain palm oil
Steareth -2
Steareth -20
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (coconut and/or palm)
Hydrated palm glycerides
Sodium isostearoyl lactylaye (derived from vegetable stearic acid)
Cetyl palmitate and octyl palmitate (names with palmitate at the end are usually derived from palm oil, but as in the case of Vitamin A Palmitate, very rarely a company will use a different vegetable oil)

KEY TAKE AWAY

“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.”

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

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 00:30:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Jay?

Instagram - Sustainability Defined

Instagram - Jay

Support The Orangutan Project

Sustainability Defined

Ground Up Impact

Key Take Away

“The most sustainable building is often times the one you already have.”

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

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0400

In this episode, we talk to Leif Cocks. He is an author, speaker and the founder and president of the Orangutan Project. He and his team are working to ensure the compassion, freedom and protection for Critically Endangered Orangutans.

During this episode, we take a look at how palm oil is one of the main causes for destroying the forest, driving the Orangutan number down even further. We look at ways to help out the Orangutans by reading labels, making sure the products we buy are palm oil-free. Leif also shares with us some of the heart-warming stories of some of the Orangutans and the team taking care of them.

Below are some of the names that are used to hide palm oil in our ingredients.

PKO – Palm Kernel Oil
PKO fractionations: Palm Kernel Stearin (PKs); Palm Kernel Olein (PKOo)
PHPKO – Partially hydrogenated Palm Oil
FP(K)O – Fractionated Palm Oil
OPKO – Organic Palm Kernel Oil
Palmitate – Vitamin A or Asorbyl Palmitate (NOTE: Vitamin A Palmitate is a very common ingredient in breakfast cereals and we have confirmed 100% of the samples we’ve investigated to be derived from palm oil)
Palmate
Sodium Laureth Sulphate (Can also be from coconut)
Sodium Lauryl Sulphates (can also be from ricinus oil)
Sodium dodecyl Sulphate (SDS or NaDS)
Elaeis Guineensis
Glyceryl Stearate
Stearic Acid
Chemicals which contain palm oil
Steareth -2
Steareth -20
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (coconut and/or palm)
Hydrated palm glycerides
Sodium isostearoyl lactylaye (derived from vegetable stearic acid)
Cetyl palmitate and octyl palmitate (names with palmitate at the end are usually derived from palm oil, but as in the case of Vitamin A Palmitate, very rarely a company will use a different vegetable oil)

Where can people find Leif?

Instagram - The Orangutan Project

Instagram - Leif Cocks

Key Take Away

“If we don’t act now there might not be any Orangutans left to protect”

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

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Dr. Bruce?

Key Take Away

“We are dependent on nature.”

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

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Nudie Jeans?

Key Take Away

“Repair your clothes more”

082: How to downsize without downgrading with Scott Wilson

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Scott?

Key Take Away

“We can let go of those things and live much happier lives.”

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

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Tomi?

Key Take Away

“We need to be sustainable that we have enough wood for future generations. “

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

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 12:26:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Colette?

Key Take Away

“Aligning what your head says and what your heart says and doing what you feel is the right thing to do and by doing that then you can give so much more of yourself to others and just for yourself as well. “

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

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 02:20:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Adrienne?

Key Take Away

“We need to coexist in harmony.”

*In the episode Adrienne mentioned that there are only 35 cleaning companies. There is in fact 35,000 cleaning companies and we had an issue with that section of the recording.

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

Sun, 30 Jun 2019 22:12:00 +0400

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.

You can take the Plastic Free July challenge here and I will also be providing you with daily tips on my Instagram.

Where can people find Rebecca?

Key Take Away

“The things that we do have an impact on our environment. “

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

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Gus?

Key Take Away

“Every individual makes a difference”

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

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 00:27:00 +0400

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.

Top 10 litter items found on coastal cleanups

1. Cigarette butts

2. Food Wrapper

3. Plastic Beverage Bottles

4. plastic bottle caps

5. plastic grocery bags

6. other plastic bags

7. Straws, stirrers

8. Plastic take-out containers

9. plastic lids

10. Foam take out containers

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

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 04:00:00 +0400

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

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 skincare brands in the UAE.

Where can people find Shirley?

Products are available online, Green Hearth Organic Farms and Queens Beauty Lounge

Key Take Away

“Be label savvy and be label-conscious about what you put on your skin.”

[04:33] Be label savvy and be label-conscious about what you put on your skin.

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

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Tom?

Key Take Away

“The specifics that you are meant to do will depend on where you live”

073: The power is yours with Leesa Carter-Jones

Mon, 27 May 2019 00:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Leesa?

Ocean Heroes Bootcamp

Website – Dr Martin Blake

Key Take Away

“Just keep going”

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

Mon, 20 May 2019 00:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Dr. Martin?

LinkedIn

Website – Embodhi

Key Take Away

“To create their own destiny and to be liberated and to be free. “

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

Tue, 14 May 2019 00:21:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Jo?

Key Take Away

“The planet is in crisis and we really need to be paying attention to these things. “

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

Mon, 06 May 2019 01:43:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Badar Farooq?

Key Take Away

“What get’s measured can be managed. “

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

Sat, 04 May 2019 09:12:00 +0400

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 home schooling to living in the sustainable city in Dubai.

Where can people find Team Angel Wolf?

Youtube

KEY TAKE AWAY

“ It is here and now“

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

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 07:30:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Claude?

Key Take Away

“People need people that listen, and DO something.”

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

Sun, 24 Mar 2019 21:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Vanessa?

Key Take Away

“Each disposable menstrual pad uses the equivalent of 4 plastic bags of plastic. “

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

Sun, 17 Mar 2019 21:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Arabella Willing?

LinkedIn

Key Take Away

“Connect with Nature“

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

Sun, 10 Mar 2019 21:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Ryan?

Key Take Away

“We throw away 1/3 of all the food we produce”

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

Sun, 03 Mar 2019 21:00:00 +0400

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. We also look at how you can clean your wrap to make them last longer.

Where can people find Cheryl?

Key Take Away

“Let’s all do something”

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

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 00:49:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Simran?

Instagram - Simran

Instagram - Blue Phin

Key Take Away

“It is our responsibility”

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

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 08:05:00 +0400

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

Sun, 17 Feb 2019 21:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Cheeki?

Key Take Away

“Refill, Reuse”

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

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 21:00:00 +0400

In this episode, I am taking a look in 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.

I have always known about the animals not having homes and ending up in a shelter and some even get put down. It really broke my heart to see all of these animals and to know that there are many more that are roaming around without a home.

In the US approximately 8-12 million companion animals enter animal shelters every year and approximately 5-9 million are euthanized 60% of the dogs and 70% of the cats. 25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred and only 10% of the animals received by the shelters have been neutered or spayed.

I recently visited an organisation, Amanda’s Animal Rescue in Dubai. They help to find foster and forever homes for dogs in the UAE. I spoke with the founder Amanda, and she provided me with some answers to my questions. Her answers are applicable to her organisation’s adoptions and you might find other organisations vary slightly, therefore you can contact an organisation in your city and if you are in the UAE, then why not give Amanda a call.

Amanda’s Animal Rescue

Instagram, Facebook

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

Sun, 10 Feb 2019 21:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Trace?

Key Take Away

“We are a big part of a tiny planet”

058: Be My Sustainable Valentine with Mariska Nell

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 03:05:00 +0400

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.

Leaf Razor, Episode 023 with Adam Simone

Bamboo Toothbrush, Episode 041 with Manju Kumar

Reusable Straws, Episode 111 with Emma Rose Cohen

Reusable Coffee Cups or water bottles, Episode 061 with Cheeki

Lonely Whale, Episode 106 with Emy Kane

Choose Love

057: How fries can fuel your car with Karl Feilder

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 01:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Karl?

Key Take Away

“71 % of Greenhouse emissions have been caused by 100 companies”

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

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 01:00:00 +0400

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.

Loop

Ben & Jerry's

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

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 01:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find The Concept?

Ways to upcycle your old mattress

Key Take Away

“Everything has to go back to the earth”

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

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 01:00:00 +0400

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.

What makes an eco-friendly mattress, well eco- friendly:

• No VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) and that is the organic chemicals that have a high vapour pressure at ordinary room temperature.

• Zero-Emissions during Manufacturing

• It is Made of Renewable Resources

• Natural and Organic Materials are used

• Durable to Reduce Waste

• Efficient Shipping Methods are used.

Links in the episode

Better Bed Quiz

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

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 01:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Bridgett?

Key Take Away

“Let it have a great impact”

052: How to declutter your home with Mariska Nell

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 01:00:00 +0400

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

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 01:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Dr. Steven Cohen?

Columbia

Key Take Away

“Don’t pay that much attention to people denying climate change. They know in their heart that it is happening.”

050: Reflecting on the past 50 episodes with Mariska Nell

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 01:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode 2: I talked about the 5R’s and this 5’R are, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot.

Episode 9: Karim El-Jisr shares why we should drive less.

Episode 11: Marita Peters shared how we should pick one thing we would like to change and stick with it to see how it makes us feel.

Episode 21: Max La Manna shares why it is important not to throw away food.

Episode 25: Kathryn Kellogg talked about the "Lonely Banana" and why we should choose to buy them instead.

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

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 01:00:00 +0400

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.

Where can people find Haya?

Key Take Away

“They think that they own nature”

048: Organisations that helped my sustainable journey with Mariska Nell

Thu, 03 Jan 2019 01:30:00 +0400

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.

Plastic-Free July

Lonely Whale

#StopSucking

Key Take Away

” Just start with one item that would be easy for you to replace and take it from there.”

You do not have to feel that you need to save the world overnight or transform your house into a plastic-free haven overnight. It is all part of the journey. If you are going to do too much and burn yourself out. You might not able to sustain that lifestyle and would become frustrated and this can lead you do not want to continue with this journey. Therefore take it one step at a time. Find communities that share your passion and do what you can as it is not a race.

047: How coconut oil can help your health with Raj Singh

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 01:30:00 +0400

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.

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Raj Singh

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

We would like to extend what we are doing, collaborate with people in the coconut industry and do that starting from a governmental level. Get engaged with government. Feed that into academia and universities from a research point of view and bring in medical health care academic professionals.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Maybe try our products.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

Sustainability is not just about the planet and the environment, the buildings and all. It is really about the people as well.

5.Where can people find you?

Key Take Away

“There are different kinds of coconut oil. The word coconut oil is loosely used”

When we look at the different coconut oil. We need to make sure that we get what we pay for. There are some brands that will market their coconut oil as a specific type but in actual fact, it might not be a 100% correct. A better quality coconut product would have a lot more health benefits and is also more likely to last longer.

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

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 01:30:00 +0400

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.

Key Take Away

“The 17 sustainable development goals will help to end extreme poverty and build a better world by 2030. “

On the 25 of September 2015, 193 world leader adopted new global goals at the UN’s annual General Assembly. These 17 goals would each help to build a better future. Just like when we set our own goals whether for a year, a month or a specific project, it is important for us to set goals to end poverty, hunger, equality as well as all things related to Mama Earth to name a few. Without these goals, it becomes harder to measure our progress and also easier for us to not make any improvements if there are no goals to hold us accountable.

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

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 01:30:00 +0400

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.

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Masdar City

The Sustainable City

Dubai Carbon

EmiratesNature-WWF

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

That we form tight communities again.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

There is so much that can be done when you put yourself out there and you kind of lend that trust to someone else. For this week maybe just try to sort of lend that trust a few times or once at least to someone random that you may have not trusted before.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

If you recycled one aluminium can, the amount of energy that you have saved, just by recycling that is the equivalent to you watching TV for four hours.

5.Where can people find you?

Youtube

Key Take Away

“You give certain things up because you are willing to”

When we are dipping our toes in the field of sustainability there might be a few things that would be very easy to give up and as your journey progress there might be things that you thought would be hard but they then seem easy as you are more willing to give them up than previously. However, it should all be within balance and do what you can and feel comfortable with. I think we all want to strive to do more, be more but we also need to be aware of our limits and not try to burn ourselves out and then not want to do anything further for Mama Earth. Living a more sustainable life is a journey and not a race.

044: How To Wrap Up Christmas More Sustainable with Mariska Nell

Sat, 22 Dec 2018 14:22:00 +0400

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.

Links from the episode

DIY Christmas Advent Calendar made from empty toilet paper rolls

DIY Recycled Gift Paper

DIY Recycled Paper Bows

DIY Jazzed up Recycled Paper Photo Frame

DIY Recycled Paper Earrings

DIY Cork Pin Board

Key Take Away

“Christmas, birthdays or any other occasions that we give or receive gifts can cause a lot of waste. There are so many gifts that we receive that we will never use and then it might end up on a shelf collecting dust until we eventually throw it out.”

It is easy to just keep on purchasing gifts for people to show them that you care and it is also so easy to receive these gifts. Often we feel embarrassed to say anything when we receive gifts as we do not want to offend the gift giver as they would have given it to us from a good place. However every time we accept these gift that we would not use or need it will just end up cluttering our homes. But we need to be able to tell the loved ones that we do not want to receive these items and that they should not be offended but we do not want to receive these items but would rather want to do an experience like going to watch a movie you really want to go and see. Maybe to help you to pay for a holiday that you always wanted to go on or it could be cooking or art class that you would have liked to go for. They could also make a donation on your behalf to an organisation that you support.

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

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 01:00:00 +0400

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”.

Episode Highlights

[01:08] How did your sustainable journey start?

[06:40] When you see a problem you are the one that can create a solution. You are the one that can change that.

[07:23] What is Smiling Through Light?

[12:24] You know that when you are working with the woman, they will always go back and invest in their families. They will invest with their kids.

[14:51] If you use kerosene your eyes start watering, it becomes very cloudy, your inhaling obviously CO2 which is just dangerous and really bad for your health.

[15:32] If you have a solar lantern you can learn, you can use a clean eco-friendly a brighter solar lamp to help kids improve their education.

[21:21] What is Beam Talks?

[26:01] You have been featured on the recent Paloma Faith’s music video, Warrior. How did this come to life?

[29:40] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Sustainable Energy For All

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

I really want people to respect Mama Earth.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

If you got anything, please focus on it, work on it and keep on going.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

I always tell them a story and I always highlight in Sierra Leone we have a population of almost 7 million people and only 13% of the population have access to electricity and in rural communities, it is less than 1%.

5.Where can people find you?

Key Take Away

“When you see a problem you are the one that can create a solution. You are the one that can change that”

There is a lot of issues we are faced with every single day but we have the power to make a change even if it is a small change. Every step forward is a step in the right direction, no matter how big or small the step it. You just have to start. You are the one that can change that.

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

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 05:21:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[00:57] An eco-brick is a plastic bottle, that is packed to a set density with cleaned and dry used non-biodegradable materials. These vary from cellophane, Styrofoam, plastic bags, straws and packing materials. These are usually all your soft-plastic materials that cannot be recycled by your local recycling facility.

[01:41] In 2016, Upcycle Santa Fe was awarded a research grant that assisted them to study whether compressed plastic waste like that in the eco-bricks was as safe as common store-bought insulation. The result of the study revealed that as an insulation material, common plastic waste emits no traceable harmful chemicals. Plastics in the environment disrupts the cycles of life and by placing these items in an eco-brick, helps control the materials that would have normally become toxins, by sealing it away.

[02:20] The eco-bricks is also a highly insulated building material that is fire, water and bullet-proof.

[03:16] Materials like paper, metal or glass should not be added to the eco-brick as they are usually recyclable through the majority of municipalities.

[03:43] The main objective with creating an eco-brick is to be able to use hard to recycle items and place them in the bricks. This will be able to divert a lot of plastic from the landfill as well as provide people with more affordable building materials they would be able to make themselves.

[04:05] A few things that you can do when starting your eco-brick.

Make sure you use the same branded bottles for each individual project as this will make building easier. Try to use the bottles that are most common in your community.
You can cut the materials that need to be placed in the eco-brick into small little strips. It does not have to be, but I often cut mine in 1 x 5cm strips. This will allow you to easier fill little gaps in the bottle. Before you start cutting, make sure all the plastic to go inside the bottle is cleaned and that there is no organic matter stuck to the plastic pieces.
When you have added the items to the bottle, use a long thin stick and push the materials down that it covers a variety of different areas and make sure you cover the corners of the bottles well. If you will have a small part of the plastic bottles exposed as part of the design, it is advisable to maybe stick with the same colour for about the first centimetre of the bottle.
You can then just keep on filling the bottle until it is completely full. You would then be able to place the cap on and walla, your brick is done.

[06:29] We will even unveil our own eco-brick program early 2019 in the UAE, to start our own movement here.

[06:48] These eco-bricks can be used to build a variety of different items, from structures, furniture to decorative items. For some of the projects, one would require quite the amount of eco-bricks, a two-room classroom would use about 6,200 eco-bricks that is a lot of waste diverted from landfills. Your designs will only be limited to your creativity. I for one have many more amazing designs that I can not wait to start with.

Key Take Away

“This will be able to divert a lot of plastic from the landfill as well as provide people with more affordable building materials they would be able to make themselves”

Eco-bricks is such a wonderful initiative and one that will help us to reduce the size of landfills if people start diverting non-recyclable items into an eco-brick. This will also help us to view our waste and to see what items we would be able to eliminate from our lives. I am very excited to have this initiative in the UAE as well very soon.

041: A journey of a zero-waste farmer with Manju Kumar

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 05:06:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:14] How did your sustainable journey start?

[04:30] This is how my sustainable journey started. It wasjust life changing, like click that happened after seeing all of these thingsthat we decided ok, I have to change, like I can not be part of the problem.

[08:45] Right now we have a tropical jungle of a feeling of our house, you can actually not tell that you are in the suburbs when you are on the property.

[09:33] I wanted to grow stuff that I could not get on the market.

[12:25] There is always something to eat in the garden I don’t really buy anything fruit. We have plenty of our own.

[14:37] Whatever nature can take care of, for me I just let her do it. My effort is just to returning the nutrients back to her.

[15:03] What is lasagna mulching.

[16:54] It is the soil beneath our feet that actually helps us thrive.

[17:55] One of the things that we realised is that the very first thing that goes into our mouths early morning, is plastic.

[19:23] Now Brush with Bamboo is leading bamboo toothbrush company, we have the first organic tooth brush. It is the first plant based tooth brush, are tooth brush bristles are made mostly with castor bean oil and we are constantly looking at how do we reduce the impact of our toothbrush.

[22:25] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around Mama Earth?

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Eating with Max

Trash is for Tossers

Waste Land Rebel

Going Zero Waste

Beth Terry

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

My hope is that she flourishes, that her eco-system is brought back to balance.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Start with just planting a tree, commit to planting one tree every year for the rest of your life.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

Start looking at giving back. Look at how you can give back and giving back, that you have to understand the eco-system for each one of us the answer of what we can do is different, based on where we live, what is available to us.

5.Where can people find you?

Zero Waste Farmer Instagram

Brush with Bamboo Instagram

Youtube

Conscious Fashion Collective

Key Take Away

“It is the soil beneath our feet that actually helps us thrive.“

The soil plays the most critical role for our eco-system and we would not be able to survive without healthy soil and sometimes we need to take a moment to realise that and appreciate what Mama Earth is doing for us.

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

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 01:30:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

When we look at the current trend of entrepreneurs and the rate of entrepreneurs popping, what are your thoughts on this?

[01:28] Alex Stifler, Instagram, Youtube

There is a lot of entrepreneur wannabes.

You can not build the pyramids of Egypt starting with the top blocks, you have to start from the beginning. You have to build and build till you get there.

[02:44] Dave Crane. LinkedIn Instagram

Everybody has got to think about themselves as a brand.

[04:11] Martin Scholtz, Instagram

Entrepreneurship is about failing and learning and being persistent in the long turn.

[04:35] Salem Ahmed, Instagram

It is important to know who you are and why you are in it.

[06:00] Paris Norriss, Instagram

Entrepreneurship is what creates jobs.

[06:42] Tom Otton, Instagram, Create Media Group Instagram

It is not going to be the large corporations that are going to be around in twenty to fifty years that are actually going to change the face of all industries. It is actually going to be entrepreneurship. It is going to be innovation and it is going to be the smaller companies that conduct a move more agile.

[09:21] The second question was about sustainability. There are more and more start-ups and entrepreneurs coming up with innovative ideas where they try to solve issues around the environment that they might be facing in their daily lives or an issue that is close to their hearts. What are your thoughts on that?

[09:38] Alex Stifler, Instagram, Youtube

Recycling and sustainability should be as cool as entrepreneurship right now.

[10:07] Dave Crane. LinkedIn

They realise that this is their world and therefore we need to look after it a lot better.

[11:04] Martin Scholtz, Instagram

They have the biggest challenge because you don’t get funds or finances for it and nobody really feels responsible for however we harm the environment.

[11:37] Salem Ahmed, Instagram

I see people till today throwing trash just on the floor you know as if the whole world is just our trash, but we need to change our perception of this planet. It is our home and I think the people that are working hard to create products that are eco-friendly, sustainable they are really impacting this planet in a positive way.

[12:39] Paris Norriss, Instagram

In the past, we looked at these problems as charity and that was a dead cause because that meant we had to realise money.

[14:12] Tom Otton, Instagram, Create Media Group Instagram

Anybody with a mobile phone can now have a business.

[15:35] There were some really amazing startups at the event and two that I would love to mention but will be telling you more about them both in some of the upcoming episodes as well. They are BluePhin and The Concept.

[16:16] So if there are any of you crazy birds that are thinking of spreading your wings and start your own venture here are some advice from Dave, Paris, Tom and Vishen Lakhiani.

[16:28] Dave Crane. LinkedIn

Take some risks.

[17:35] Paris Norriss, Instagram

Don’t sit on the fence.

[18:11] Tom Otton, Instagram, Create Media Group Instagram

Actually starting

[18:45] Vishen Lakhiani, Instagram

Find a business where you love what you do so much that even if you didn’t get paid to do that, you would do it anyway.

If you might have wondered who the Gary some of the people were referring to, was one of the keynote speakers, Gary Vaynerchuk, Instagram. He is also the best entrepreneur in the world and the handsome man in the photo in the centre standing next to me.

Key Take Away

“Anybody with a mobile phone can now have a business.”

It is for sure a lot easier to be an entrepreneur with technology on our side. Getting your side hustle on and being able to make a steady income from your passion is getting more accessible. You would be able to start your business from right where you are. If you are passionate about the environment it has become a lot easier to take this passion and turn it into a sustainable income, but you would have to put in the work as well.

039: How we can be greener in our cupboards with Kaméa Chayne

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 01:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:28] How did your sustainable journey start?

[03:01] Also later on reading this book called Ecologist Guide To Fashion.

[05:34] I pivoted because I did not just wanted to focus on me and the brands that I either personally bought or partnerships with brands because so many amazing brands out there ones I started doing more research on this topic and I didn’t feel the need myself to literally own something from all these brands in order to talk about them. I just wanted a space to share all the options that we have out there.

[07:04] Generally speaking people then do run away from things that are complex or frustrating to understand, so I think it is important for people working within sustinability field to try to make it as easy as possible for people. Not to oversimplify things cause we can also do that but to at least show people all the options that they have.

[07:34] I would say literally everything in a garment’s lifecycle is the reason we should be more conscious.

[08:08] There is no such things as away, it is gonna just end up in some other corner of our earth.

[11:51] Thrive the book

[14:35] Green Dreamer Podcast

[17:39] 2019 Green Dreamer Planners

[19:53] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Green Matters

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

I hope that we collectively see how interconnected we all are.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Take good care of yourself first. Airlines always say, put your own mask on first before assisting others.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

I don’t think there is one thing that I say. I really don’t preach to people up front, without knowing the context. It is also just not my personality to do so, but what I would do is to get to know the people first and ask questions learn about them, where they come from, what they care about and then see what the most relevant topic is.

5.Where can people find you?

Green Dreamer Podcast

Eco Escapes

Key Take Away

“There is no such things as away, it is gonna just end up in some other corner of our earth.”

We often find ourselves, saying that we throw stuff away, from the food we eat to the clothing that we wear. But when we do throw something in a bin there is no away. The items might be out of sight out of mind, but they will unfortunately go either to a landfill, recycling facility or end up in our environment. Therefore they are never away, just placed in another location and therefore it is so important for us to make better choices and understand what it is that we are purchasing and to consider the entire lifecycle.

038: Top Tip Thursday, The Water Footprint with Mariska Nell

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 01:00:00 +0400

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, a 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.

Episode Highlights

[01:32] The water footprint can help companies to determine where in their supply chain is the water dependence. It can help governments to put regulations in place to protect their water resources, especially in times of drought, but also to help them prevent reaching a severe drought.

[01:55] The water footprint can also help us as individuals to look at our daily lives and question items we use daily out of habit rather than necessity and to reduce our water footprint even if it is through little changes, every drop adds up.

[02:35] It takes about 140 litres of water to produce that cup of coffee.

[05:22] According to a report done in 2011, the global water footprint for humanity from 1996-2005 was 9 billion and 87 million of cubic meter per year. This is divided into 74% green, 11% blue, 15% grey water footprints. The biggest contributor to the water footprint was the agricultural production that is responsible for 92% of the water footprint during this period.

[06:41] I want to take a moment and look at some of the different items that we might eat or wear in our daily life and see what their water footprint would be on average.

An apple – 70 Litres

1 Slice of Bread – 40 Litres

1 Egg – 200 Litres

100g of Chocolate – 2,400 Litres

A Pair of Jeans – 11, 000 Litres

A Beef Burger – 2400 Litres

[07:50] Calculate your average water footprint here

[08:22] One of the easy steps to do is to try and go meatless for one day or only have meat and dairy every other day. By reducing your meat and dairy intake, it will already reduce your water footprint a lot. Maybe see to take a shorter shower, remember the tip in episode 12 about selecting your shower song and only shower as long as the 2-minute song? You could close the tap while brushing your teeth and maybe also look at shopping second hand in the future whether it is for your furniture, tools or even clothing. These are just some of the ways that you can easily reduce your water footprint, there is, however, many more and as each of us have different lives, I would suggest looking at where your biggest water uses are and try to see how you can start to reduce that.

Key Take Away

“A Pair of Jeans – 11, 000 Litres”

11, 000 litres of water for one jean. That is an insane amount of water for one pair of jeans. If you were to look at your wardrobe currently, how many pairs of jeans would you find? This is not just the jeans but all the things we surround yourself with. Now that we know how much water it takes to make these items, we could maybe rethink our habits and instead of buying items on inpulse, rather only purchase the items that you really need.

037: How a company is raising awareness for endangered species with Luke Morris

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 11:35:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:10] How did your sustainable journey start?

[02:10] When you travel around Asia and there is kids kicking water bottles, plastic bottle on the beach as suppose to footballs, then it kind of stays in your mind.

[03:56] What inspired the start of your company Wild Wood?

[06:07] I wanted it to be all eco-friendly and sustainable, made from reclaimed wood.

[07:02] I also wanted to bring in endangered species into play and give our sunglasses a bit of character as well.

[08:30] They are made from recycled bamboo. The bristles are bio-degradable polymer mixed with charcoal so it gives it a natural kind of ingredient but it also is good for removing plaque and for making your teeth white and natural.

[10:44] People love the fact that they are named after endangered species and the watches are actually named after rainforests and jungles so that is a different dynamic.

[11:34] So for every pair of sunnies or watch that is purchased we plant one tree through the nature conservancy.

[14:08]: You can purchase our products at Surfhouse or from the stock list of retailers or distributors.

[14:38] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

Final Five

1. What is one social media platform that you follow?

Seashepherd

Azraqme

Marcus Smith

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

That we get more people to care more about it and that means taking more action and it doesn’t need to be a big step. It can be a little step.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

To do little things.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

I talk about my brand quite a lot, so it is more about endangered species, so, for instance, the Vaquita, there is less than 40 Vaquita left in the world.

5.Where can people find you?

Wild Wood Instagram

Luke Instagram

Key Take Away

“To do little things. “

When on a sustainable journey you do not have to feel you are moving a mountain every single day. Focus on the things that you can do and start with the little things in your life that you can change and feel good about them.

036: Top Tip Thursday, Black Friday with Mariska Nell

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 05:19:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:01] Black Friday 2018 is expected to be bigger than ever. More than 70% of Americans are planning to open their wallets and to make purchases on Black Friday. The average spending of an adult in the US is expected to be $483.18. This will add up to $90.14 billion for the US, Up a whopping $30.57 billion from 2017’s projected spend of $59.57 billion.

[02:30] The average man’s spend is estimated to be around $626.44 and the average woman estimated would be around $342.50.

[03:28] It is estimated that 52% of people purchases made on the black Friday sale was regretted shortly after.

[04:07] One of those companies is Patagonia. They have run a number of successful campaigns where they encourage people not to purchase things that they do not need. One of the campaigns I would like to mention was a full page add in the New York Times. The add had large text on the page “Don’t buy this jacket” with an image of one of their jackets.

[04:55] Not only have Patagonia made people aware not to purchase items that they do not need, but they have also committed from 2016 to donate 100% of the sales made on Black Friday to grassroots organizations, working to create positive change for the planet in their own backyards.

[05:29] Can you still remember the 5R’s that we have talked about previously? REFUSE, REUSE, REDUCE, RECYCLE and ROT.

Key Take Away

“Don’t buy this jacket”

This advertisement from Patagonia really inspired me as it is great to see that there are companies out there that is not just in it for the money but to do good as well. It is very easy to go to the different stores and to purchase all of the items that we see on sale but when we take a moment to think whether we really needed the items we are often filled with regret of purchasing it. Therefore even during a hectic sale season like black Friday, practice your 5 R’s and refuse all the items that you do not need.

035: How we can turn our waste into treasures with Tiffany Threadgould

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 01:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:23] How did your sustainable journey start?

[02:41] I really do feel that everything can be given another life, it just is the lens that you are looking through it.

[03:02] What is TerraCycle?

[03:05] We are a recycling company but we focus on hard to recycle materials.

[04:08] We have a team of both designers an scientists on staff to figure out solutions for all of these weird materials that come our way.

[06:00] Packaging is really the number one thing recycled through TerraCycle and within packaging you have different categories. So flexible film packaging is one thing. Your lightweight chip bags and snacks packages and you also have the more durable pouches. Like your pouched food like baby food, some drinks come in pouches, like apple sauces, things of that nature and toothpaste would fall in that category too.

[06:35] Cigarette butts are one of the number one litter problems that are out there.

[08:12] Some of our major markets are the United States, England and Australia, but there are a number of other countries that participate. We are active in Japan, Mexico and a number of European countries and Canada.

[11:03] We are launching the first dirty diaper program in Amsterdam.

[16:40] More about Tiffany’s book, titled ReMake.

[18:06] Wat has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

[18:13] I don’t just work at a recycling company, it is part of everything that I do.

Final Five

1. What is one social media platform that you follow?

DesignMilk

2. What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

I hope that more people are cognizant of what they are consuming and what they are disposing of and quite honestly I would love to get to a point where TerraCycle does not exist anymore because single-use plastic and garbage does not exist.

3. What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Rethink things before you throw them away.

4. What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

Over 40% of landfill waste is packaging materials. So that is materials that are only in your hand for a minute if that and then it goes into the garbage.

5. Where can people find you?

TerraCycle’s Facebook

Tiffany’s Instagram

TerraCycle’s Instagram

Tiffany’s Youtube

TerraCycle’s Youtube

Tiffany’s Website

TerraCycle’s Website

Key Take Away

“Rethink things before you throw them away.“

This is something that I could not have said better. Rethinking not only what you throw away but also what you bring into your environment all plays a big role. When we look at the term “away” what does that mean? Is there a place called away where all our waste magically go to and disappear, or is away just another word for a landfill? So when we do throw something “away” do we think on where it will be going next? It is therefore important to look at items before purchaisng them or brinign them into our lives to make sure that we really need the item and when it comes time to discard the item that we can be sure the items can be recycled, composted or even upcycled to give the item a second life.

034: Top Tip Thursday, Crazy Bird Questions with Mariska Nell

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 18:02:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:18] How do I manage only to have 1-litre bin of waste every 6-8 weeks?

[02:58] We live in an apartment and composting can be hard at times not to talk about the smelliness if you had to do it indoors, therefore I invested in a Smart Cara and had to say she has been a valuable assist in our kitchen.

[04:35] What is your take on clothing or products made from recycled plastic?

[05:19] Every time that you place the item for example in the washing machine it will release microplastics, those microplastics will then go in your drain and then in the water supply.

[08:03] What would you tell people while shopping package-free in a store that is not package free?

Key Take Away

“Every time that you place the item for example in the washing machine it will release microplastics, those microplastics will then go in your drain and then in the water supply.”

Microplastics are a hot topic at the moment and with the number of companies entering the sustainable market on the rise and with that comes a lot of greenwashing. Companies telling you that their products are good for the environment and the moment you dig a little deeper you find that they are no different other than promoting more people to use it. This can often lead to confusion and also frustration as you might be purchasing products that you were told are good for the environment but then in fact was not. Therefore do take everything that the salesperson tells you with a pinch of salt. Go and do your own research and find out more about the items before investing in the product.

033: Why sustainable fashion matters with Sass Brown

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 01:30:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:34] How did your journey start?

[06:17] How would you define Eco-Fashion?

Eco-Fashion really is fashion with a conscious. something that makes an impact, a positive impact in our world.

[06:57] If you set yourself up as you know the perfect solution, you are going to be shot down, because there is no perfect solution right now.

[11:06] I think the footprint of textiles in fashion is huge and as I said I think we have done a really poor job of getting this information out. There are companies like you mentioned like Levis that are making a major impact.

[13:08] How would an eco-brand company be able to brand themselves as an eco-brand?

[16:30] What changes would you like to see in the future for these companies?

[20:48] What are some of the things that you look out for when looking at different eco-brands?

[22:24] What is your take on fast fashion?

[23:06] When clothing is devalued to the same cost as a coffee, it is going to be viewed with the same disposability. It is clearly not made for longevity. It is either trend driven so you probably don’t want to be seen dead in it in another three months time anyway or it is simply not made of high-quality fabric, so it won’t last terribly long.

[26:55] and that is what we call a hidden price tag, right. It is the price tag that you don’t pay at the till as a consumer but the person producing that garment or that textile or growing that fibre or the environment are the ones that actually pay the real price for its production.

[27:25] About Sass’s books Eco Fashion and ReFashioned.

[29:49] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Greenpeace

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

My hope for sustainable fashion is that we never have to use that word again and that all fashion will be sustainable.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

If there is one small thing that you can do that changes how you do your daily life. Whether it is giving up straws, simply asking every time you ask for a drink, please no straw. Whether it is always carrying a recycled water bottle. Whether it is always carrying a recycled bag with you instead of to take a plastic bag. These are little things that are easy to do and can have a massive impact.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

I think ultimatly the fashion industry has a massive impact on the environment whether it is through pollution, whether it is through water footprint, whether it is through chemical use, whether it is through the disposability of the fabrics and the garments end of life and on the people that produce it and whether it is first second or third, fourth or sixth, ultimately we have the ability to change how we do business and how we consume.

5.Where can people find you?

Key Take Away

“My hope for sustainable fashion is that we never have to use that word again and that all fashion will be sustainable. “

It would be wonderful if all fashion brands were sustainable and ethical and that we do not have to go and investigate every single clothing brand that we are considering to purchase from. Sustainable fashion is something that not a lot of people are aware of and I hope that this makes you rethink the brands that you purchase from and to invest in better quality clothing that will last longer and are made more ethically, that is my hope for you as well.

032: Top Tip Thursday, Tips From Our Guests with Mariska Nell

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 01:30:00 +0400

In this episode, I am reflecting back on some on 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.

Episode Highlights

Bea Johnson

Learn to say no.

Max La Manna

Find a way to compost, reuse your food scraps as much as you can. Your leftovers, if you have leftovers or food that you want to throw away maybe there is somebody less fortunate that wants the food. Find another purpose for your food. If you can not compost it then see if you can give it to someone else.

Kathryn Kellogg

Really start to ask yourself questions. I always say, embrace your inner three-year-old.

Elena Kinane

Consumers are very powerful and we need to be aware of that and your decision, every decision that you make count and inform yourself, be an informed consumer. Don’t believe what people tell you. Double-check, cross-check.

Marita Peters

Pick one thing that you would like to change and then just stick with that and see how that makes you feel and ones you got the hang of that automatically it will lead you to the next.

Dina Mustafa

I would suggest go out and find one nice thing around you and just talk about it. Nice thing when it comes to an event when it comes to you found a recycling bin in your area. Find something positive.

Key Take Away

“Pick one thing that you would like to change and then just stick with that and see how that makes you feel and ones you got the hang of that automatically it will lead you to the next. “

There are so many different things that we would be able to do in our daily life that will allow us to live more sustainable, however, we are all different. What might be something that you view as wasteful could be the only source of food, water or hygiene products that some people have access too? Therefore start with one change that you feel you would be able to manage and that will be the start of your journey. The most import thing is to do this at your own piece and with what you feel comfortable. Living a more sustainable life is a journey and not a race.

031: How Nude Foods are changing the way we shop with Paul Rubin

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 07:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:00] How did your sustainable journey start?

[03:50] That has really been the feedback from many of our customers, that exact point that they feel a lot more connected to their food or products that they buy.

[04:18] We currently have about 300 SKU’s or products and we source as much of those products locally. Wherever products are available locally we will give preference to those suppliers.

[04:57] We also have a zero waste lifestyle range because everything from your reusable coffee cup, to your reusable straws, dry produce bags, your fresh produce bags, your stainless steel lunch boxes, all that really useful products that help to live a zero waste lifestyle more easily.

[06:35] We are trying to make whole foods and earth-friendly products more affordable and therefore more accessible to a wider range of the South African community.

[08:04] Other than being package-free what would you say sets you apart from regular grocery stores?

[10:55] What happens to expired food items?

[11:25] We have partnered with an organisation called Streetscape, which upskill homeless people and teaches them how to grow or to tend their own fresh produce. All our unsold fresh produce are then send the Streetscape and is added to their existing compost.

[11:59] What has been the feedback so far from your clients?

[16:42] What is next for Nude Foods?

[18:15] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Bea Johnson

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

I think mother earth as a planet is going to be just fine, she will probably still exist long after. My concern is more for the human race. I think as humans we are a bit more endangered as the planet. My hope is that the consciousness shifts from consumerism that we are seeing more and more of and reaching a tipping point much sooner than later.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

People are still sending organic waste to landfill even though the name implies it is a waste it is actually a great asset. All of our compostable waste should really be composted.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

Every piece of plastic ever created still exists on earth.

5.Where can people find you?

Kathryn Kellogg – Going Zero Waste

Key Take Away

“ Every piece of plastic ever created still exists on earth. “

This is indeed a very scary fact and it makes me want to try even harder to refuse single-use items that are really not required. This way we would be able to slowly reduce the demand for items that we do not require.

030: Top Tip Thursday, Microplastics with Mariska Nell

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 01:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

What is microplastics?

They are extremely small pieces of plastic debris that we find in the environment. This debris varies in size less than 0.2 inches or 5mm in size.

Microplastics are mainly created through two sources.

Microplastics are surely making its way to our food system. Recently 1 out of 4 fish tested from a Californian fish market contained microplastics.

The first is to minimise the purchasing of new clothing or textiles that are made from new plastic fibres. Instead, invest in clothing made from natural fibres.

Make sure you recycle properly. Less than 10% of plastics are recycled.

Avoid purchasing products with plastic microbeads.

Try to wash your clothing less and in the cases that it does require a wash try to capture the microplastics.

Key Take Away

“Recently 1 out of 4 fish tested from a Californian fish market contained microplastics.”

Plastic seems to be everywhere and it is making its way into our food system as well. If we do not change our habits we will be facing more and more problems every single day.

029: How the Zero Waste Queen started her journey with Bea Johnson

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 01:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:14] How did your sustainable journey start?

[03:19] With the manufacturing practices in place it is not possible today to be completely eliminate everything, but you can get pretty darn close it. Today our family of four produces just one jar of trash per year.

[04:04] In the book I describe the methodology of 5R’s.

[04:15] We found very quickly that people put too much emphasis on the 3rd R, Recycle.

[05:37] This lifestyle is not a competition, it is a journey. So it is obviously not overnight that we were able to reduce our trash to a jar per year and I do not expect anyone to be able to do it overnight. It is a question to find what works for you and what doesn’t.

[08:31] The best thing that the zero waste lifestyle has to offer to you is actually a life that is based on being instead of having.

[10:30] About Bulk finder web-based app.

[12:49] Bea’s advice to start you off on a zero waste journey?

[13:30] It is very important to learn to say no on the spot.

[18:30] Bea’s 15 piece wardrobe.

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

None

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

It is a society that is based on being instead of having.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Learn to say no.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

People only use 20% of their wardrobe.

5.Where can people find you?

Key Take Away

“Learn to say no. “

The first R that Bea has in the 5R’s is Refuse. It might not be something that comes easily to do but its something that can help us so much to avoid us to bring in any unnecessary items in our houses that find their way into the trash. Therefore one of the easiest ways to reduce the amount of trash you make is to not create them and by not taking the items in the first place. You do not have to sound rude when you say no, you might be able to work on a sentence that works for you and with that sentence you might even be able to create some sort of curiosity that can lead into people being more aware.

028: Top Tip Thursday, Trick or Treat with Mariska Nell

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:09] Therefore today I am going to go through a few tips that will help you have a more sustainable Halloween and it might also save you some money. So let’s dig right into the decorations.

[01:30] Pumpkins

[01:59] These pumpkins are fully compostable, and you would be able to cook or bake with them afterwards as well. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin soup, pumpkin biscuits oh my, the number of pumpkin recipes available are endless, so why not try a few out.

[02:19] You would be able to add some lighting in your garden or in front of your apartment by using some of your existing mason jars and adding a tea light to each one.

[02:45] Ghosts, witches and scarecrows can easily be made by stuffing a towel or sheet.

[03:10] Americans spend around $2.6 billion on Halloween costumes that are worn only for one night.

[05:15] Trick or a treat.

[06:58] You could also be able to bake some biscuits and treats and make up your own little goodie bags, by placing the items in a small paper bags that are just folded close at the top.

Key Take Away

“Americans spend around $2.6 billion on Halloween costumes that are worn only for one night.”

It is really shocking to see the amount of money that is spent on costumes for only one night and that a lot of these outfits will not be used again and could end up in landfills. Therefore it is very important for us to practise our 5R’s when planning our next Halloween costume. We might not only save money but following this but also help out the environment by reducing the number of items we purchase and dispose of.

027: How an organisation have Retold our clothing stories and gave it a second life with Sian Rowlands

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:44] How did your journey start?

[03:21] The problem at the moment is high street fashion is really pushing consumerism. They have 52 seasons, every single year now.

[03:33] We have 52 seasons in the fashion industry, the fast fashion industry. So every single week, most high street fashion brand are putting new products on the shelves.

[05:36] One of the things that I really wanted to do was to explain to our followers and our customers that it was the next chapter in our story, so not only is it the next chapter in the clothes that we sell but it is the next chapter for my ex-wardrobe and therefore Retold.

[06:15] What is the process for people purchasing or selling their clothing?

[09:08] Capsule wardrobe blog post.

[12:28] Overall feedback from people when they visit the store.

[13:40] About 25% of the products that we get through the doors still have their original tags on.

[15:34] By buying second hand you are reducing the carbon footprint of the item itself, you are feeding back into the economy.

[18:03] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

I just hope that society wakes up to and maybe starts to deal with our addiction to single-use plastic.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Refuse single-use plastic.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

150 billion items of clothing end up in landfills every single year, which is the equivalent to 410 million items every single day which is the equivalent 17 million each hour, so that is 284, 700 every single minute, which is the equals 4,757 every single second.

5.Where can people find you?

Snap Shots Of Simplicity

Key Take Away

“150 billion items of clothing end up in landfills every single year, which is the equivalent to 410 million items every single day which is the equivalent 17 million each hour, so that is 284, 700 every single minute, which is the equals 4,757 every single second. “

Throwing things in the bin seems to be very easy, but the moment we place an item in the bin, it needs to go somewhere. Some items make it to a recycling facility but the majority ends up in landfills. When we throw clothing in a bin, it finds its way to the landfill. The number as you heard is shocking and there are a few ways how we would be able to divert this from landfills. The first being purchases better quality products that will allow you to use the clothing for longer. Buy second hand and if you want to get rid of items, rather sell them or donate them to have a second chance at life to someone that might need it more. You could also look into repurposing your clothing by converting them into bags, blankets or whatever you would require. The possibilities are endless.

026: Top Tip Thursday, Plastic Not So Fantastic with Mariska Nell

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 02:00:00 +0400

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 on 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.

Episode Highlights

[01:26] In 1950 there were only 2.3 million tons of plastic produced. In 1993, 162 million tons rising to a staggering 448 million tons produced in 2015.

[01:51] Only around 9 per cent of that has been recycled, 12 per cent was incinerated, and 79 per cent accumulated in landfills or the environment.

[02:23] In June this year, a pilot whale died after eating 80 plastic bags. The animals often mistake these bags as food.

[03:02] Currently, the cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world and one that has very harmful effects.

[03:48] The study revealed that one single cigarette butt soaked in a litre of water for one day resulted in vastly lowering the water quality and resulting in the death of 50 per cent of the fish in the water.

[04:41] We have become more accustomed to purchasing items that are easily disposed of as well as purchasing lower quality items that need to be replaced more often.

[05:02] More than 40 per cent of plastic is used only once and then tossed. Plastic water bottles are something we see more often off.

[05:49] Often we wonder what difference one person can make, it might be small, but it also might be the start of a big ripple effect of a change.

[06:31] So, in a nutshell, my quick tips how you can reduce the amount of plastic you use is evaluate your life and to see what plastic items would you be able to easily phase out of your life by switching to a more environmentally friendly alternative.

Key Take Away

“Currently, the cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world and one that has very harmful effects.”

When we look a little bit deeper into cigarettes and the effects that they have on the environment and the way people dispose of them, it really makes me fear for the environment and therefore when someone is littering, whether it is a cigarette, plastic bag or a straw we need to address the issue as they might not be thinking that they are doing any harm.

025: How to live a zero-waste life with Kathryn Kellogg

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 02:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[00:19] How did your sustainable journey start?

[03:00] When we talk about living a zero waste lifestyle, what exactly does that mean?

[03:03] The simple definition is to send nothing to landfill, but the more complex definition, the one that I really like is to completely wright waste out of existence.

[03:32] The goal with a zero-waste lifestyle is to recycle less and not to recycle more.

[04:08] How Kathryn’s GoingZeroWaste.Com blog start.

[04:40] Halloween treats

[05:24] Love a Lonely Banana: A Song About Food Waste.

[08:29] I recommend to people to start with the big 4 and they are, say no to straws, bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store. Produce bags too and then to bring a full reusable water bottle with you whenever you go out and then the last one is to say no to coffee cups.

[09:58] Planet or Plastic

[11:43] The photographer Randy Olsen was actually on this assignment for two years.

[13:41] Release of Kathryn’s new book 101 Ways to go Zero Waste.

[15:41] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

I feel like every decision that we make is very important and I think that some of the traps that people fall into are feeling like one person and that the small things don’t make a difference but really the small things, when they are done over a really really long period of time, are some of the most impactful things that you can do.

Final Five

1.What is one social media account that you follow?

Girl Gone Green

Litter Less

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

I just really, really hope that people will learn to see that connection.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Really start to ask yourself questions. I always say, embrace your inner three-year-old.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

[20:15] The water footprint for all the items we use is just crazy. It takes 3 litres of water to make one litre of bottled water. It takes 37 gallons of water to make a roll of toilet paper. It takes 8 gallons of water to make a paper plate

5.Where can people find you?

Key Take Away

“ Really start to ask yourself questions. I always say, embrace your inner three-year-old. “

Question everything! Find out where your clothing is made, what is the process, where is the fabric from, who is the farmer that grows your food? It is only when we start questioning items in our life that we realise that not everything presented as good is always good and that you need to be able to make those conclusions for yourself based on real facts rather than marketing campaigns influencing our decisions without doing our research to confirm.

024: Top Tip Thursday, There Is Hope with Mariska Nell

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 02:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[00:44] New Zealand is one of the most recent countries to tackle plastic pollution by banning single-use plastic bags.

[01:27] Ikea, the Swedish furniture retailer, pledged to remove all single-use plastic from their products ranges as well as their in-store restaurants by 2020.

[02:06] They will also provide more vegetarian food options in their stores as well.

[02:11] Norway is the first country in the world to ban deforestation.

[03:07] The production of soy, beef, palm oil and wooden products in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea have contributed to 40 per cent of tropical deforestation.

[04:01] New York City has partnered with S’well in a step to reduce their single-use plastic bottles as part of their BRING IT campaign. They will provide all 320,000 New York City public high school students with their own sustainable steel bottle.

[04:47] The UK government have set a very ambitious and worthy goal and that is to fight to protect our oceans and marine life, by having a third of the world’s oceans protected by 2030. Currently, only 3.7% of the world’s oceans are designated as marine protected areas.

[05:22] The Ocean Cleanup. They have launched the biggest clean up in history, led by the Dutch inventor, Boyan Slat. Slat and his team created an artificial coastline system in the ocean where they will concentrate the plastic and remove it.

[06:21] Some ways that you would be able to help out Mama Earth daily.

Key Take Away

“The production of soy, beef, palm oil and wooden products in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea have contributed to 40 per cent of tropical deforestation. “

We often wonder how we would be able to do more to make changes, and when we hear that 40 per cent of tropical deforestation is due to the production of soy, beef, palm oil and wooden products, it makes me rethink my habits. The choices we make when purchasing products that relate back to the cause of deforestation can indirectly support these organisation and is likely to increase the demand and contribute to even more tropical deforestation. In recent months palm oil have been under the radar of many organisation especially in Indonesia where photos have been released of orangutans forcefully been removed and trying to cling to the bulldozers trying to stop them from destroying the home to clear forest for palm oil production preparation. According to the WWF a century ago, there were more than 230,000 orangutans. The Bornean orangutan is now estimated to be about 104,700 and endangered and the Sumatran orangutan is now critically endangered with an estimated 7,500 left. Therefore I urge you to look at the ingredients in the items you purchase and if it consists of unsustainable palm oil, rather go for an alternative.

Photo credit: The Orangutan Project

023: The last razor that you would ever buy with Adam Simone

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 03:01:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:18] How did your sustainable journey start?

[02:50] There is an amazing organisation called 412 Food Rescue it is led by Leah Lizarondo and she has built a network backed by technology and the goodness of people that has rescued more than 4 million pounds of food, and they do this by cutting off perfectly good food that would end up uneaten and in landfill and connecting them with people in need of food.

[03:22] We won’t stop until we have replaced every disposable plastic consuming razor on earth with a Leaf razor.

[04:51] The history of shaving is quite interesting it dates back thousands of years to when early humans were using tools and shells and even things like sharp teeth to remove hair from their head and face. It is not a new invention.

[05:11] Double edge razors which are what many today would kind of consider classic shaving tools that perhaps your grandfather used or maybe you have dabbled with in your sustainability journey. Those were invested and patterned more than a hundred years ago by and some people don’t know this but by King Camp Gillette.

[06:34] What modern razors brought to the table over safety razors is a comfortable easy shave with multiple blades and a pivoting head. What we lost was the quality and the durability of materials.

[11:56] We want that who when someone holds it, because it is a high-quality tool and something that I think people should be happy to own. because it is quality and it will last.

[12:13] It has a lifetime warranty. If you have any issue ever drop us a note.

[12:20] To keep our customers happy, we are learning a lot. We are still very young we have only been commercially available for about six- month ones as of the recording here, but we are in our next production of razors right now and we continue to learn and improve and listen to our customers.

[13:14] We have got three more finishes coming in our next production run.

[13:50] Maybe like four years ago I bought a pack of hundred of them for $11 and I am still using that pack. They will last a long time.

[14:02] From a storage perspective a footprint of a hundred pack fits in the same space size a four standard cartridge from Bic shave or any of those shave clubs.

[15:51] What can we do with our blunt blades?

[18:46] We decided to go to Kickstarter and in 30-days we raised a $110,000 on our Kickstarter campaign.

[20:25] If you are on the fence of trying us, give it a go. If we are not your jam, if it is not working for you, we will take it back within 30 days.

[21:03] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Lauren Singer

Package Free Shop

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

I hope that more folks learn about the small decisions that they can make to do personally to impact their footprint on Mama Earth and you know I am very happy that I am making the choices that I am making and honestly I also hope that there are a couple of people listening out there that are entrepreneurs at heart that hear my story and are encouraged to make that idea that they have for a more sustainable solution or product or service to make that a reality because it is as simple as starting.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Think about the small choice that you can make but also think about how you can leverage a talent or an idea to impact more people.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

It is as simple as purchasing a Leaf razor.

5.Where can people find you?

Key Take Away

“What modern razors brought to the table over safety razors is a comfortable easy shave with multiple blades and a pivoting head. What we lost was the quality and the durability of materials.”

When we look at some of the razors on the market and how often we had to replace some of the plastic handled razors and how many disposable razors we go through, it is shocking. Consumers all over the world keep on purchasing these razors that are not built to last for years and in the case of the disposable razor, weeks. So therefore by investing in a product that is durable, that would be able to last us years might seem expensive at first, but in the long run, your investment would pay off as you would not have to replace the razor as often and you would be able to reduce the amount of waste that your razor would generate over time as well.

022: Top Tip Thursday, Food Waste with Mariska Nell

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 03:01:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:10] One-third of all the food that is produced for human consumption is wasted. That is about 1.3 billion tons of food that is wasted annually. There are many ways how this food finds themselves among this shocking number and there are many ways how we can avoid or reduce the amount of food waste we generate.

[01:33] Give the ugly produce a go.

[01:59] Imperfect Produce is a company that collects all of these ugly fruits and vegetables from farms in the US and sell the produce at 30-50% less than what you would pay at the store. By eating this imperfect produce, you are helping to build a more sustainable effective food system as well as fighting food waste. This also allows farmers to be rewarded for their entire harvest.

[02:40] It might be a good idea to talk to some of the farmers if you do not see their ugly fruit at the market as they might not have thought about bringing them, but might in the future if they knew people are interested in purchasing them at a reduced rate.

[02:59] The food scraps do not have to end up straight into the bin. There is a lot that you can do with your food scraps.

[03:09] Potato skins I normally keep aside and fry or bake them till they are nice and crispy, sprinkle salt or your favourite spice mix and you have your very own package free crisps. These are great to top off dishes to add that little crunch factor as well.

[03:49] Ones the container is full, you can place it a pot on the stove on a medium heat, cover it with boiling water and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. Strain the vegetables until you are left with a beautiful stock, make sure you squeeze every last bit of stock out of the vegetables. You can then use the stock by keeping it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezing it in your ice tray and using the little cubes when you require the stock. These can be frozen for up to 3 months.

[04:24] The leftover vegetables can then be composted.

[04:48] Reduce the amount of animal products you use.

[05:18] Maybe try to reduce the amount of meat that you use in your dishes. For example, you would be able to add more vegetables to your spaghetti Bolognese.

[05:50] Meatless Mondays or the odd day meat day.

[06:37] The amount of delicious vegetarian and vegan food is increasing in restaurants and grocery stores. This will make sure that you do not have to chew on a boring salad on those days and to give you some inspiration I have linked up a few great recipes from Max La Manna for you to try as well.

[07:00] Reduce the amount of food you dish up.

[07:40] I always have a beeswax wrap or lunchbox with me and in the case that I do have any leftovers, I would be able to place it in the container or wrap it in the beeswax wrap and take it home with you to enjoy later.

Key Take Away

“One-third of all the food that is produced for human consumption is wasted. That is about 1.3 billion tons of food that is wasted annually.”

1.3 billion tons is a very high number of food waste and if we think of the number of people around the world that is starving it is even more shocking. There are many ways how we would be able to reduce the amount of waste that we as individuals produce. In reducing our food waste we might adopt new habits, like purchasing only what we need and therefore would have less food that would be able to go bad if we can not eat it in time. This is not only good for Mama Earth but for our wallets as well as by reducing the amount of food we throw out, we would reduce the amount of money that we spend when only purchasing what we require. It might only be a small step for us but if more people start doing it, can start a ripple of change.

021: How you can cook with your food scraps with Max La Manna

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 04:05:00 +0400

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 on how we can start our journey to more sustainable meals.

Episode Highlights

[01:48] How did your journey start?

[02:56] It only took one opportunity, two people, one opportunity to really make me consider my daily habits of consumption and you know through that journey I started realising what other impacts I am causing by being vegan.

[04:09] I just started looking for ways to reduce my waste and little by little here we are.

[04:28] Growing up in Connecticut, I grew up in a city. Not like New York City, but like a relatively smaller city and I would see people just litter all the time and it would just break my heart.

[04:58] There was always a time that we would pick up trash on our route or on our walk or when we were at the beach. We were always picking up trash. So it was kind of ingrained in me from a young age.

[05:48] What is it to be a zero waste vegan chef?

[05:54] The goal is to send nothing into a landfill.

[07:39] There are vegan restaurants now, they are everywhere. It is great because now I have friends who, they are not vegan but they are vegan-curious and they are now saying to me, “Hey I only eat meat like on a Wednesday or on a Friday or special occasions but for the most part I try to go to a vegan restaurant ones or twice a week.

[08:17] Veganism is taking over this isn’t a fad, this is actually a trend now like what you going to see on a regular basis and in that moment as I was telling this person, Veganism is taking over, I looked to the right of me and there was a little sign on the table, like a little info card that said “Now introducing vegan croissants”. So everywhere I go places that aren’t vegan they are now introducing vegan options.

[10:44] Some of Max’s favourite dishes to prepare.

Pizza

Pasta

Coconut, Blueberry Pancakes

[12:14] How would you recommend starting the journey to become vegan?

[15:24] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Lauren Singer

Package Free Shop

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

For everyone to consume less meat, to eat more plants, to get rid of plastic and to start composting.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Find a way to compost, reuse your food scraps as much as you can. Your leftovers, if you have leftovers or food that you want to throw away maybe there is somebody less fortunate that wants the food. Find another purpose for you food. If you can not compost it then see if you can give it to someone else.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

1.3 billion tons of food is thrown away each year and with that, we can feed everyone.

5.Where can people find you?

Key Take Away

” It only took one opportunity, two people, one opportunity to really make me consider my daily habits of consumption and you know through that journey I started realising what other impacts I am causing by being vegan.”

It only took one opportunity for Max to become Vegan. We often think that what we do does not really matter and question what effects we would be able to have on other people if we refuse a straw for example. It might only be little things but it might be the thing that makes someone else consider their daily habits and they might want to make changes in their life. No matter how big or small we think the change is that we are making, every little step towards a better and healthier Mama Earth is a step in the right direction.

020: Top Tip Thursday, Sustainable Superheroes with Mariska Nell

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 03:01:00 +0400

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.

If you are listening to this and you too feel overwhelmed, not sure how or where to start or continue your journey, hang on there, there is hope.

Firstly you do not have to start by doing everything at ones. This might be very hard and might discourage you to continue with the journey.

Episode Highlights

[02:47] I also realise that I do not have to do everything overnight or on my own, but rather to embrace this as a journey and take it step by step.

[03:13] Rob Greenfield. Rob is an adventurer, environmental activist, humanitarian and a dude making a difference. He leads by example to create a more sustainable world.

[03:47] He cycled across the US twice on his bamboo bicycle spreading his sustainable message across the US and have recently launched a book, Dude Making a Difference.

04: 00Rob also wore his trash for 30 days in New York, and he was the inspiration behind Marita Peters and me starting our WasteMeNot campaign in the UAE with his wonderful support. He is for sure a dude making a difference for Mama Earth.

[04:18] Bea Johnson, Bea is the woman behind Zero Waste Home a blog that turned into a best selling book. She and her family adopted a Zero Waste lifestyle in 2008, which changed their life for the better as they now lead more meaningful lives based on experiences instead of stuff.

[04:42] One of the guidelines that she proposes is for people to follow 5’R Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot and only in that order.

[05:18] She owns to only 15 items, and from these 15 items, she can create 50 different looks.

[05:52] Going Zero Waste’s Kathryn Kellogg. Kathryn’s zero waste journey started when doctors discovered tumours in her breast after suffering from a lot of pain. Thankfully, everything was benign, but they did not recommend removing it as there was a good chance that it would grow back, so she had to live with the pain.

[06:22] After moving to California, she was shocked at the amount of plastic in her area and realised that it is not only bad for her health but also the health of our planet.

[06:46] She believes that small actions done by hundreds of thousands of people will change the world. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference, you just have to try.

[07:04] If you have any sustainability questions please do hesitate to let me know and I will try my best to help wherever I can. You can either send me a message on my Instagram @designbymariska, email me at hello@mamaearthtalk.com or fill out the contact form on our website mamaearthtalk.com.

[07:26] My final tip for today is to do what you can and feel comfortable to start with. Living a more sustainable life is a journey and not a race.

Key Take Away

“Small actions done by hundreds of thousands of people will change the world. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference, you just have to try.”

Sometimes we tend to get lost in the amount of work that needs to be done and it often can lead to use delaying to do things or addressing issues. But if we would instead of hesitating rather try and make a difference we might be creating a ripple effect that can be felt where needed. If we do not try we would not know if it what we want to do will make a difference or not. Therefore try and give it your best, you might be starting something magical.

019: How to use photography as a social advocacy with Chris Calumberan

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 06:30:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:26] How did your journey start?

[02:51] I mean I am not to like save the world in one photograph itself but to spread awareness you know first and foremost.

[03:40] Most of the work that I do comes from the inspiration of some sort that agitated me or moved me.

[04:37] Liter of Life won the Zayed Future Energy Award last 2015. Zayed Future Energy Award they constantly look for initiatives and non-profit organizations that have projects the same as Illac Diaz.

[06:07] I want to not just to be artistic but also have substance and story. Substance and story that comes from the advocates.

[07:37] I saw one add on Youtube, it is a video on Youtube that what happened is he says, lighters, toothbrushes and razors are the most common objects seen in the beaches and inside the birds.

[10:12] Images of the Code Blue.

[12:20] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Joe Rogan

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

We basically have to contribute and start from the inside in. Because we won’t be able to again be concerned too much of the outside world because we don’t have any control of that. What I would suggest is be more responsible inside and start from yourself so that it can be you know transmit and us being an example perhaps. Be a catalyst.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Be more into yourself, try meditation have a silent time for yourself.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

There are a million bottles being used every minute for me having to see bottles of water all over the office it hurts me.

5.Where can people find you?

Key Take Away

“Most of the work that I do comes from the inspiration of some sort that agitated me or moved me”

We often find ourselves leaning more towards things that we like and that touch us as well as the things in life that we are against and we would be more likely to do activities based around this. For every person, these things can vary but it is up to us to find those things and look within ourselves, meditate and find that silence and peace within.

018: Top Tip Thursday, Fast Fashion with Mariska Nell

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 03:22:00 +0400

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.

Fast fashion is a term that is used in the fashion industry to described inexpensive designs, that move quickly to keep up with the latest fashion trends. It is not uncommon for some of these brands to release new products weekly to keep up with the trends instead of introducing new lines on a seasonal basis.

Episode Highlights

[01:11] Fast fashion became more popular in the 90’s. To produce more clothing at a faster pace and lower rate, these manufacturers will try to keep the production cost as low as possible. Some of the ways they can do this are by using low-quality materials that will only last a few washes and pay workers low wages.

[01:34] Often these workers, working conditions is not socially sustainable, and a lot of these working environments are unsafe to work in. One of the most deadly garment factory incidents happened in 2013 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when the Rana Plaza collapsed. 1,138 garment workers died and 2,500 more were injured during the collapse of the eight-storey building.

[02:05] It has been more than five years since the collapse of Rana Plaza, however, Bangladesh is still known as one of the countries where their garment workers earn the lowest wages in the world, with a minimum wage of less than $100 per month.

[02:23] In the last few years, more campaigns were started to encourage people to ask questions and to know what they are wearing and if it is sustainable economically, environmentally and socially.

[02:38] Carry Somers and Orsola De Castro found Fashion Revolution, a non-profit organisation committed to enacting genuine change in the fashion industry. It all started with a hashtag #WhoMadeMyClothes?

[03:11] A few tips that I use to make my wardrobe more sustainable.

[03:16] Buy Second-hand.

[03:38] Invest in quality ethical clothing when you purchase new.

[04:25] Repair rather than replace.

[04:47] Purchase only what you need.

[05:05] If you look at the wardrobe of the founder of the zero waste lifestyle movement, Bea Johnson, you would only find 15 items. From these 15 items, she can create 50 different looks. Her entire wardrobe fits in a carry-on and therefore everytime she travels she can pack her entire wardrobe and does not have to spend a lot of time thinking what she needs to pack when going on a trip.

[05:36] I have recently implemented a policy in my wardrobe that anything that I have not worn in the last 12 months needs to go. It is either donated or sold to the thrift store and whenever I want to purchase a new item I need to replace one of the older items.

[06:10] My final tip for today is to do what you can and feel comfortable to start with. Living a more sustainable life is a journey and not a race.

Key Take Away

“If you look at the wardrobe of the founder of the zero waste lifestyle movement, Bea Johnson, you would only find 15 items. From these 15 items, she can create 50 different looks.”

How often do we stand in front of our very cluttered wardrobe and think, wow I do not have anything that I would be able to wear today? Yes, we have a wardrobe full of clothing, maybe half of the wardrobe does not fit anymore or is only used during a specific season or are there because of sentimental reasons. By removing items that you no longer wear would clear up some space in the cupboard that would save you time every morning as there would be fewer clothes to go through when deciding what to wear. If Bea can create 50 outfits from only 15 items then I am sure we would be able to let go of many more items in our wardrobes that takes up a lot of space as well as our time.

017: Head of Sustainability Operations at Expo 2020, Dina Mustafa

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 03:30:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:42] How did your journey start?

[02:42] I was one of the few women lucky enough to graduate with a chemical engineering degree.

[03:16] When I got to the US, I was like any other immigrant. A few thousand dollars in my pocket and maybe a suitcase and a fold out couch that was given to me to sleep on and so that was my life at the beginning.

[03:28] I went back to school. I got my MBA in international business and I also obtained a masters in sustainability management from Columbia University.

[03:42] I don’t think that you need to study sustainability to be aware of it. I think you are aware of it and then you go back and say I want this to be my profession.

[05:02] I joined the Expo about a year ago, very excited to be working at the Expo it is, I can only say mindblowing.

[06:17] World Expo’s, in general, were all about connecting people. The first World Expo was in the 1800’s in London.

[06:51] In Dubai this is the first Expo that’s held in this part of the world.

[06:57] The theme of the Expo is connecting minds, creating the future with three sub-themes, sustainability, mobility and opportunity.

[07:37] In the US they call Expo’s, world fairs.

[07:40] Some of the things that were showcased at an Expo for the first time and now it is everyday use, is the ice cream cone.

[09:03] So if you have an idea and you have gone through the prototype level and you would like to come and present to us you can actually register at Expo Live.

[12:54] All of our buildings are LEED gold certified and the sustainability pavilion which we will talk about later is platinum certified or will be platinum certified, it is on track.

[14:22] We are trying to build a site that is sufficient, that uses passive measures to conserve energy and to conserve water.

[15:36] About the sustainability pavilion.

[16:16] And if you go to the Expo website you would probably see a lot of information about the sustainability pavilion.

[18:10]Water is actually more important than oil and I think that was a saying by Sheikh Mohammed.

[20:47] Growing your food closer, first of all, reduces the carbon footprint so you have a big impact on climate change when you are reduce your carbon footprint and then you are reducing your water intake too.

[22:08] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

[22:29] It is simple things that make a ripple effect and I think that is what we need to focus on. Don’t try to change the world one whole piece at a time but try with small things, little things and take it one step at a time and don’t judge.

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

That we wake up, we wake up before it is too late. We also need to be kind to each other.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

If I am with friends and we all love to eat fish I would talk about how much micro plastics are in the fish.

Other people that are harder to convince I simply talk about my really nice energy bill at Sustainable City and how much money I am saving and that makes them listen.

5.Where can people find you?

LinkedIn

Key Take Away

“It is simple things that make a ripple effect and I think that is what we need to focus on. Don’t try to change the world one whole piece at a time but try with small things, little things and take it one step at a time and don’t judge.”

When we look at becoming more sustainable there is a lot of things that we can do but instead of trying to do everything at one time, take a moment and really look at all the changes that you can possibly make and start with one thing that would be manageable for you. It might look small to others but this is the start of your journey and this will help you to make another change followed by another in time. But if you try to make all of these changes at one time it might be too hard and too much for you to handle at one time and you might give up on it entirely. Living a more sustainable life is a journey an not a race.

016: Top Tip Thursday, Shopping Plastic Free with Mariska Nell

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 03:01:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[00:55] Plastic grocery bags, you can switch them out for reusable bags.

[01:11] In Abu Dhabi, Waitrose, an upmarket grocery recently added a 0.25 fills fee per single-use plastic bag as part of a 12- week trial. During their trial, they reduced the amount of single-use plastic bags by 74% and have seen a drastic increase in the purchasing of reusable bags.

[01:55] I would recommend investing in a few reusable bags that you can take with you when going to the store. You can also leave a bag or two in your handbag, backpack or car to always have one close to you when needed.

[02:31] You would then be able to use these bags when you go to the store as well to place gifts in rather than to spend money on gift wrapping that is likely to end up in the bin. This way you are not only giving a gift but a gift that can help eliminate single-use plastic bags as well.

[02:49] Bringing your containers from home when visiting the grocery store will allow you to reduce the amount of waste you generate.

[03:08] Some of the different foods that I have managed to buy package free in our regular grocery store are meat, bread, fruit, vegetables, spices and some staples whenever they are in stock.

[03:21] Usually, the meat is packaged in a polystyrene tray and then cling wrapped with the price sticker. Having the meat packaged like this, I would not be able to recycle any of the packaging materials.

[04:25] This often starts a conversation as to why I would go through the trouble to purchase the meat package free, and I have found on some occasions that this conversation makes them think a bit more about how they package meat and for them to try and find better ways around it.

[04:43] Bread is usually packaged in a plastic bag tied with a plastic clip. I usually go to the bakery section and ask what breads they have unpackaged.

[05:22] Fruit and vegetables are some of the items that can easily be over-packaged.

[06:25] For the spices and some staples, I have found there are variety grocery stores that have almost like a spice souq set up where you can fill up your containers with the spices and staples you require. You would have to check with the store to first weigh your container before you start to fill it.

[07:34] Therefore only purchasing the amount that I require for these ingredients helps me saved money as I would only pay for what I need and this reduces the amount that needs to be thrown out to get compost as well.

[07:48] No receipt thank you. Your receipt might look like only a few a day or a week, but they do tend to accumulate quite quickly. Some of the receipts can be recycled, but then there are receipts printed on thermal papers that can not be recycled easily and in some cases not at all.

[08:14] When looking at how much resources it takes to produce it is unsustainable. In the US over 250 million gallons of oil, 10 million trees and 1 billion gallons of water are used to produce the receipts, and these receipts will then generate around 1.5 billion pounds of waste when disposed of. That to me seems like a lot of unnecessary receipts if you consider the cost the environment is paying.

[09:11] For these cases, I would create a separate email account only for the receipts that way I do not get them mixed with my regular email, and it is easy to go to a specific mailbox whenever I require one of the receipts.

[09:42] Shopping like this at your regular grocery store can be very difficult at first. However I found it was only challenging the first few times and now all my regular stores know me, and they provide me with the best service that allows me to enjoy my package free shopping on as many products as possible.

Key Take Away

“This often starts a conversation as to why I would go through the trouble to purchase the meat package free, and I have found on some occasions that this conversation makes them think a bit more about how they package meat and for them to try and find better ways around it.”

015: Founder of AYWA tribe, Randi Stephan

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 03:30:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:11] How did your journey in sustainability start?

[02:33] AYWA festival is the first time that me and my community, Aywa Tribe try and create our own understanding, our own vision of such an alternative gathering.

[02:43] Aywa in Arabic means to empower, means bravo.

[03:12] I think that Aywa is such a crucial aspect for all of us to continue sharing and empowering each other to move forward.

[04:54] The mission of the festival.

[06:36] What you can see and expect at the festival.

[07:57] In the collective vision stage one of the most exciting workshops we have is with one of my partners, Nizar Haddad, a green architect in Lebanon whose just about to finish the first fully sustainable building, called Lifehaus.

[08:47] How Aywa will be reducing the waste generated at the event.

[10:13] In Aywa festival we are providing free water for all.

[11:26] In many situations where I was using my personal reusable bottle I would look for gallons or a place where I could refill and so in a very cool way it would help create new connections, new friends, by looking for water sources and really there is nothing more special than to ask another human being for water and not ones have I been deterred or turned away.

[12:25] Aywa festival is from the 19th till the 24th of September 2018.

[12:41] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Woven Earth

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

My hope is that each and every day more and more people take that step, take that decision to move in an alternative direction and that we can really achieve a healthy abundant, vibrant Mama Earth for years to come.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

The best advice that I would give, if you haven’t already get online, look around. Look for a festival. Look for a gathering, look for a workshop and just get involved any way that you can.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

The fact that most of our garbage, our waste if used in creative ways could become either homes or new material or art and that is a known fact that many people tend to forget. They just see a can and they are like, oh this gotta go to the garbage.

5.Where can people find you?

The Sustainable City Instagram

Community Page

Key Take Away

“In many situations where I was using my personal reusable bottle I would look for gallons or a place where I could refill and so in a very cool way it would help create new connections, new friends, by looking for water sources and really there is nothing more special than to ask another human being for water and not ones have I been deterred or turned away.”

It is wonderful to see how we would be able to use something like filling a water bottle as an opportunity to meet new people and to allow them to assist us in fullfilling one of our basic needs. Sometimes we might feel shy or imbarresed to ask for a location to fill our water bottle and feel that it would be easier to just purchase the single-use plastic bottlle but try it out. When you are on your next trip ask around to get your bottle filled, when you are dinning out ask to have your bottle filled, you never know, you might start a wonderful conversation that leads to the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

014: Top Tip Thursday, Coffee with Mariska Nell

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 03:01:00 +0400

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.

How much coffee do you think we consume on a daily basis globally? The British Coffee Association (BCA) have found that the coffee consumption in the UK has risen drastically since 2008 where 70 million cups of coffee were consumed to a whopping 95 million cups in 2018. The US is currently the leading consumer of coffee in the world with Americans drinking 400 million cups of coffee daily. Globally we consume 2 Billion cups every single day.

Can you guess, the country with the highest consumption of coffee, per capita… It is Finland. I have listed the top 20 in the show notes. The US is at currently number 26.

The world’s 20 biggest coffee drinkers per capita according to the Telegraph.

Finland – 12kg per capita per year
Norway – 9.9
Iceland – 9
Denmark – 8.7
Netherlands – 8.4
Sweden – 8.2
Switzerland – 7.9
Belgium – 6.8
Luxembourg – 6.5
Canada – 6.2
Bosnia and Herzegovina – 6.1
Austria – 5.9
Italy – 5.8
Slovenia – 5.8
Brazil – 5.5
Germany – 5.5
Greece – 5.4
France – 5.1
Croatia – 4.9
Cyprus – 4.8

Episode Highlights

[02:02] Coffee is one of the most traded commodities in the world.

[02:25] Economically Sustainable. To keep up with the current coffee demand, there are around 17 million farmers globally that earn their lively hood growing coffee.

[02:54] Environmentally sustainable. Coffee flourishes in a specific soil and climate. If the weather is too hot or cold, to wet or to dry the plants are more prone to disease and yields can plummet.

[03:35] Socially sustainable. In rural communities, coffee farming is often an essential income, but the benefits of working in this industry are not very attractive to the younger people.

[04:52] Take-out coffee is probably the most convenient method of getting coffee for a lot of us, but it inevitably comes with a price tag for our wallets as well as for Mama Earth.

[05:48] A lot of these used capsules end up in a landfill. There is a variety of different capsules made from plastic to aluminium. Some can be recycled at your local facility others not.

[06:41] This method of brewing is one of the most environmentally friendly ways as you do not require a single-use filter, the only energy to brew the coffee you need, other than the boiled water is that of your hand pressing down.

[07:42] The main difference between an espresso coffee machine and a bean to cup is that the latter has an integrated coffee grinder that would allow you to place ground coffee directly into the machine and the machine will grind it as required.

[08:26] Do not throw this away. There are so many different ways that you would be able to use this, like as a pest repellent around your plants to protect them from ants, like snails and slugs.

[08:40] You can fertilise your garden, acid-loving plants like roses, love coffee.

[08:49] The coffee is not just great for the garden but your skin as well.

[09:17] Have a look at all the different options available on the market and what would work best for you and take into account how that will affect Mama Earth too.

[09:25] My final tip for today is to do what you can and feel comfortable to start with. Living a more sustainable life is a journey and not a race.

Key Take Away

“Coffee flourishes in a specific soil and climate. If the weather is too hot or cold, to wet or to dry the plants are more prone to disease and yields can plummet.”

2 Billion cups of coffee are consumed every single day, however, this number might be affected by climate change as due to climate change weather might be to hor or too cold. There might not be as much rain than normal or there might be draught, all due to climate change and this will play a role in the amount of coffee farmed as well as the coffee’s quality. This might also lead to the coffee prices rising as the demand would still be hight but the supply of good quality coffee might be low.

013: Owner/Managing Director of Greenheart, Elena Kinane

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 07:00:00 +0400

Our guest today is a very passionate organic farmer that started growing her produce in the UAE desert. Her produce can be tasted in some of the best restaurants in the UAE. She is also an advocate for a sustainable, healthy and clean living.

Crazy birds, without any further ado, I would like to welcome, Elena Kinane.

Episode Highlights

[01:11] How did your journey start.

[02:12] I started with very small ways on my balcony.

[02:25] So I kind of went back in time and said ok how do I do this and I taught myself really how to do this for myself and in this climate that we are in.

[03:03] So I was raised on buckets of spinach and kale, we had kale then already and it was a real winter hardy vegetable so well before it became fashionable.

[03:34] When people like to talk about cost I always like to point out that food cost today is on an average 80% cheaper in real terms than it was 100 years ago.

[03:57] Meat was really a luxury. People were’t eating meat every day, really items such as chicken were a treat you know or turkey it was reserved for Christmas. We did not have them on a regular basis.

[04:38] People nowadays want to spend very little on food and more money on luxury goods.

[04:46] The reason why organic food is more expensive is, is because it is grown in the way it ought to be grown. In nutritious soil, it is grown by hand without chemicals and that takes longer.

[05:06] If you buy a handmade handbag from really good leather you would expect that to be more expensive to some that you buy on the high street in a cheap shop and it is very similar but the handbag that you buy that is handmade will last you a lot longer than the cheap bag and that is how you have to see it. If you eat good food it is an investment in your health.

[06:05] What do you guys do differently?

[06:52] Each chemical has only been tested by itself, not how it works with others. So the toxicity levels increase when they are put together.

[07:24] What we do is we enrich our soil naturally with compost made on the farm.

[08:15] In nature you always have a mixture of different things growing together you never have just one item.

[08:52] A lot of people are overweight but they are depleted in nutrients because they eat a lot of food but there are no nutrients in any of the food that they are eating.

[09:49] I think that consumers should always ask questions.

[09:53] What makes Greenheart different?

[10:32] Every item that you see here is hand-picked. There is nothing here that I wouldn’t eat that I am selling.

[11:05] I am a big advocate on double checking everything because you can’t rely on people that tell you this is organic, it is good for you, but that it not the case.

[12:31] It is about being part of this movement, you know we need to move, we can not continue to stick our head in the sand and think it will be ok, because it will not. We all need to do our bit.

[13:25] I would really question producers of organic food that wrap everything that they produce in a plastic tray with plastic foil, let it sweat there for starters.

[14:20] We don’t have any food waste.

[15:15] Every farm use to collect their own seeds themselves, they kept a quarter of what they grew for the next season.

[18:01] We need to just go back a step sometimes in order to advance.

[19:09] What was one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?

Final Five

1. What is one social media platform that you follow?

38 Smiles

2. What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

I just hope that people will wake up. I hope that people will learn to prioritize and see really what is important because I think we have lost the vision of what is important and what isn’t important.

3. What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Consumers are very powerful and we need to be aware of that and your decision, every decision that you makes count and inform yourself, be an informed consumer. Don’t believe what people tell you. Double check, cross-check.

4. What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

I would like to ask them how they see things in 10, 15 years time. How are we progressing? Where do they want to be? Where do they want to be with their children? How will they feed themselves? How will they live? What air will they breathe? What animals will they see? This is something that I do quite regularly, where do you want to go with this? Because lets face it we are all happy to spend money on a house, car, holidays, all of that but we are not willing to see where we are going to go as a society and that is really important I think as we can still fix a lot of things if we turn around now, but if we wait until it is too late then we won’t be able to fix it anymore. So we need to wake up now and make the change.

5. Where can people find you?

Key Take Away

“ Consumers are very powerful and we need to be aware of that and your decision, every decision that you makes count and inform yourself, be an informed consumer. Don’t believe what people tell you. Double check, cross-check. ”

We often forget the power of our voices. If we always complain about produce being overpackaged and we complain about GMO and sugars in the food we purchase then we as individuals have the power to address this by voting with our money. We have the power not to purchase items that we feel strongly against and if we all start refusing to purchase and consume these items, the manufactures will have no choice but to make a positive change or find them in a situation where they would go out of business. Therefore do not compromise on what you believe in and rather support companies that share your philosophies as well and together fight for a more sustainable future.

012: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Your Water Use with Mariska Nell

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:39] The power of a good shower.

[01:46] Instead of a bath take a shower.

[02:14] You would be able to place a bucket below and reuse the water that slowly warms up for the plants, washing the car, dishes or cleaning around the house.

[02:27] Pick your shower song.

[02:46] Switch off the tap when you are not using the water.

[03:07] Look at your tap and showerhead. Your current tap or shower head might not be the best at saving water.

[03:40] Don’t leave a tap dripping.

[04:21] Wait before you wash. Do not use the washing machine or dishwasher until you have enough to load it to its capacity.

[04:38] Go native with your plants.

[05:04] You might be flushing way more water away than needed.

[06:03] If it is yellow let it mellow and if it is brown flush it down” This way, they would be able to reduce the amount of water that is used within a household daily.

[06:15] My final tip for today is to do what you can and feel comfortable to start with. Living a more sustainable life is a journey and not a race.

Key Take Away

“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”

As children, we are taught that 70% of the planet is covered in water, yet little do we know how much of the 70% is clean drinkable water. Living in a city where we have easy access to clean water and sanitation it is hard for us to think what life would be if we had to walk long distances to access clean water or had water restrictions due to a limited water source. However, this is something that many people face around the world daily. There are many ways that we can save water even though we might not have any water restrictions currently our planet only has limited sources of water and if that is depleted, we have a major issue on our hands. There is no better time than the present to take the first step toward a sustainable future.

011: Executive Director of Surge, Marita Peters

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:42] How did your journey start?

[03:06] Changing the world one drop at a time or we also say it takes one ripple to start the wave of change.

[04:24] The fresh water that you speak about is actually the same water that forms part of the water cycle. We are drinking the water that the dinosaurs drank.

[04:39] The earth is a natural filter and what we are doing today with the industrial pollution and with all of the chemicals that we see in our water sources we are contaminating that finite fresh water source that we have.

[05:21] It is woman and girls that bear the burden of the task of fetching water for their families.

[05:32] What Surge endeavours to do is we work on water access and water purification, which are the two main points when trying to bring clean safe water to remote communities.

[06:17] A lot of times there are closer water sources but they just have broken and they just don’t have the means to fix them.

[06:38] We involve the community leaders, establish a water user comity so that long after the physical build or the repair work is done the community needs to understand and value the work that has been done and be able to maintain and keep up that water source.

[07:34] The attendance rates are picking up because now children aren’t having to go back home to use the bathroom and then never coming back.

[09:58] What is a water footprint you say well, it is simply is not just the direct water that you are aware of, the water that you consume, through cooking, bathing, drinking but also all the indirect water. The water that it takes to grow your food, not just the water in your coffee but the water that it took to grow the coffee beans and to process the coffee beans into ground coffee.

[11:04] We feel that only once you are aware of it can you start to make change in your daily life to your habits.

[11:36] An apple is 70 litres of water.

[12:04] A hamburger, on the other hand, is 2400 litres of water.

[12:52] The story goes the same with your clothes, your mobile phone, with electronics, with all material goods there is water in the process of pretty much everything.

[14:23] There are actually many water footprint calculators online.

[14:42] Sitting here in the UAE, we are number three globally on the highest per capita usage of water. Sitting in at 550 litres a day.

[15:06] Today Surge is active in four countries. We work in Uganda, the Philippines, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

[15:25] March 22 annually is world water day so as Surge we always like to mark this day. For the last two years, we have hosted free public events at The Sustainable City.

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Rob Greenfield

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

I guess my big hope is that the next generation, our children, really grow up in harmony with the earth and understand the importance of living in harmony with her and keep her at their forefront.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Pick one thing that you would like to change and then just stick with that and see how that makes you feel and ones you got the hang of that automatically it will lead you to the next.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

When you think of a typical plastic bottle of water, what we call a single-use bottle. It takes almost three times the amount of water to make the bottle than the water you consume inside it.

5.Where can people find you?

Key Take Away

“What is a water footprint you say well, it is simply is not just the direct water that you are aware of, the water that you consume, through cooking, bathing, drinking but also all the indirect water. The water that it takes to grow your food, not just the water in your coffee but the water that it took to grow the coffee beans and to process the coffee beans into ground coffee.”

Every single thing has some sort of water footprint, therefore you use more water daily than just the pure clean water that you drink. Finding out what your own water footprint is can be a real shocking discovery, but this allows us to make better choices to reduce our water footprint. Instead of grabbing a burger with a water footprint of 2400 litres we could maybe have an apple that only have a water footprint of 70 litres of water. It is little changes like this that will indeed make a big difference.

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010: Top Tip Thursday The Great Pacific Garbage Patch with Mariska Nell

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 07:02:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:21] A gyre is a large system of circulation ocean currents that are formed by global wind patterns as well as forces that are created by the rotation of the earth.

[01:50] Boyan Slat decided that he is going to do something to clean up the oceans and have since then launched The Ocean Clean Up.

[02:00] In 2015 the first mega exhibition was launched by crossing the Patch with 30 boats simultaneously, and they collect 1.2 million plastic samples, in small nets and two giant trolls that were towed behind the boats.

[02:49] that ran the first aerial survey of a garbage patch.

[03:01] The debris measured 1.6 million square kilometres. That is three times the size of France.

[03:08] The patch contains 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic. That equals 250 pieces for every human in the world.

[03:19] The total mass amounts to 80,000 tons. This is 4 to 16 times more than previously estimated.

[03:29] 92% of this mass is made of larger objects, that will be fragmented into smaller dangerous micro plastics over the next few decades if not removed.

[03:42] Slat and his team created an artificial coastline system in the ocean where they will concentrate the plastic and remove it.

[04:13] The system will be taking advantage of wind, waves and currents.

[05:13] A support vessel often comes and removes the plastic, similar to what a garbage truck would do.

[05:19] The debris is then taken to land where it is recycled and turned into beautiful products.

[05:49] It is expected that the fleet would be able to clean up 50% of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch every five years.

[06:24] Reduce the amount of single-use plastic items you use by switching to reusable options.

[06:36] Pick up 3 for the sea.

[06:53] Avoid the fruit and vegetable bags.

Key Take Away

“The debris measured 1.6 million square kilometres. That is three times the size of France.”

To think that somewhere in our beautiful ocean is a large plastic mass three times the size of France. I am still trying to wrap my head around it. Plastic has been around for the past decades and was created to make our lives easier. However, when looking at the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the effect that these plastics have on the environment, it really makes me wonder. If we all evaluate our daily life and pick one item that we would like to reduce it will make a difference.

009: Executive Director at SEE Nexus, Karim El-Jisr

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:17] How did your sustainable journey start?

[02:07] It was second nature to grow food somewhere in the backyard.

[02:33] The entire city was designed and conceived to be a quote on quote sustainable because sustainability is something that is very difficult to achieve and it is not absolute, we can be more sustainable, we can be ever more sustainable but are we ever sustainable enough and I think we can always push the boundaries.

[03:43] We also have a zero service fee in the community, so by living here you do not have to pay, you don’t receive an invoice every so many weeks or months to pay for this or that all that is absorbed into the business model of the community.

[04:41] We have to bring in trees into that setting to improve the microclimate, so this is the premise. We would like to provide greenery not only for the site and the beauty of the community but to modify the microclimate that it feels cooler, it feels fresher.

[06:58] If you have more biomass in the city you are actually shifting carbon dioxide from a gas ular state which contributes to global warming to wood and eventually to the soil.

[07:23] We believe that cities have to grow food. We may not be self-sufficient, we may never be self-sufficient within the city boundaries but growing food for us is really part of the DNA.

[08:02] When you start growing your own food you start to appreciate the cycle of life. Otherwise our people, children are going to say that bananas come from the supermarket and potatoes comes from the marketplace, right, where they need to trace it back and I think it is important to establish those connections and show people where does food come from.

[11:14] The beauty of Denmark and their carbon targets is that it looks and it seems effortless, you know everything is seamless.

[11:38] What strikes me every time I visit and I visit ones a year, are the improvements they make to the biking infrastructure.

[14:31] I think we all need to think of how we move inside the city, which means every time we hop into the car, let’s think about the car. Can we downsize the car, do I need the car, should I drive alone or can I carpool with someone?

[15:08] We have to downsize or get rid of the cars and obviously push for better alternative transport and that is coming.

[15:14] I think we should edit our shopping choices. Every time we go shopping somewhere we need to think twice about it, do we need it and am I purchasing the right product. I think those would make a huge impact on the society.

[15:56] Most important decision that you made around Mama Earth.

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

National Geographic

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

My hope and my wish is that Mama Earth is going to be kind enough to give us a little bit more time for us to fix all the mistakes we have done so that Mama Earth can be in a better shape. Time is running out so I do hope Mama Earth is going to extend that time needed for us to fix it.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Drive less.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

Look at your thermostat if it is too hot, then there is too much heating, if it is too cold then there is too much cooling and in both cases, your carbon footprint goes up. I think we need to manage that and find that thermal comfort which is ok, even if we have to put on a sweater or actually take off our suit.

5.Where can people find you?

Karim Instagram

The Sustainable City Facebook

The Sustainable City Website

Key Take Away

“I think we all need to think of how we move inside the city, which means every time we hop into the car, let’s think about the car. Can we downsize the car, do I need the car, should I drive alone or can I carpool with someone.”

We often just jump in the car and go for a drive without thinking about other alternatives that we have available. Maybe instead of driving on your own, try to carpool, make use of public transport, cycle or walk to your destination. Although some of these options might not be feasible for you and you would be left with no option but to drive to and from your destination, but we can always try and reduce the number of times we drive and to try our best to plan our drive to be more sufficient and to try and completed more than one errands at a time.

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008: Top Tip Thursday Reducing Waste In The Bathroom with Mariska Nell

Sun, 19 Aug 2018 07:02:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:09] Plastic toothbrush, switch to a biodegradable option like a bamboo toothbrush.

[01:16] 850 million toothbrushes are discarded off per year in the US alone.

[01:45] Toothpaste in plastic tubes switched to toothpaste in a reusable jar.

[01:52] About 1 billion toothpaste tubes are sent to the landfills every single year.

[02:19] But this defiantly took some getting used to. I did not like the taste of the toothpaste at first.

[02:50] Deodorant in plastic packaging switch to a deodorant in a reusable jar.

[03:33] Shower gel and shampoo’s in plastic packaging, switch to a soap bar or purchase package free.

[03:45] I have previously made my own body wash that I then store in a glass dispenser for easy use.

[04:16] I have also found bars for my conditioner and face wash.

[04:19] Disposable razor to be switched to an old-school safety razor as well as an old-school natural shaving cream.

[04:30] 2 Billion disposable razors are thrown away every year, with most of these ending in the landfill. In order for me to avoid sending my razor to landfill.

[05:10] I rarely cut myself anymore and also have not had any razor burns. I used to get it all the time with the disposables razors.

[05:48] Tampons or sanitary napkins switched to a reusable menstrual cups or sanitary pads.

[06:15] The average woman gets her period about 450 times in her lifetime and uses on average 11,000 disposable tampons or pads in her lifetime. In 2015 the Ocean Conservancy collected 27,938 used tampons and applicators on beaches all around the world in a single day.

[07:12] Some of the cardboard applicators and packaging can often be recycled, however some of the plastic applicators, wrapping and packaging usually cannot, and they end up in a landfill or ocean.

[07:35] I have been able to the reduce the amount of waste I send to the landfill as well as save money by reusing the menstrual cup instead of purchasing the single-use items monthly.

Key Take Away

“850 million toothbrushes are discarded off per year in the US alone.”

When you take into consideration how many toothbrushes we use in a year as an individual and think about how many other people will dispose of that same (sometimes even more) amount of toothbrushes, it becomes more clear that even something that we think is so small, it can pollute our environment. You might say what will one toothbrush do. It is not so much about the one toothbrush but if we put everyone’s, one toothbrush together it makes a big difference. It all starts with small changes that can create a ripple effect.

007: Founding Partner of Liquid of Life, Rukhsana Kausar

Sat, 18 Aug 2018 07:02:00 +0400

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.

Episode Highlights

[01:50] How did Rukhsana’s journey start?

[02:57] The thought was that perhaps I would go and join Greenpeace and get arrested, you know by protesting or like tie myself to trees.

[04:42] I find that you know as a result of increased awareness about the issues surrounding plastic pollution there is a drive towards looking at alternative solutions.

[05:54] What has helped even more recently are the global trends, so you have had very successful programs, such as Blue Planet.

[08:26] I think we do seem to have this warped sense of what convenience is.

[08:58] It is more convenient to actually have access to water all the time.

[09:53] The filters last 12 months, so no one is inconvenienced every couple of months by someone coming into their homes and changing filters.

[10:02] We do try to make things as hassle-free as possible to make that change as easy as possible.

[10:54] The starting point is for us to understand what the drinking water needs and requirements are, what the current costs are and then we look at the cost of implementing the filter drinking water systems and then the ongoing running costs.

[13:30] When we have done the taste test at some of our events, the majority of people do seem to prefer the filtered water.

[16:22] The filters are really designed so to remove impurities like any sediment particles that are in the water and chemicals like chlorine.

[20:56] Shower filters will not stop your hair from falling out. Hair loss is more complex than that. It depends on diet, stress if you are on certain medication where a side effect might be hair loss, your hormones, so there are lots of other contributory factors to hair loss.

[21:25] By removing the chemicals like chlorine from the shower water, you are also reducing the exposure that your skin has to chemicals because your skin is the largest organ in your body.

[27:34] Every time we buy something we are casting a vote for the place that or society that we want to live in and over the last eight years I have not bought a plastic water bottle.

Final Five

1.What is one social media platform that you follow?

Oceanic Global

2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?

It is one of change and healing.

3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?

Just look at some of the things that you are doing. Water is obviously something that we all need to have access to and there is still too much of a heavy reliance on plastic bottled water especially if you are living in cities or towns where you do have access to drinking water from your tap and it is relatively easy enough buy a filter and invest in a filter and in the long run it is going to save you money as well.

4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?

8.3 billion tons of plastic have been manufactured since the 1950’s. If you think that less than 10% of plastic globally have been recycled that is billions of tons. Some of it is still in circulation and we are still using some of them, but much of that plastic have ended up in the landfill and it has ended up in the oceans.

5.Where can people find you?