Mama Earth Talk, with Mariska Nell, is a podcast that showcases the amazing things people are doing to make the planet better. Mariska interviews experts from around the world to give her listeners (a.k.a. the crazy birds) the latest tips and advice...
In this episode, I shares the real story behind building a sustainable hard-goods brand in the pet industry, unpacking the engineering, manufacturing, certification, and financial trade-offs that most people never see. From design constraints and material decisions to B Corp, 1% for the Planet, and sustainability reporting, this is an honest founder-level look at what it actually takes to balance environmental ambition with business reality, and why sustainability is a discipline, not a label.
[00:00] The Question Most Consumers Never Ask
[02:10] From Sustainability Advisor to Bootstrapped Founder
[04:45] Progress vs Perfection in Sustainable Business
[07:30] The 4-Pillar Sustainability Framework (Environment, People, Economy, Culture)
[10:15] Why Sustainability Lives in Engineering Constraints
[12:00] Designing for Longevity (And the Business Model Tension)
[14:20] Care-Centered Design & Piper’s Physiotherapy Moment
[16:30] Material Trade-Offs: Why Bamboo Wasn’t the Right Choice
[19:00] Certifications Explained: What Actually Matters
[21:30] 1% for the Planet & Financial Accountability
[23:10] FSC Packaging, REACH & Compliance
[24:45] B Corp: Why It’s Not a Day One Certification
[26:30] Sustainability Reporting & Measurement
[27:40] Why Profit Is Oxygen in Sustainable Business
[29:00] Celebrating Brands That Are Doing the Work
[30:00] Final Thoughts & Community Invitation
Previous Mama Earth Talk Episode with the CEO of 1% for the Planet, Kate Williams
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems
Cradle to Cradle Certification
• Sustainable product development is not theoretical, it’s constrained by tooling costs, manufacturing realities, minimum order quantities, and cash flow.
• A structured sustainability framework (Environment, People, Economy, Culture) is your decision-making filter when trade-offs get hard.
• Perfection can become paralysis, progress with sequencing is often more impactful than waiting for “100% sustainable.”
• Sustainability in hard goods lives in engineering decisions, not marketing language.
• Designing for longevity reduces waste, but can reduce repeat purchases. That’s a business model tension founders must face.
• The “most sustainable-looking” material isn’t always the most appropriate one. Context matters.
• Certifications are validation layers, not starting point, they should align with operational readiness and financial stability.
• Material compliance (FDA, REACH, BPA-free) is foundational and often more important than flashy badges.
• Sustainability reporting turns intention into measurement, and measurement drives accountability.
• Profit isn’t the enemy of sustainability, it’s oxygen. Without financial viability, environmental ambition can collapses.
• Transparency builds trust when it shows process, not perfection.
• Celebrating brands that are doing the structural work shifts incentives across the industry.
• Sustainability isn’t a label, it’s an ongoing discipline.
In this episode of Mama Earth Talk, we talk to Sahar Karoubi, founder of Bambuyu, a sustainable tissue company challenging the way everyday household products are made and consumed.
Together, we unpack something most of us use daily, toilet paper, and explore the hidden systems behind it, from deforestation and material sourcing to the real impact of “eco” alternatives. Sahar shares how her personal sustainability journey as a mother led her to build Bambuyu, why bamboo stood out as a powerful alternative to traditional tree-based tissues, and what it actually takes to create a sustainable product in a very conventional industry.
[00:00]-Intro
[02:59]- The Birth of Bamboo You: A Sustainable Solution
[06:02]- Understanding Bamboo vs. Traditional Trees
[08:59]- The Process of Creating Bamboo Products
[12:03]- The Impact of Small Choices on Sustainability
[14:57]- Challenges in Building a Sustainable Business
[18:11]- The Journey of a Startup: Lessons Learned
[21:05]- Shark Tank Experience and Its Impact
[23:55]- Navigating Sustainability and Business Decisions
[26:58]- Transparency and Customer Engagement
[29:56]- Future Plans for Bamboo You
[32:54]- Final Thoughts and Advice for Listeners
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In this episode, we chat with Julia Dietmar, Co-Founder and CEO of OpenWardrobe, a platform helping people use what they already own and make smarter fashion choices. Julia shares how a messy closet sparked her sustainability journey, how OpenWardrobe helps digitize closets and plan outfits with AI, and why the most sustainable choice is wearing what you already have. We also explore her Style Blueprint approach and the real impact of fashion’s overproduction and waste.In this episode, we talk to Julia K. Dietmar, Co-Founder & CEO of OpenWardrobe, a platform helping people use what they already own, plan outfits with AI, and plug into circular options like repairs, alterations, and resale.
During this episode we look at how a messy closet sparked Julia’s sustainability journey and unpacks what OpenWardrobe actually does—digitize your closet, help you plan outfits, spark AI styling ideas, and plug you into repairs, alterations, and resale, while making the case that the “most sustainable” choice is usually wearing what you already own (cost-per-wear). We share practical ways to buy less and love your wardrobe more, walk through Style Blueprint 101 (your colors, body shape/silhouettes, and style personality), and get real about fashion’s overproduction problem—from “52 seasons” to landfill stats and water impacts.
[00:00]-Intro
[02:20] – Welcome to Mama Earth Talk + episode setup
[03:17] – Guest intro: Julia K. Dietmar (OpenWardrobe)
[04:36] – Julia’s sustainable journey (personal & professional)
[05:50] – What is OpenWardrobe? Tools for mindful dressing
[06:52] – “I’d never have paired these!”—AI outfit ideas feedback
[11:00] – Empowering consumers vs. “just buy sustainable brands”
[12:40] – What is sustainable fashion? (The “30 wears” idea)
[14:34] – Platform or movement? Why OW is a toolkit first
[16:11] – Buying less without trying: versatility kills the urge to shop
[21:28] – Style tip: don’t imitate—dress for how you want to feel
[23:25] – Resale & repairs: Poshmark integrations; US alterations/repairs
[27:40] – Stats you can use: cost-per-wear; carbon footprint (coming later)
[29:45] – From 2 to 52 seasons: the overproduction problem
[31:55] – Landfill reality; existing clothes could dress six generations
[33:12] – One T-shirt = ~700 gallons of water perspective
[37:01] – Personal shifts: buying less; avoiding plastic packaging
[37:01] – Style Blueprint deep-dive: colors, silhouettes, personality
[41:33] – Brand lists by style personality & learning resources
[42:56] – Final 5 begins
[43:20] – Hope for the Planet
[43:35] – Eco Tip of the Week
[43:53] – A sustainability fact that lands in any room
[44:30] – Where to find Julia & OpenWardrobe
Bonus video: Wardrobe + Blueprint walk-through
30% off the Style Blueprint with code MAMMAEARTH (all caps) at checkout on OpenWardrobe.
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.
[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
Holiday Receipes from Molly
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.
[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
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.
[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
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
[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
How Your Coffee Can Make A Difference with RAW Coffee
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.
[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
Instagram - WriggleBrew
Instagram - Sam Baker
LinkedIn - WriggleBrew
LinkedIn - Sam Baker
In next months episode we are are looking at some sustainability certifications. What it means and that to whatch out for.
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.
[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
Yellowstone’s national park’s 150th year anniversary with Kevin Costner
5 Day hiking tour that we took
In our next episode, we’ll be talking worms, looking at some amazing ways they are playing their part.
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.
[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
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Common Ground - Official Trailer | Prime Video
Kiss the Ground - Official Movie Trailer (2020)
*Assets courtesy of Big Picture Ranch.
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.
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