Mama Earth Talk

Mariska Nell

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...

  • 1 hour 12 minutes
    189: Sustainable Packaging Unwrapped with Wendy Jedlička

    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?

    LinkedIn

    MCAD

    O2 Upper Midwest

     

    KEY TAKE AWAY

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

    1 December 2024, 9:30 pm
  • 37 minutes 38 seconds
    188: Bread, Buckwheat, and Bold Moves: Maddie Hamann’s Journey with PACHA

    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?

    Facebook

    Instagram - Pacha

    Instagram - Maddie

    LinkedIn - Maddie

    YouTube

    Website

    KEY TAKE AWAY

    “I wanted to be part of the solution.”

    3 November 2024, 9:30 pm
  • 43 minutes 33 seconds
    187: Sustainable Business Insights: Paul Hargreaves on B Corp and The Fourth Bottom Line

    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

    Website

    KEY TAKE AWAY

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

    7 October 2024, 9:30 am
  • 37 minutes 17 seconds
    186: Circular Economy in Action

    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:

    Ellen MacArthur Foundation

    The Story of stuff  by Annie Leonard

    Patagonia

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

    Nudie Jeans

    Rent Runway

    ThredUp

    Shop Retold

    Fairphone

    Plaine Products 

    Loop by Terracycle 

    Herman Miller

    Cradle to Cradle 

    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

    2 September 2024, 1:00 am
  • 32 minutes 19 seconds
    185: From Milestones to Community A Journey in Sustainability and Connection

    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. ”

    5 August 2024, 1:00 am
  • 46 minutes 13 seconds
    184: Virtual Reality, Real Impact with Briege Whitehead

    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?

    Facebook

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Website

    Key Take Away

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

    11 March 2024, 10:30 am
  • 49 minutes 20 seconds
    183: How Environmental Impact Assessment Shapes Our Sustainable Future: Insights with Angus Morrison-Saunders

    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:

    The best books on environmental impact assessment

    Where can people find Angus?

    LinkedIn

    ECU

    Key Take Away

    “Think before you act”

    7 January 2024, 9:30 pm
  • 35 minutes 33 seconds
    182: From Green Hues to Environmental Blues: Decoding Eutrophication's Impact with Mariska Nell

    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.”

    3 December 2023, 9:30 pm
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    181: Adventures for change with Lisa Blair

    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?

    Facebook

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Twitter

    YouTube

    Website

    KEY TAKE AWAY

    “The rhythm of the planet is changing.”

    3 September 2023, 9:30 pm
  • 48 minutes 58 seconds
    180: 1% for the Planet: Pioneering Global Environmental Solutions with Kate Williams

    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?

    Facebook

    Instagram

    LinkedIn - 1% for the Planet

    LinkedIn - Kate Williams

    Twitter

    Vimeo

    YouTube

    Website

    KEY TAKE AWAY

    Progress not perfection

    6 August 2023, 9:30 pm
  • 46 minutes 48 seconds
    179: Green Amendments for a Sustainable Future with Maya van Rossum

    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?

    Facebook

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Twitter

    Website

    KEY TAKE AWAY

    The laws, fundamentally fail us.

    2 July 2023, 9:30 pm
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