Mama Earth Talk

Mariska Nell
Mama Earth Talk

Welcome to Mama Earth Talk. I am your host Mariska Nell. I am so grateful to have you here. If you are new to sustainability, already on the journey or just curious to learn more about the topic, then you are in the right spot. Mama Earth Talk is a podcast that takes a deep dive into the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, social and economic). Since its inception, it quickly grew into a forum that showcases the amazing hope through the incredible contribution many around the world are making to a more sustainable life and society. There are over a 140 episodes to learn from, with many amazing and inspiring guests like Her Deepness, Dr Sylvia Earle, Zero Waste Queen, Bea Johnson, activist and humanitarian Rob Greenfield, Chief Heart officer for Gary Vaynerchuck, Claude Silver, Climate optimist Kathryn Kellogg, zero waste chef Max La Manna and many more.

  1. 190: Empowering Conservation with Brett Jenks: Rare’s Global Impact on Climate and Sustainability

    5 JAN

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

    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:180: 1% for the Planet: Pioneering Global Environmental Solutions with Kate Williams Ever Forrest Game Where can people find Brett and Rare?Facebook Instagram LinkedIn - Rare LinkedIn - Brett YouTube Website KEY TAKE AWAY“People change when they see other people change.”

    51 min
  2. 189: Sustainable Packaging Unwrapped with Wendy Jedlička

    01/12/2024

    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."

    1h 13m
  3. 02/09/2024

    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

    37 min
  4. 05/08/2024

    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. ”

    32 min
    5
    out of 5
    4 Ratings

    About

    Welcome to Mama Earth Talk. I am your host Mariska Nell. I am so grateful to have you here. If you are new to sustainability, already on the journey or just curious to learn more about the topic, then you are in the right spot. Mama Earth Talk is a podcast that takes a deep dive into the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, social and economic). Since its inception, it quickly grew into a forum that showcases the amazing hope through the incredible contribution many around the world are making to a more sustainable life and society. There are over a 140 episodes to learn from, with many amazing and inspiring guests like Her Deepness, Dr Sylvia Earle, Zero Waste Queen, Bea Johnson, activist and humanitarian Rob Greenfield, Chief Heart officer for Gary Vaynerchuck, Claude Silver, Climate optimist Kathryn Kellogg, zero waste chef Max La Manna and many more.

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