Mama Earth Talk

In this episode, we talk to Kurt Avery. He is the owner and founder of Sawyer Products and someone who has dedicated his life to solving one of the world’s most urgent challenges, access to clean water, through innovation, partnerships, and a business model that gives back by donating 90% of their profits in a truly powerful way.During this episode, we explore the global water crisis and how one simple innovation is transforming millions of lives. Kurt Avery, shares how his company is tackling access to clean water through groundbreaking filtration technology, partnerships with global organizations, and a unique business model that donates the majority of its profits.Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:[00:00] -Intro[02:19] – Meet Kurt Avery & the story behind Sawyer Products[03:31] – From snakebite kits to water filtration innovation[05:15] – The Haiti earthquake & global breakthrough moment[06:30] – Real stories showing the urgency of the water crisis[09:47] – Reaching 40 million people with clean water[10:56] – Biggest barrier: funding & scaling impact[13:16] – Why solving the water crisis is actually possible[14:12] – How the filtration technology works[18:29] – Partnerships with 140+ global organizations[20:50] – The 90% profit donation model explained[23:31] – New innovation: malaria-preventing baby wraps[27:32] – Environmental impact & sustainability benefits[31:01] – Scaling impact through schools and communities[31:22] – 23 years of struggle before success[32:39] – Advice for impact-driven entrepreneurs[36:30] – Final 5Links from the episodes:Sawyer Products Kurt Avery’s book: Sawyer ThinkSawyer FoundationLiving Lighter, A Practical Guide to Reducing Waste - Online Course by Mariska NellDownload your Free Beginner's Guide To Waste-Free Living Join our newsletter to be part of the changeWatch the interview on YouTubeWhere can people find our guest?WebsiteFacebookInstagramTikTokKey Takeaways:Clean water access impacts health, education, income, and environmentSawyer filters can last 10–20 years and serve entire communitiesThe company has helped 40+ million people globallyTheir model donates 90%+ of profits to humanitarian workSolving the water crisis is financially and technologically achievable todaySustainability isn’t just environmental, it’s human survival and dignity"Kurt finds hope in the fact that solving the global water crisis could cost as little as 30 cents per person for 10 years of clean water. With scalable technology and growing awareness, we are closer than ever to making universal access a reality."

In this episode, I share why Earth Month holds such a special place in my heart, how a bold experiment in 2018 sparked meaningful conversations around waste, and why sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We explore how small, realistic steps can create real impact, and I also share an exciting Earth Month announcement to help you get started on your journey.Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:[00:00]-Intro[00:30] Welcome + intro to the solo episode[01:00] The 2018 “trash suit” story & how Mama Earth Talk started[01:55] Why Earth Month is so special to me (and a personal connection)[02:30] Teaser + exciting announcement coming up[02:50] Why Earth Month can feel overwhelming[03:30] Sustainability = small, consistent steps[03:50] 🎉 Announcement: Free access to “Living Lighter” course[04:20] How to access the course (quick hack explained)[05:00] What the course includes (modules, videos, habits)[06:30] Why you only need ONE action—not 150[06:40] The power of small steps (water bottle example)[07:30] Biggest lesson: start with what feels easy[08:50] Practical tips for Earth Month begin[09:00] Tip #1: Swap one daily habit[09:30] Tip #2: Let your bin guide you[10:10] Tip #3: Make it convenient[10:40] Tip #4: Reduce food waste[11:00] Tip #5: Change the question[11:20] Letting go of perfection[12:00] You are part of something bigger[12:30] Your Earth Month challenge: one small step[13:00] Final message: imperfect action mattersLinks from the episodes:Mama Earth Talk Online CourseKey Takeaways:Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming, start small and build from thereProgress over perfection is the key to long-term changeYour daily habits are the best place to begin your journeyAwareness (like noticing what’s in your bin) creates powerful changeSmall swaps, done consistently, lead to big impact over timeYou don’t need to do everything, just start with one step.The planet needs more people taking imperfect action, not a few doing it perfectly.

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.Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:[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 InvitationLinks from the episodes:1% for the PlanetPrevious Mama Earth Talk Episode with the CEO of 1% for the Planet, Kate WilliamsPet Sustainability CoalitionB Corp CertificationForest Stewardship Council (FSC) ISO 14001 Environmental Management SystemsCradle to Cradle CertificationMama Earth Talk Online CourseKey Takeaways:• 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.Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:[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 ListenersLinks from the episodes:Bambuyu on SharkTankLiving Lighter, A Practical Guide to Reducing Waste - Online Course by Mariska NellDownload your Free Beginner's Guide To Waste-Free Living Join our newsletter to be part of the changeWatch the interview on YouTubeWhere can people find our guest?WebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn - BambuyuLinkedIn - SaharTikTokKey Takeaways:Sustainability starts with everyday choices.Bamboo is a sustainable alternative to traditional trees.27,000 trees are cut down daily for toilet paper.Bamboo grows back quickly, making it a renewable resource.Everyday products can be tools for sustainability.Quality matters in sustainable products.Recycled paper involves extensive processing and chemicals.Building a sustainable business comes with unique challenges.Transparency with customers fosters trust and engagement.Sustainable decisions should become mainstream.

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.Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:[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 & OpenWardrobeLinks from the episodes:OpenWardrobeBonus video: Wardrobe + Blueprint walk-throughYouTube Video of the podcast 30% off the Style Blueprint with code MAMMAEARTH (all caps) at checkout on OpenWardrobe.Where can people find our guest?OpenWardrobeFacebookInstagramLinkedInKey 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.