All eyes on Marijke
- Jolanda Cornet
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Meet Marijke: an energetic nurse, grandmother of two girls, and someone who consciously chooses to reduce waste. She shares what drives her, why she sees Trashious as the perfect match for her sustainable lifestyle, and… how that little adventure with a stubborn bus lane turned out. Curious? Keep reading!
Can you briefly introduce yourself?
I’m 62 years old and have been happily married to Maurice for almost 40 years. We have a son and a daughter, along with a daughter-in-law and a son-in-law. We’re also proud grandparents of two girls. I’ve worked my entire professional life with great satisfaction as a nurse in Rotterdam.
Trashious’ pay-off is: Where some see trash, we see opportunities. How does this resonate with you?
I find it really important to waste as little as possible. I pay close attention to that. Even though it sometimes feels pointless because so much waste is generated around us, that should never be a reason to ignore it yourself. Change starts with you!
When do you feel at your strongest? (Besides opening a jar of pickles without help.)
When I’ve been able to make a difference for someone, whether in my private life or at work.
Who or what gives you a kick in the pants when you need one?
My husband and children.
Which choices in your life make you proud?
The way we were able to raise our children and the values we were able to teach them.
How do you motivate yourself on days when you’d rather stay under a blanket?
Honestly, I don’t really have days like that.
How do you minimize your footprint on the world? (Are you good at cooking with leftovers, for example?)
I often cook meals using leftover vegetables, and they usually turn out surprisingly tasty. And for the past few years, we’ve stopped eating meat, which has been working out great.
What’s the biggest blunder you can laugh about now?
I once drove my car right into a bus lane barrier. I didn’t see it at all, heard a lot of noise underneath the car, but managed to get out without any damage—thankfully!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received or given?
Not everything has your name on it. I tend to take on other people’s problems or shortcomings and try to solve them preemptively. Sometimes, you just have to let things unfold. Some days that’s easier than others.
If your bag could talk, what would it say about you?
This woman is always losing her keys. She can never find anything in her bag. But she loves shining every now and then with a great outfit and matching bag!
What was your first job?
Delivering newspapers and working as an assistant in a nursing home.
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve ever received?
When people tell me they were glad I was there that day.
Which woman inspires you? Who would you like to share an evening of wine and wisdom with?
Michelle Obama. I thought her speeches were fantastic, and her life story is truly inspiring. Especially in today’s world, I miss women like her.
What was the biggest challenge in your life and how did you deal with it?
Watching my mother deteriorate due to dementia. She gradually declined until she didn’t recognize anyone anymore. It caused me a lot of sadness. The final years in the nursing home were tough, but I’m grateful I was always there for her. Now that she’s passed, I can look back on that with peace.
Which three hashtags describe you best?
Which three hashtags describe Trashious best?
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I think it’s really cool that you’re launching Trashious. You’re making great strides. Love it. Best of luck!
Wil jij in de spotlight staan en deel uitmaken van All Eyes on You? Deel je verhaal dan hier.
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