Lisbon based expat Reyanne Mustafa is a speaker, co-founder of SoulMuch Foods upcycled snacks and artist.

Have you always been ‘Green’? Or was there a ‘moment’?

It was a photo that started it for me at the age of seven. I saw a picture of a polar bear stranded on shrinking ice. It was then that I connected the dots that our actions have a direct effect on the ecosystems and animals around us. For me, it was easy to understand that there are direct lifestyle changes we can make that will protect wildlife.

If you had to pick one eco priority, which one would it be?

I think I would encourage people to pick the priority that feels right for them. For me, waste is what pulled on my heartstrings because I grew up with a single mom, on food stamps and a very low income household. It was for me that the idea of wasting food was completely unimaginable. So, fast forward when I started working at a restaurant I was completely frazzled when I saw the chefs throwing away so much food while my fellow coworkers may have become desensitised to it or food scarcity was nothing they have ever had to live with. I did not “pick” to focus on food waste. I simply could not look away when everyone else did and I recommend people find the thing that they cannot turn a blind eye to.

What’s the most shocking thing you’ve seen that people aren’t aware of?

• The amount of perfectly edible restaurant food waste is beyond belief.
• The insane shorelines of plastic lining the beaches of most southeast Asia regions.
• The beautiful people who dedicate their lives to clean the world is one of the most beautiful things.

Can we still educate people in time?

Yes. However, I used to think it was about “educating people” on the problems. Now, working in sustainability for over 10 years, I see that is the wrong approach. I think it is about finding out what is in it for the people and showing them that. We are all wired to think, “what’s in it for me”. By finding what people’s motives are and showing how they can benefit is a much more powerful tool than educating.

“You never know what you can achieve when you share your crazy dreams with those willing to dream with you.”

Are big brands really working towards a more sustainable future or is it a lot of ‘greenwashing’?

Yes and no. There are LOADS of empty corporate premises and greenwashing. However, there are incredible brands that are doing phenomenal work out there so I don’t want that to ruin the reputation of the brands that are actually making a difference. For example, I have been working with 4ocean the last 3+ years and I can proudly say that the amount of work they say they do doesn’t even come close to what they actually do. They go above and beyond what they advertise. And I have firsthand seen how supporting businesses who are doing good can truly change the world.

Life motto?

I always wondered why someone didn’t do something about that, then I realised I was somebody.

What would you advise to people looking to follow in your footsteps?

Don’t! Follow your own! Happy to share my experiences but my path is mine just as each is their own. I went to school to study nutrition, ended up starting a food waste upcycling cookie company, and now make art from trash around the world. My path is very unconventional and I love it for that. I would suggest surrounding yourself with people who believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself just yet. That is one of the most powerful catalysts to actually “do that thing”. My mother believed in me to start my company SOULMUCH, even when I was terrified and lacked the confidence. But her deep belief in me changed my world.

In another life I would have been?

A golden retriever. I love the carefree bubbly energy. I love their ability to see the good in everyone. They don’t judge people on their skin colour, tattoos, background, or age. They simply pour out love and I really think the world needs more of that right now.

Where is home now?

I have never felt more lost and more found at the same time. I have found myself but not sure where that self will call home for this next chapter. For now, I will keep my rotation of Indonesia, Portugal and San Diego, CA.