Eco-activism rarely begins with grand plans. More often, it starts with a personal sense of injustice, attentiveness to simple things, and an inner need to act.

This is the story of Nataliia Haietska — head of the NGO “Mariupol Zero Waste,” coordinator of the “Climate and Environment” direction at the BO “Boyarka Community Foundation,” and a mentor in the Green Val Mentorship Program 2026.

She is originally from Mariupol and has worked for many years on the topics of zero waste, composting, and biodiversity — even despite the war, losses, and her team being scattered across different countries.

From a feeling of pain to conscious action

Nataliia’s environmental sensitivity emerged back in her youth.

“I literally felt pain over people poisoning nature and their immediate surroundings.”

Generation-defining events also played an important role — particularly Chornobyl, which Nataliia experienced at the age of 16, and the industrial impact of the Donetsk region. But her conscious path into the eco-movement began much later:

“I consciously and purposefully entered the eco-movement at the age of 48.”

How it all began: from recyclables to a public initiative

The first step was extremely practical — finding where to bring recyclables.

“I was simply looking for where to hand in recyclables… and within six months I became the head of an initiative group.”

This is how Nataliia joined the “Mariupol Sorts” initiative, which later grew into work on eco-projects and educational programs. Over time, the initiative group grew into an NGO, which was officially registered in Lviv during the full-scale war.

War, dispersion, and shared values

After 2022, the team found itself scattered across different countries but did not lose touch.

“We’re not a business, and we had nothing to physically relocate… it’s difficult.”

Despite this, they remain united by shared experience, values, and memories of Mariupol.

“What keeps us together are values, memories, and even the shared pain over the loss of our half-a-million city.”

Why it’s impossible to stay silent about the environment, even during war

For Nataliia, environmental issues didn’t fade because of the war — on the contrary, they became even more urgent.

“I can’t imagine anything that would make me stay silent about this. The fight for the environment is, in fact, a fight for life.”

She emphasizes that environmental problems don’t disappear during crises — they only intensify.

Eco-activism as part of life

For Nataliia, environmental principles aren’t a separate activity but a way of life.

“If these are truly your values, then they show up in everything.”

She sorts waste, composts, uses eco-friendly products, and teaches others to do the same — not as theory, but as her own everyday practice.

Nature as a source of inspiration

“Nature itself inspires me — how nothing in it is wasted, everything benefits living creatures.”

Composting in particular became a key theme for her, as the practice closest to natural cycles.

A community that changes the scale of impact

An important stage was getting to know the broader eco-community, particularly through educational programs and meetings.

“Often we can be literally right next to each other and not know it.”

“‘Your’ people are everywhere.”

Burnout and how to overcome it

Nataliia speaks openly about difficult periods in activism — exhaustion, feeling undervalued, and even depression. She says that spending time in nature often saved her. Among the simple but effective ways to recover, she mentions contact with nature, small everyday tasks, and supporting herself:

“Tell yourself after every action: you did well. Because you’re the only you you’ve got.”

The future: composting as a new norm

In the long term, Nataliia sees composting becoming a basic practice at three levels:
👉household/yard composting
👉apartment composting
👉permaculture composting

Nataliia is highly motivated:

“I won’t rest until everyone around me starts composting.”

Supporting others and the power of small steps

For those just starting out with their initiatives, her advice is simple:

“Don’t rush. Look for your people. Learn from nature: until a seed has the right conditions, it won’t sprout.”

Looking back on the start of her own journey, Nataliia says:

“You have definitely ended up exactly where you needed to be.”

You can learn more via the link below about the composter-sofa created during the Green Val Mentorship Program 2025 under Nataliia Haietska’s guidance:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV0fY9KjO5A/?igsh=MXV0NGRqbHJrcTFjNA==

Publication prepared by: Nataliia Haietska, NGO “Mariupol Zero Waste.”
Follow the Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/mariupol_zero_waste/