"No sustainable step is too small": chef Vanessa Marx's low-impact living tips

Becky Lucas
"No sustainable step is too small": chef Vanessa Marx's low-impact living tips

Head chef at Bingham Riverhouse, the Richmond foodie mecca with rooms, Vanessa is one of a new generation of visionary women in the British food industry. We caught up with her in-between services to find out her personal planet-positive life hacks

Latest low-impact life reset
“Juicing and then using the leftover pulp to bake carrot banana loaf or crackers.” 

 … and the one that has brought you the most joy
“Wild swimming in the river!”

 Favourite planet-positive products
“D’avines must be one of them – they have such a commitment to regeneration and climate action. They’ve also just launched a range called WE STAND; I use the hair, body and face butter.” 

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All-time top second-hand find
“A tweed jacket that belonged to my mum – that’s the best second-hand find you’re ever going to get – fits me like it was made for me, and comes from circa 1980.” 

Favourite walking route 
“I am lucky enough to live in Richmond; my favourite walk is from Friars Stile, along the top of Richmond Hill, down the terraced garden to the river. Stop at the steps for my dog to have a swim, walk along the river, under Richmond Bridge and then up back around to home through Richmond Green.”

Most beautiful cycle journey
“Along the river!”

Most joyful weekend moment
“A Sunday sunset Kundalini practice to seal the week.” 

Plant-based dish of dreams
“My all-time favourite plant-based dish is Imam Bayildi: it’s a slow-cooked spiced aubergine dish, with raisins, tomato and soft warming spices. I serve it with fresh pomegranate on top and some coriander.”

Song that lights you up and the story behind it
“‘Coming Home’ by Jeremy Loops featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo: it really reminds me of home and my heritage – South Africa.” 

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The independent coffee shop that makes you happy
“It has to be The Alberts Deli in Richmond (it’s my husband’s place so it has to be!).” 

 Second-hand store or market worth a mooch
“Vineyard Boutique, also in Richmond.”  

Causes you give to every month
“Local food banks.”  

Low-impact living podcast you’d recommend
“Sustainable Food Trust.” 

 … and film or TV series
“Wasted.”

 Podcasts that lift you up
“Brave New Girls – Well Beings, Well Planet  by Lou Hamilton.” 

Image created by Photography credit: Rosco Reckless
Photography credit: Rosco Reckless

Person who inspires you and why
“My husband Mark – he is unashamedly himself and is fearless!” 

Planet-positive hero
“Sir David Attenborough.” 

Quote to live by
“‘Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.’ Dr Seuss.”

What gets you every time
“A hungry or homeless person, injustice, suffering.” 

Image created by Photography credit: Rosco Reckless
Photography credit: Rosco Reckless

What is love
“I am love.” 

Which issue do you care most about changing?
“Climate change and living more consciously.” 

Do you have a message you’d love to share with the collective?
“Do one small sustainable step at a time, it will become a habit and we will all contribute to the larger change. Nothing is too small, something is better than nothing at all. Don’t be afraid of not getting it perfect – just go for it!”

Bingham Riverhouse. Now read more of our low-impact living interviews