Shaking Up Sustainability: An Exclusive Interview with Samantha Skyring

Meet Samantha Skyring, the visionary entrepreneur behind Oryx Desert Salt, a globally renowned brand that’s not only redefining the way we think about salt, but also pioneering eco-friendly practices in the industry. With a passion for sustainability and a commitment to reducing waste, Samantha has built a business that’s as much about nourishing the planet as it is about nourishing our bodies. From refillable grinders to biodegradable packaging, Oryx Desert Salt is leading the way in eco-friendly innovation. Join us as we delve into Samantha’s inspiring story, exploring her eco-journey, sustainable practices, and the vision behind Oryx Desert Salt.

Tell us about your eco-journey: How did you start living a more eco-friendly lifestyle, and what motivates you to continue?

There wasn’t a single moment that kicked it off – it’s been a gradual shift over time. Living in the Deep South of Cape Town, surrounded by mountains and oceans, it just makes sense to live in a way that respects and protects it.

I started making small changes, choosing reusable over disposable,supporting local farmers, and questioning the impact of my choices. I have also seen first-hand, through my business Oryx Desert Salt, how small changes add up. Our grinder mechanisms are ceramic instead of plastic – making the grinders refillable.

Each person may not feel they are making a big difference each year by choosing to Refill NOT Landfill – yet put all thosepeople together and they saved almost 900 000 grinders from landfill in 2024
alone. It reminds me that business can be a force for good and all our smallchoices DO make an impact – this inspires me to keep going.

Eco-friendly habits: What’s your signature eco-friendly habit, and how has it impacted your daily life?

Plastic water bottles are OUT. You’ll always see me with a 1-litre glass jar I’ve reused or my ReVive Electrolyte Stainless Steel bottle. It’s such an easy switch that massively cuts down on plastic waste (and microplastic consumption). I also try to reuse and repurpose as much as possible instead of automatically throwing things away.

Sustainable food choices: If we came over for dinner, what eco-friendly meal would you serve us?

I’m lucky to live near two local organic farms, so I always prioritize seasonal, locally grown vegetables. Eating this way supports small-scale farmers,reduces the carbon footprint of food transport, and ensures the produce is fresher and more nutrient-dense.

When food is grown in sync with nature’s cycles, it doesn’t need as manyartificial interventions like pesticides or excessive irrigation – it’s better for the land and for us.

I love making hearty stews in my Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, it’s energy-efficient, stainless steel (no weird coatings), and makes batch cooking easy. There’s something about a stew that feels so nourishing, packed with flavour, and a simple way to make the most of what’s in season.

Gardening tips: What’s your top gardening tip for reducing waste and
promoting sustainability?

I am not personally a big gardener, but I believe that healthy soil is thefoundation of a healthy food system. The nutrients in our food come from the soil, so if we want to nourish ourselves, we need to start by nourishing the earth. Instead of focusing only on feeding plants, we should be feeding the soil itself through composting, adding organic matter, and avoiding harsh chemicals that strip away its natural balance.

One often-overlooked aspect is that salt can be food for soil too. In the right amounts, unprocessed, mineral-rich salt can provide essential micronutrientsthat help plants thrive. Many traditional farming practices understood this balance, using salt as a natural soil amendment to replenish minerals that rain
and irrigation can wash away.

Eco-friendly travel: Do you make sustainable choices while traveling? Share your favorite eco-friendly travel tips.

I always take my Oryx Desert Salt Mini Salt & Pepper Travel Shakers with me. I used to carry a full-sized Oryx grinder everywhere because I didn’t want tobe stuck using low-quality salt, and that’s actually what inspired me to create the mini travel shakers. They’re now in 100% biodegradable tubes, so they’re
travel-friendly, plastic-free and compostable.

Another easy tip: bring a refillable water bottle and reusable shopping bag -this helps cut down on single-use waste. Our travel shakers were initially made of plastic. They were super popular as
they are super practical but super cute too. However over a few years we sold over 250,000 sets (500,000 units) and I was feeling far from comfortable about it. I searched for and found paper alternatives and now our travel shakers are fully recyclable and biodegradable.

Sustainable fashion and beauty: Do you opt for sustainable clothing and beauty products? What are your favorite eco-friendly shops or brands?

Yes, whenever possible. I love Rummage, a second-hand store just up the road from me. What’s cool is that every piece of clothing has the name of the previous owner on it, and I often recognize the names! It’s a great way to keep clothing in circulation and out of landfills.

For beauty, I keep it simple – fewer products, natural ingredients, and minimal packaging. Faithful to Nature is a great resource for vetted eco and body friendly products.

Environmental education: What’s the most important environmental lesson for kids today?

Kids learn by watching, not by being told what to do. If they see us making sustainable choices – whether it’s composting, avoiding plastic, or respecting nature – they’ll pick up those habits naturally. The best lesson we can teachour children is simply by doing, they will follow.

Finding joy and peace: What brings you joy, and how do you find peace in a busy world?

Joy: Dancing – anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s with my team at work, with friends, or on my own in the kitchen, movement is an instant mood booster. There’s something about letting go, feeling the rhythm, and being completely in the moment that brings pure joy. Dancing reminds me that life isn’t just about doing – it’s about feeling, connecting, expressing, and being present. In our warehouse, where we pack the Oryx Desert Salt products, there is always music playing!

Peace: Nature is where I reset. Whether I’m at the beach, hiking in the mountains, or simply standing barefoot on the earth, being outside instantly shifts my perspective. In a fast-paced world, slowing down and reconnecting with nature helps me stay grounded and clear-headed.