When I first signed up to volunteer in Uganda, I expected to help others — not to completely rethink how I live my own life.
This summer, I’ll be travelling with Play Action International to build a playground for children in a rural Ugandan community. As a student of Early Childhood Studies at University of Roehampton, this project reflects everything I believe in: that play is powerful, joy is essential, and children — no matter where they’re born — deserve safe spaces to dream.
But as I packed for this journey, I began to realise something. I wasn’t just preparing for a trip — I was waking up to the impact of my choices.
Looking through my belongings, I was shocked at the amount of plastic and waste I’d accumulated. So I made a change. I started checking clothing labels — synthetic fibres I once ignored suddenly looked suspiciously like part of the reason behind my skin problems. I switched to natural fabrics and bought only what I truly needed, much of it second-hand.
To raise funds for the trip and declutter sustainably, I sold unused items, recycled old makeup at Boots (which also earned me points to reduce the cost of sun cream and other necessities!). What I didn’t reuse, I responsibly disposed of at proper recycling points.
I chose cosmetics and toiletries that are biodegradable and plastic-free — bio shampoos, conditioners, soaps — so I know I’m not leaving microplastics behind in Uganda’s water systems. Even the pens I’m taking with me to write and draw are made from ocean-bound plastic with biodegradable ink.
This shift extended into my everyday habits: freezing food, making veggie stock cubes from scraps, using the Too Good To Go app, and encouraging similar habits at the nursery where I work- teaching this sustainable way of living to children. I also now research brands before buying — asking not just “what does this cost?” but “what does this cost the planet?”
In doing all this, I’ve started aligning my life with the UN Sustainable Development Goals — especially SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). I may be just one person, but one person with a backpack, passion and a purpose can still make a difference.
This trip will absolutely change my perspective — but in many ways, it already has. It already makes me realise how blessed I am to have so many things in life and how much of gratefulness I still have to learn. And the change starts with one girl, one backpack, and one big green promise.
I’ll go to Uganda to build a playground. But what I’m really building is a more conscious, kinder way of living. And I plan to carry that home with me, long after the last swing is hung.
