In July 2024, I was told I might have just 24 hours to live. 

Lying in a hospital bed, I had to say my goodbyes to my family, my girlfriend, to the life I thought I’d still have ahead of me. It was terrifying. But in those moments when you’re faced with the very real possibility of not making it, you have some very clear thoughts.

I was building a career at Heinz, working with a great team and a fantastic boss. But deep down, I knew I had other passions to explore; I realised I couldn’t keep waiting for the ‘right time’ to chase it. If I got through this, I would.

Fast-forward 7-months, I’ve left Heinz and moved to Zimbabwe to launch a business. Let me explain.

I soon discovered Ele-Collection, a company founded by three incredible people working to tackle plastic pollution in Zimbabwe. The urgency of their mission became clear in 2021 when a bull elephant, in unbearable pain after ingesting plastic, killed multiple people. This crisis drove Ele-Collection to develop a groundbreaking way to turn plastic waste into building materials protecting people and wildlife.

I have always been passionate about sustainability and love for Africa, so I wanted to be part of a solution. I started thinking: What if everyday products could help? That’s how Bush Bottles was born.

With every product sold, we fund the collection of 5kg of plastic by Ele-Collection, tackling plastic pollution in the African bush. But beyond restoring ecosystems, this initiative is about collaboration, supporting local innovation, creating jobs, and turning waste into opportunity rather than a problem.

Now, I am grateful for what happened to me. My time in hospital gave me the clarity and courage to walk away from a secure job, my home, and everything familiar to try and build something I truly believe in.

Getting to this place has taken an enormous amount of work, but this is just the beginning. If you want to follow this rollercoaster of a journey, and be part of something meaningful, join us. Follow our page, share our story, and if you feel inspired, buy a bottle.