This is a guest article from Arya Mehta, student at University of Bristol.
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, and the fantasy genre has always held a special place in my heart. From Tinker Bell’s shimmering wings to the spellbinding world of Harry Potter, magical stories have kept me enchanted for years. So when the word ‘fairy’ was given to me, the first thing that came to mind was protector. In the stories I grew up with, fairies were guardians of the forests, gentle yet fierce beings who shielded woodland creatures and ancient trees from harm, whether it was caused by ogres, vicious kings, or greedy humans.
In many ways, I see the OnePlanet team as a group of modern-day fairies. Their mission to protect the Earth by working with businesses, municipalities, schools, and communities reminds me of those storybook guardians. They may not have glittering wings or wands (though some might argue their ideas are just as magical), but they are deeply committed to creating a sustainable, thriving future for our planet.
Over the past four weeks, I had the absolute joy of completing an online internship with this inspiring team. My days were filled with fascinating meetings, thoughtful projects, and the occasional passionate conversation about books. One of the highlights was working on a competitor analysis report, which gave me a chance to dive into the world of sustainability platforms and see how organizations globally are using data and innovation to drive change. I also contributed to mapping work on the OnePlanet platform, where I learned how digital tools can bring structure and clarity to complex sustainability plans.
My journey into sustainability began years ago with my mom and her humble compost bin, a small act that sparked a big curiosity. Now, to be interning at a company dedicated to sustainability feels like a dream come true. It’s heartening to meet people who care as deeply about the planet as I do, and even more inspiring to learn from them.
I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of this experience. The OnePlanet team’s passion, purpose, and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impact on me. I’m walking away from this internship with new skills, a broadened perspective, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Thank you, OnePlanet, for letting me join your circle of protectors, for reminding me that fairies do exist. They just look a little different these days, fluttering not through forests, but through Zoom calls and strategy sessions, still working their magic to keep our world safe.