Bhutan: Set to be the world’s first 100% organic nation

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is perhaps best known for being the only country in the world where national happiness is considered more important than the national economy. If that wasn’t noteworthy enough the country’s Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley recently announced Bhutan intends to be the world’s first 100% organic nation.

Bhutan

He’s called it the “National Organic Policy” and it’s being driven by the simple belief that working in harmony with nature offers Bhutan the best means of achieving great farming results while also protecting the health of its people and environment.

What the policy equals is something most places in the world can only dream about. Fruit, vegetables and grains that are pesticide free, herbicide free and not GMOs. In short, real food that is fresh, healthy and free of harmful chemicals.

When it comes to sustainable farming, human ethics and organic development Bhutan is doing something nations all around the world could learn from.

As their Prime Minister said, 

Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Thinley

“True development takes place when material, emotional and spiritual well-being occur side by side.” A beautiful statement that echoes the values and ethos of many eco-friendly businesses.  

At Master and Miss we take this holistic approach in everything we do. We strive for the designing; producing and purchasing of our clothing to be both a joyful and mindful experience every step of the way.  

Bhutan is definitely a shining eco light but the need for such a decision is also a sad reminder of what is going on everywhere else around the world. Vegetables, grains and cotton are all being grown using chemicals and pesticides we know are extremely harmful. While each of us continue to do our best to ensure our actions and choices don’t support these practices, we can only hope that one day we’ll all live somewhere as progressive as Bhutan, where the choice for organic isn’t even necessary as it’s the only choice available!

Liane Shannon

Creative Director

www.masterandmiss.com.au

One of my favourite things as a parent is story time with my daughter. Running a small business and taking care of my family means life can get hectic. Story time is a lovely quiet time my daughter and I share where the demands of the outside world are switched off for a little while and we get lost in the magic of a wonderful book together.

Being an eco-conscious Mum I’m always on the look out for beautiful books that help to nurture aware, responsible little people by inspiring them to care for the environment and those around them.

Here are some of my favourites:

“What does it mean to be Green?” by Rana DiOrio

This bright, colourful story, explains in fun kid-friendly ways what it means to be green by helping children to look at the everyday things they do with environmentally friendly glasses.

“Sofia’s Dream” by Land Wilson

This is a beautiful bedtime story about a little girl called Sofia who befriends the Moon. Through her friendship she sees the Earth from the Moon’s perspective and is inspired to do what she can to protect it.

“Our big home” by Linda Glaser

Our big home is one you’ll love just as much as your kids. The words and images are simply beautiful and serve as a lovely introduction for children in understanding the interconnectedness of all life.

“The Tomorrow Book” by Jackie French

Australian author Jackie French, won the Wilderness Society’s Environment Award for Children’s Literature for this fantastic story of a young prince who wants to create a country where the future is environmentally focused. Printed on recycled paper, the story demonstrates in an imaginative and light-hearted way possible and practical solutions to water conservation, consumer waste, pollution and wildlife protection.

“Hairy Nose, Itchy Butt” by Elizabeth Frankel

This great little story follows the plight of Australia’s Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat on a mission to track down his favourite scratching tree. The book was inspired by a desire to help raise awareness of the threats faced by one of our most loved marsupials. Part of the royalties for every book sold are donated to the Conservation ARK for wombat conservation.

This is just a tiny snapshot of some the wonderful eco-conscious children’s literature that’s out there. I’d love to hear other recommendations! What are some of your favourite eco-friendly kids books?

Liane Shannon

Creative Director

www.masterandmiss.com.au