Environmental research

Bhutan is guided by philosophy of Gross National Happiness. One of the main pillars of GNH is to preserve the environment. Our natural & pristine environment is one of the precious assets that we have. But recently with the growth in population, rise in the middle class hence an automatic increase in spending capacity, an ever changing lifestyle, over exploitation of the already existing infrastructure has led to a huge waste problem in the urban areas. For example, the landfill at Memelakha which was build to last 8 years is already overflowing in 6 years. Shoes may not be the largest contributor of waste at the landfill but shoes are made up of raw material, like leather, synthetic rubbers, plastics, metals, nylons etc, which takes between 30 to 500 years to bio-degrade. Furthermore, most of the dyes used in shoes are harmful to the environment. In direct contrast to the urban fellowmen, the ones in the rural area hardly own a decent pair of shoes. Even the ones who can afford a pair of shoe once in awhile gets damaged faster owing to the rough terrain that they live in. Due to the lack of skilled personnel and resources the shoes are deemed a hindrance. The importance of wearing shoes has not been properly understood. Shoes are never fully utilized. The reason could be various: The need to keep buying shoes even when they have plenty in urban areas; Lack of cobblers and lack of skillful personals in remote and rural areas to mend shoes. This project (SGP support HSB club) aims to train young people in arts and skills of recycling shoes thereby helping their friends, family and community mend their torn shoes. The project also aims to create awareness on environmental issues and inculcate environment friendly ways and means to live life. Clubs will be formed in 10 middle & higher secondary schools all around the country, especially in rural and where there is boarding facilities. The clubs will be trained by trainers from Help-Shoe Bhutan and thereafter the clubs will be coordinated by the club coordinators. The clubs will be provided start up tools, equipment and necessary materials. But once the club starts its activities, it has to sustain itself. In order to sustain the club in the long run, this project will provide a sustainable model.

Bhutan