Living the natural way

"I'm lucky to have my kids as such," Zhang says. To guarantee them a healthy childhood, Zhang has given up her career as an economist to be a full-time mother.

"Sharing a healthy, happy child-hood with the mis the most important thing," she says.

"Children live in the society we adults create and shape, and we should change it for the better for them."

In Beijing in 2010, a taste of over-seasoned seaweed marked "all-natural" gave her the motivation to start the city's first Country Fair. To her, it was only natural to have a market that sold truly organic, local, safe good food.

"It wasn't hard at all. I didn't go out of my way to make it happen. For me, it was a gathering of my family's suppliers, a small circle of trustworthy providers."

The market has grown and developed even after Zhang left for Britain, and it is currently one of the city's most popular organic platforms, selling natural products that range from vegetable, fruits, honey to cosmetics and bedding.

Zhang also initiated the organic school lunch at the Daystar Academy in Beijing, where her son had attended before he left for Britain.

"I have to keep an eye on every-thing and make sure that it is a natural meal for students that isn't impossible for schools to make," she says.

The only thing that stops her from doing more is being away from her sons, but even so, she managed to steal some time away.

Last year, Zhang was indifferent parts of China to research the quality of organic farms and work-shops. "I want to make a documentary film that will pose the question to viewers: How should we live our lives?"

For her personally, the choice is simple. A "simple, natural life" without a microwave oven, television or a car is good.

"A natural life is one that involves both practice and mind-set," she says. "If our basic necessities are met, it will be enough."