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WALES AT HOME GUEST COLUMNISTS | ALEXANDRA BISHOP`S GREEN DREAMS

ALEXANDRA BISHOP OF BIOME LIFESTYLE TALKS TO US

 

When Alexandra Bishop launched Biome Lifestyle in December 2005 there were three inspirations driving the company: the environment, good design and the Internet, and each still remains a key pillar defining everything the company does.

 

The online store, available at biomelifestyle.com, offers the finest in ethical homeware - making the introduction of conscientious living simple. Finally uniting style and ethics, Biome Lifestyle offers a wide range of products that are organic, recycled, sustainable and fairly traded.

 

After being brought up in the countryside, Alexandra has always been very aware of nature and the environment. But the inspiration for Biome Lifestyle grew when Alexandra started on the property ladder. As she says, “I started to take note of where and how furnishings were made. Somehow it seemed wrong to reap the planet of its precious resources simply for a beautiful table, but, at the same time, I didn’t want to sacrifice my stylish ideals for the more unattractive eco alternatives. “This is when I started to notice that there really are few stylish choices for conscientious consumers, either on the high street or at trade fairs.” So the hunt for beautiful yet environmentally friendly products began.

 

At the beginning of 2005, Alexandra followed her dream and after searching the web for inspiration, visiting trade shows and talking to designers, Alexandra soon had a range of fantastic products to offer like-minded consumers. Biome Lifestyle was then launched as a desirable compromise for those who want to live in a stylish home whilst minimising their impact on the environment.

 

Building on Biome Lifestyle’s offering is an ongoing process with each product hand-picked solely by Alexandra. Whilst each product is chosen for its ethical credentials and for its stylish design, there also lies a unique and interesting story behind each item, telling you exactly where the products came from, how it was made and the materials used.

 

Biome Lifestyle prides itself on unique and carefully crafted products, many of which are handmade. “Whilst the range of products will continue to expand our key is to always retain individuality and exclusiveness whilst abiding by our strong regard for ethics,” continue Alexandra.

 

To encourage British design and keep transport emissions to a minimum, many of Biome Lifestyle’s products are UK-sourced. “However, many products can not be made in the UK, so we also work with a number of small and wonderful co-operatives in Nepal, Vietnam and India. When working with these groups we follow many guidelines to ensure all products are made under fair terms, offering fair rates of pay and good working conditions to its employees.

 

“Biome Lifestyle is a small company, just trying to ‘do the right thing’. We won’t change the world; but we aim to take a step in the right direction by offering products produced with a strong ethical background and a minimum social and environmental footprint. It’s not about making huge sacrifices or dramatic changes to your lifestyle but taking a step in the right direction.”

 

For more information visit www.biomelifestyle.com.