Green Living Guide
Your ultimate resource for every question you have about living more gently on our planet!
At Biome we encourage you to think about all the aspects of an item's production, use and disposal. Look under "Where to Start?" for plenty of topics to help you with this. Living more sustainably has a number of facets that are all inter-twined! Some people prioritise the environment, others the ethical and social aspects, and of course we are all concerned about the effect on our health from toxins and pollution. A more simple lifestyle that "gets back to basics" offers solutions that cut across all these areas.
Our guide
Our guide links you to many resources on the Biome website where you can read more about your topic of interest.
WHERE TO START
Where was the product made?
How was it made?
What ingredients are used and are they safe?
- Biome's Strict Standards
- "The Dirty 30+" Toxins and harmful ingredients not found at Biome
- Biome's vegan range
- Biome's stance on silicone
- Bamboo fabric
Who made it and how were the makers treated?
Is it Cruelty Free?
What impacts will its use create?
Is it Single-use or Reusable?
- Silicone at Biome
- Buy it For Life at Biome
- Biome's Zero Waste and Reusable Product Range
- What Biome can Recycle for You
How long will it Last?
How will it be Disposed of at the end of its Life?
ENVIRONMENTAL
How do I reduce my Waste?
- Start composting with this beginners guide
- Bokashi composting: everything you want to know
- Learn what to do with veggie scraps
- Terracycle - Recycle Tricky Items at Biome
How do I Reduce My Plastic Use?
- Swap to Plastic Free Products
- Stop Using Single Use Plastics
- Make Your Own DIY Plastic Free Cosmetics
- Terracycle - Recycle Tricky Items at Biome
How do I Go Completely Zero Waste?
- 30 Ways to go Plastic Free
- Learn the 5 R's: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot
- Start Composting with this Beginners Guide
How do I Buy Groceries Plastic Free?
How do I Make my Bathroom Plastic Free?
- Make Your Own Coconut Sugar Lip Scrub
- Use a Shaving Soap
- Make Your Own Roll of Deodorant
- Make Your Own Rose Body Butter
- Opt for a DIY Face & Body Cleansing Bar
- DIY Coconut Hair Conditioner Treatment Cream
- Make Your Own Natural Mascara & Eyeliner
- Ditch Shampoo - Try Going "No Poo"
- Opt for a DIY Perfume Oil
How do I Make My Kitchen Plastic Free?
- Make Your Own Mould & Mildew Cleaner
- Start Using a Homemade Liquid Soap
- Use Biodegradable Bin Liners
- Ditch Bin Liners Altogether
How do I Make My Laundry Plastic Free?
- Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
- Try Out Soapberries to Clean Clothes and the House
- Use a Homemade Fabric Softener
How do I Make My Home Greener?
How do I Eat More Sustainably
- Content to be added soon
ETHICAL
What is palm oil?
How do I eat more Ethically?
- Content to be added soon
How can I shop cruelty free?
- What does Cruelty Free Mean?
- Cruelty Free Body & Beauty Products
- Cruelty Free Home & Cleaning Products
- DIY Cruelty Free Products
What is Fair Trade?
- Certified Fair Trade Beauty Products
- Certified Fair Trade Products for your Home
- Certified Fair Trade Food & Health Products
How can I Go Vegan
- Vegan Skin Care Products
- Vegan Home & Cleaning Products
- Vegan Health & Food Products
- How to Make Your own Vegan Cheese
- How to Make Vegan Yogurt
How can I Buy Ethical Clothing?
HEALTH
How do I Eliminate Toxins in my Life?
How do I look after my children's welbeing?
- Protect Your Kids from Common Toxins
- BPA Free Products for Your Baby
- Organic Products for Your Baby
- Children's Organic Skin Care
How do I eat for my own Wellbeing?
- Content to be added soon
How do I Introduce Hemp into my Diet?
How do I Improve my Gut Health?
SIMPLE LIVING : BACK TO BASICS
How do I Live Simply?
How do I Start Growing My Own Food?
How do I Travel Simply and Sustainably?
How do I Reduce my Consumption?
How do I Make my own Products?
What Products can I Make?
Easy First Steps
Take small steps each day and the momentum will build.
- Make it gradual: as things run out replace your conventional skin care or cleaning products with a natural alternative
- Reduce what you send to landfill: focusing on this will guide so many choices (start composting, choose food with the least packaging, recycle, and consume less in the first place). See more about this with the 5 R's down below.
- Gift eco: use gift occassions to show your love for the person and planet
The 5 R's of Sustainability
We are so often asked, where do I start? The 5 R's are a great tool to help us be more mindful of our environmental impact and in particular to ultimately reduce the waste of resources and money (with credit to Bea Johnson of Zero Waste Home). Whenever you choose to purchase or throw away something, apply the 5 R's to help you think through the impact of that item and where it will end up. Learn more about the 5 R's here.
