Globalisation can be a wonderful thing, especially when it allows us to buy goods from around the world in our local stores in the UK. But when huge retailers here buy from small producers they drive terribly hard bargains. Small farmers and workshops in the developing world are sometimes forced to sell at prices so low that they can barely meet their basic production costs. How can they then invest in their businesses, pay living wages, or even feed their families?

We will never take part in that kind of business.

Biome Lifestyle always pays a fair price, and we make sure that when we buy from trading companies they have also paid a fair price.

Goods marked “Fairtrade” have passed scrutiny by an internationally organised independent body which aims to protect producers from the ravages of globalised purchasing. The idea is that at every link on the distribution chain the needs of the weakest are respected by the strong.

Biome Lifestyle believes that fairly traded products are integral to ethical living. Where our ranges are sourced from outside the UK you can be absolutely sure that we have checked and double-checked to make sure that they are produced and sold to us under fair terms. Where products are “Fairtrade” certified, we have said so on our web-site. But please be aware that many of our suppliers cannot afford the fees needed to gain the “Fairtrade” certificate.

Biome Lifestyle does not believe in the exploitation of labour in developing countries, to provide cheap bargains in the UK. Where we can, we buy from cooperative businesses or family enterprises where the gains are shared amongst the workers.