Paper-free Christmas cards!

Seeing yourself as an Elf, although a little disturbing, is also highly amusing!

Elf Yourself is a fantastic free alternative to sending out paper greetings cards. Last year, a number of my friends and family members sent out e-cards, and I couldn't help wondering how many trees must have been saved and pennies saved! Upload a photo of yourself, choose a dance, Take a look at Elf Yourself, or for something a little less ridiculous, you could go for a classical option via the Britsh Library's Selection who have a number of Christmas e-cards or www.hallmark.com

I know that sending e-cards, removes the personal touch from handwritten Christmas cards, but not only does it save time and money but it also saves on a huge amount of paper!

I think I will be sending a traditional card to my Nan and Grandad, after all they don’t use the internet, but for everyone else it will be e-cards all the way!

Supporting Social Enterprises

Biome Lifestyle have recently been working closely with a small social enterprise in Nepal.

FHC in Nepal was established in 2003 by two female entrepreneurs who committed themselves to helping many poor,vulnerable and socially excluded women through building their skills and providing vital opportunities to enhance their economic status.

After 5 years, the enterprise has provided space to enhance economic opportunity to 78 women working on a daily basis and has 8 permanent staff paid on a monthly basis.

The enterprise specialises in making products from felt. Such as Biome's fantastic Christmas Advent Calendars:

They hand produce their own chemical free felt from just hand soap and hot water. And then hand sew each decoration together and place it on a string ready for you to discover in December.

Their principles are as follows:

* Provide fare wages

* Provide employment to poor, vulnerable and socially excluded women

* Provide a friendly working environment

* Promote transparency and good governance

* Promote social inclusion

Biome are thrilled to be working with the enterprise - not only do they produce a high standard of work but it's great to know that every order we make is helping to benefit the lives of others. That's the way it should be!