The Importance of Balance
Balance isn’t about doing everything equally; it’s about creating harmony between different aspects of life. It’s making time for work, rest, relationships, and self-care. When we achieve balance, we become more productive, more present, and more fulfilled.

The Power of Pausing
At BU, our aim is to create moments of calm in the midst of a busy world. Whether you’re taking a break with a warm cup of tea or enjoying a quiet moment with a refreshing drink, we encourage you to slow down, breathe, and be present.

Practical Tips for Achieving Balance

• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and protect your time.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Make room for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s reading, walking, or meditating.

• Stay Present: Focus on one task at a time and truly engage with the moment.

• Embrace Flexibility: Allow yourself the freedom to adapt and adjust as needed.

The Journey to Balance
Remember, achieving balance is a continuous journey, not a destination. It’s about making small, mindful choices every day that lead to a more harmonious life.

At BU, we’re dedicated to helping you create and embrace these moments of calm. If you’re seeking a peaceful escape, we invite you to visit our Mindfulness page. There, you’ll find a collection of serene, natural scenes designed to help you pause, breathe, and find tranquility. We hope it brings you a moment of serenity in your day.

Visit our Mindfulness Page

What Is Mindful Design?

Mindful design is about intentionality. It’s the practice of creating objects, spaces, and experiences that encourage presence and simplicity. It moves away from clutter, trend-chasing, and overconsumption, and toward objects that serve a purpose—beautifully and quietly.

It’s not just how a product looks. It’s how it feels in your hand. The ritual it supports. The calm it creates. The space it gives your mind to breathe.

Designing for Ritual, Not Rush

From our insulated mugs to our pour-over carafes, each item is thoughtfully designed to support small, meaningful rituals—morning coffee, an afternoon pause, time spent journaling or watching the world go by.

We design to slow things down. To make space for appreciation. To remind you to breathe.

Materials That Matter

Mindfulness in design also means considering the impact our choices have—on people and the planet. That’s why we prioritise materials that are durable, sustainable, and tactile. You should want to use a product for years, not discard it next season.

Minimalism isn’t about lack—it’s about clarity. And clarity is the root of peace.

A Lifestyle with Intention

At Bu Products, we’re not just offering tools—we’re supporting a lifestyle. One where thoughtful design leads to mindful living. Where the objects in your home reflect the values in your life. Simplicity. Purpose. Balance.

In a noisy world, we believe your space—and your belongings—can help you find quiet.

Want to bring more mindfulness into your daily routine? Check out our mindfulness scenes to help you be in the moment.

Alternatively you can explore our collection at BuProducts.co.uk and discover products designed to help you live with intention.

Single-use coffee cups, designed to be thrown away within minutes, often end up in landfills or oceans, where they take decades to break down. The paper may seem harmless, but it’s lined with plastic to prevent leaks — a small design choice that makes recycling nearly impossible.

It’s a quiet contradiction: the same moment that grounds us — that pause for a morning coffee — often contributes to the noise of global waste.

A Shift in Habit

Choosing to reuse isn’t just an environmental act; it’s a cultural one. It challenges the rhythm of speed and disposability that defines so much of daily life. Carrying something with you, again and again, turns a simple drink into a small act of mindfulness — a reminder that care and convenience can coexist.

Portability is part of what makes our routines so human — the need to take comfort with us wherever we go. But perhaps the future of portability lies not in how easily things can be thrown away, but in how meaningfully they can be carried forward.

A New Kind of Ritual

The coffee cup, once a symbol of quick consumption, can become something slower — more intentional. It’s not just about what we drink, but how we choose to move through the world.

When we pause to consider these moments — to hold onto something, to use it well, to use it again — we begin to design a quieter, more connected way of living.

At BU, we believe small changes create space for calm — and for better ways of living.

The Restorative Power of Nature

Time outdoors has a way of grounding us. It softens the noise of everyday life and helps us find our own rhythm again. Whether it’s a quiet walk beneath trees, the sound of rain, or light moving across water — nature brings us back to the present.

Simple Practices for Mindfulness in Nature

• Breathe with Intention: Take a slow, full breath and feel the air move through you. Let it steady your thoughts.

• Notice the Details: The texture of bark, the sound of wind, the warmth of sunlight — each moment is a reminder to be here, now.

• Walk Slowly: Allow each step to be deliberate. Notice how your body moves and how the ground feels beneath your feet.

Lessons from the Bees

Bees are quiet teachers in mindfulness. They move with purpose and precision, working together in harmony with their environment. Their rhythm is unhurried yet deeply intentional — every action serving a greater balance.

Beyond their calm industry, bees also play an essential role in sustaining life. Through pollination, they nurture the growth of plants and ecosystems that feed us all. Watching them work — methodical, present, and connected — reminds us that mindfulness isn’t about stillness alone, but about moving with awareness and purpose.

Finding Calm, Wherever You Are

You don’t need to go far to connect with nature. A park, a window, a quiet corner of your home — they can all become spaces to pause and reset.

The BU Approach

At BU, we believe mindfulness isn’t something you chase — it’s something you return to. Our designs are inspired by the same quiet simplicity we find in nature: objects that help you slow down, breathe, and find calm in the everyday.

Take a moment to pause, reflect, and discover BU — a collection inspired by nature, made for the mindful moments in between.

Design-led companies work differently. They focus on products with a story, a purpose, and a feeling — things that don’t just function, but belong in someone’s daily rhythm. Every material, curve, and finish is considered. But in a marketplace driven by algorithms and immediacy, even the best ideas can struggle to be seen.

Balancing Quality and Visibility

For these smaller brands, growth isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about finding the right kind of visibility — one that comes from community, trust, and shared values. Crowdfunding, organic social media, and storytelling give them a way forward: tools to connect with people who care not just about what a product does, but what it represents.

Redefining Success

So what does success look like in design today? Is it the volume of sales? The number of clicks? Or is it something quieter — a product that earns its place in someone’s life, that’s used, kept, and cared for?

Maybe success isn’t measured in scale, but in meaning. And maybe that’s the kind of design worth making.

Built to Last

Unlike glass or ceramic, stainless steel offers durability that keeps pace with real life — from home desks to outdoor mornings. It resists dents, doesn’t shatter, and maintains its integrity over years of use.

A Material That Matters: 304 Stainless Steel

We chose 304 stainless steel for a reason. It’s a premium-grade alloy known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and clean finish. But beyond performance, it’s a responsible choice — containing a high proportion of recycled content and being widely recyclable around the world.

Most importantly, 304 stainless steel can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality. It’s a material that embodies longevity — a quiet reminder that sustainability can be built into design from the start, not added as an afterthought.

One Thoughtful Design, Two Materials

The ergonomic lid and mouthpiece — a core part of what makes our mugs feel so balanced and comfortable to drink from — were carefully developed through countless prototypes and refinements. The result is a lid that feels natural in use, with just the right flow and feel.

We’ve kept that same design across both our glass and stainless steel mugs. Different materials, same experience. It’s a small detail, but one that reflects our belief in consistency — the idea that good design shouldn’t need to be reinvented, only refined.

Design with Intention

The coffee mug’s form is minimal, balanced, and understated — a reflection of how we think good design should feel. Every curve, finish, and proportion was considered to make the experience of using it as satisfying as the drink it holds.

Looking Forward

We’re exploring new ways to bring this design philosophy to life — from future thermal variants to limited releases that pair functionality with personal expression. Every step forward is grounded in the same idea: to make fewer, better things that last.

Why Reusable Bottles Matter

1. Reducing Plastic Waste: Single-use plastic bottles contribute massively to landfill and ocean pollution. Reusable bottles help cut down on this waste, leading to cleaner environments.

2. Conserving Resources: Producing plastic bottles requires significant amounts of oil and water. By reusing a single bottle, we lessen the demand for new plastic production.

3. Lowering Carbon Footprint: Manufacturing and transporting plastic bottles generate considerable greenhouse gases. Reusable bottles reduce the need for these processes, helping to mitigate climate change.

BU’s Commitment: The Glass Reusable Water Bottle

At BU, we’ve designed our reusable water bottle with both the environment and your wellbeing in mind. Our glass bottle offers a clean, pure taste without the risk of chemicals leaching into your drink. The antibacterial lid keeps every sip fresh, making it an effortless part of your daily rhythm — whether you’re at work, on the go, or taking a quiet moment for yourself.

Naturally Better Filtration: The Bamboo Binchotan Filter

To complement our bottles, we’ve reimagined water filtration through nature’s own design — the BU Bamboo Binchotan Filter.

Crafted from sustainably sourced bamboo and activated through traditional Japanese techniques, each filter naturally purifies and balances your water. Binchotan charcoal is known for its ability to absorb impurities, reduce chlorine, and add beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium — all without plastic cartridges or chemical additives.

The result is clean, balanced water — filtered simply and sustainably. Once its life as a filter ends, it can even be returned to the earth, enriching soil and closing the loop naturally.

A Better Way Forward

Every refill is a quiet step toward less waste, less impact, and more awareness of the small choices that make a difference.

At BU, we believe sustainability and mindfulness go hand in hand — designing everyday objects that help you pause, reset, and live better with less.

For small, design-led companies, that creates a challenge: how do you stay true to what you believe in while also being discoverable?

It’s not about abandoning craft or slowing down creativity. It’s about finding new ways to connect meaningfully — to bring quiet, well-made things into a louder world.

Looking Forward

The future of design may belong to those who can balance depth with reach. Crowdfunding, organic social media, and community-led storytelling offer a path forward — not through scale, but through connection.

Companies like ours are learning to adapt — to share more openly, to invite people into the process, and to use these platforms with intention rather than urgency.

That’s what BU is aiming to do: to grow carefully, stay grounded, and bring calm, purposeful design into more people’s hands — without losing sight of where it began.

In product design, there’s much to learn from these principles — how to create with intention, to waste less, and to build things that endure. Nature reminds us that good design doesn’t shout; it works quietly, seamlessly, and with purpose.

The balance between form and function found in the natural world can guide how we approach everyday objects — encouraging us to design products that not only serve their purpose but also feel good to live with.

What This Means for Companies Like BU

For companies like BU, nature offers more than inspiration — it offers a philosophy. To design with care. To solve real problems, not just make new ones. To craft products that earn their place through thoughtfulness, longevity, and quiet usefulness.

Because when something is made with meaning, it becomes worth more than its price tag — it becomes part of how you live.

Nature has always offered this balance. Its rhythms are steady, unhurried, and full of quiet lessons in patience and purpose. The same ideas guide how we approach design: creating things that last, that serve a real purpose, and that invite a pause in the middle of a busy day.

Take the ritual of making tea. Brands like Pukka Tea remind us that care in sourcing and sustainability can transform an everyday act into something more meaningful. In the same way, thoughtful product design — simple, well-crafted, and enduring — helps turn daily routines into moments of calm.

If you’d like to explore how Pukka builds mindfulness into their work, you can visit their website.

A Personal Note

For me, that ritual comes alive in the evening — when everything starts to quieten and I make a cup of one of Pukka’s Night teas. There’s something about that moment that feels like a reset. And for reasons I can’t quite explain, it always feels more enjoyable from a glass cup — maybe it’s the clarity, or the warmth you can see as well as feel.

It’s a small thing, but it’s become a part of my routine — a reminder that simple rituals, done with care, can carry a lot of calm.

The shift has taught us something important about design: the things we live with every day matter more than ever. The desk we sit at, the chair we choose, the light that fills the room — they all quietly shape how we feel and function.

Good design in a workspace isn’t about productivity hacks or perfect aesthetics. It’s about creating balance — finding calm in the details, comfort in the familiar. It’s the small things that often make the biggest difference: a pen that feels right in the hand, a desk mat that softens the surface, a cup that warms your hands and slows you down for a moment between calls.

In many ways, our workspaces have become a reflection of our state of mind. A cluttered desk can echo a cluttered headspace; a considered one can invite focus. When we design the space around us with care, it becomes easier to design our days with intention too.

As we adapt to new ways of working, perhaps that’s what good design is really about — creating an environment that supports not just what we do, but how we want to feel while we do it.

At BU, we believe thoughtful, well-made objects can quietly support that sense of balance — small details that help bring a little more focus, warmth, and calm into everyday life.

As we enter a new year, it’s the ideal time to take a step back, and think about what we actually need in our lives, and what brings us happiness. The process of decluttering the home is a great place to start. Creating cleaner, more functional spaces helps focus the mind, and highlights the things that genuinely matter to us and those things we can do without. It can also have a profound impact on our health and wellbeing, and our relationships with friends and family. Or as author Mary Lambert puts it:

“living with less helps you to find your true self underneath the clutter, and follow your heart’s desires, which you may have neglected for a while.”

So if you’re looking to streamline your life, and make space for the things you love, here are our top three tips to get you started. 

1. Recognise the value of things 

“Things are given life by being used. Keeping something because it would be a waste to get rid of is a kind of torture. Free yourself from the waste argument, and you’ll start to see the value of things.”

A great way to do this is to make an inventory of the items you own - perhaps starting with a single room or a category such as clothes, books or stationary at first.

Lay out all your belongings in one space, and work out what can be easily discarded, recycled or donated and those items you use often and need to access regularly. By prioritising objects based on usage, you can start to identify things that have a purpose and genuinely add value to your life. 

2. Visualise the space you want to live in

When you imagine entering your home or work space, do you see it as a sanctuary, or a place where you feel calm? If the reality doesn’t quite match up, focus your efforts on the problem areas. Perhaps it’s the pile of shoes by your front door, or maybe your desk is overflowing with books or paperwork. 

Take a box and remove any items that you don’t use at least once a week or once a month. At the end of the month if you still have a pile of things in the box that you haven’t used, start categorising them as follows:


1) give away - either to charity or a friend 


2) put away - these are things you may need access to occasionally but can be stored out of sight for most of the time 


3) take away - items that are no longer usable or broken and can be either fixed, disposed of or recycled

This isn't a one-off process. It's a case of reviewing and streamlining what you have on an on-going basis, so that you can still flow through your home easily, and make space to relax or focus. 

3. Embrace the 80/20 rule

1. Break those bad habits

James Clear, author of ‘Atomic Habits’ says that “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement”. He adds that the effects of small habits compound over time and can take your daily life in a very different direction. 

So what does this mean in practice? 

Well if you’re looking to change a behaviour, whether that’s becoming more productive or eating healthier - he suggests that you need to ask yourself the following question: ‘How can I make it [the habit] obvious, attractive, easy and satisfying?’ 

The opposite applies to any negative habits. Even breaking one bad habit each day can accumulate into a much more positive result over time. We like the sound of that...

"breaking one bad habit each day
can accumulate into a much
more positive result over time"

2. Define your routine 

The structure and organisation that comes from having a regular routine isn’t just about being more productive, it can also reduce stress and help you feel all-round healthier. 

Giving your day a regular rhythm also provides comfort and supports your circadian rhythms, which can help you sleep better and feel more refreshed.

It’s a good idea to get up and go to bed at the same time each day, and spend some time outdoors during daylight hours if you can. You could also try splitting tasks up into small blocks of time to make them feel more manageable.

3. Make your workspace more mindful 

Give yourself some mental headspace by creating a defined workspace at home. Try to keep where you sleep and work separate, so you don’t end up taking your laptop to bed for hours. Even just the kitchen table or a small nook in the corner of a room can become your own “work zone” - so you can feel more focused and mindful.

We have previously shared some tips on making your workspace more mindful by incorporating texture and touch. At BU we like designing with materials such as cork and bamboo as these reinforce a connection with the natural world. Our desk mat for instance, made of 100% sustainable cork leather, is hypoallergenic so it repels dust and gives you that extra little bit of cushioning and comfort as you work.

4. Practice good sleep hygiene 

Almost a third of us aren’t getting the recommended seven hours sleep a night for optimal health. But if you find yourself lying awake for hours at night - don’t worry, there are lots of things you can do to help yourself wind down and feel more rested. 

Firstly, try using blue light filtering settings or apps to reduce your exposure to artificial light, especially as the sun goes down and you start to wind down for the evening. This helps your body release melatonin which promotes a restful night’s sleep.

Meditation apps often have sleep programmes that can help you calm the mental chatter from the day, so you can drift off that bit more easily. 

Diet and nutrition also plays a part. Make sure to limit your caffeine exposure later in the day. Some studies have also found that eating almonds or kiwi fruit a few hours before bed can help produce melatonin and promote a more restful night’s sleep.

Finally, make time for yourself at the end of the day. Why not create your own bedtime ritual? Whether that’s turning off your devices a few hours before bed, dimming the lights and taking the time to indulge in some old fashion pleasures like reading a book, catching up with loved ones or simply unwinding with a long hot bath.

5. Make space in your day for you

However you spend your day, it’s important to build in regular breaks, as a change of scene or pace can really benefit your mental health. This may mean giving yourself 30 minutes at lunchtime to go for a run, or if you feel tired it may be better spent doing some meditation or going for a walk during daylight hours.

"a change of scene or
pace can really benefit
your mental health"

If you find yourself feeling weary from too much screen time, why not give yourself a small window of time each day to do something you genuinely love? It may be sketching, making music or getting creative in the kitchen - it really doesn’t matter, as long as you’re enjoying doing something where you can genuinely switch off and feel immersed in the moment. 

We hope these tips help inspire you for the days, weeks and months ahead. We’d love to hear what your positive habits are to promote good health. Share your story with us on Instagram @BU_Lifestyle

We’ve all heard the phrase “it’s the little things in life that matter”. But day-to-day, how often do you find yourself obsessing over what you don’t have, instead of noticing the little things right in front of you that bring you joy?

Taking time to appreciate the little things in life that make you happy is a great way to improve your mood and promote feelings of wellbeing.

In fact, scientific research suggests that people who express gratitude regularly, experience lower levels of depression, higher levels of self esteem and have better immune health.

Andrea Huffington of the Huffington post summarises it nicely:

"Gratitude works its magic by serving as an antidote to negative emotions. It’s like white blood cells for the soul, protecting us from cynicism, entitlement, anger, and resignation."

Fortunately you don’t have to be a born optimist to practice gratitude, it’s a habit you can cultivate over time. Here are three tips to get you started.

1. Write down what you're grateful for

Gratitude journalling isn't just about nice looking stationary. The simple act of writing down a couple of things that you're grateful for each day can have a profound impact on your mental health. 

Some studies show that gratitude journalling can even reduce heart disease, lower tendencies towards materialism and promote healthy eating.

Maybe it's just a small thing like the smell of fresh rain outside, a cosy pair of socks on a cold day, or catching up with a friend you've not spoken to in a while.

"writing down a couple of things each day
that you're grateful for can have a
profound impact on your mental health" 

You could also try sharing a few things that you're grateful for with someone else, as research has found it can help strengthen relationships. 

2. Focus on your breathing

"Breathe in deeply to bring your mind home to your body," writes Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh. 

Breathing is the greatest leveller, as it's something all living things share. It's also the best form of self care.

When we slow down our breathing, we are able to take stock of the world around us and enjoy the moment more. (You can read more about the benefits of mastering the moment in our earlier blog post).

"Breathing is the greatest leveller...
it's also the best form of self care"

Yet we don't all breathe as we've evolved to do so. In the US, roughly 70% of the population identify as mouth breathers as opposed to nose breathers.

Breathing through your nose has a multitude of benefits, including the release of nitric oxide, which helps to widen the blood vessels in the body and increase oxygen circulation. This can help you feel calmer and less stressed.

Unsure where to start with breathing correcting? Then take a look at author Patrick McKeown's talk on the Ted X stage where he explains why 'shutting your mouth can change your life'. 

3. Go for a sensory walk

Many apps like headspace offer guided intention walks when you can switch off your thinking brain and focus on the sights, sounds and smells around you. It's also a great thing to do with kids or when you're walking the dog. 

Even if you live in a busy urban area, paying attention to the sounds of nature around you - like evening birdsong or the crunch of leaves underfoot, can help you stay present in your surroundings and spark your curiosity for the world around you. 

What are the little things that you're grateful for? Share your tips with us on Instagram @BU_Lifestyle. 

BU co-founders Rich (R) and Armine (A) - both tea and coffee aficionados, talk us through how the idea for the BU Brew cup came about.

What makes the BU Brew cup unique?

A: As we're both tea and coffee lovers (drinking 5-6 cups per day), we wanted to create something that was built around the drinking experience.

We know there’s many reusable coffee cups available on the market but we honestly felt they were all lacking in basic product usability, and focused too much on performance capabilities such as keeping the drink warm or cold.

The cup is also double-walled so you don’t need an additional sleeve when drinking your favourite hot brew

Although these things are important, we've prioritised the overall user experience over any unwanted features.

R: Take materials for instance. We use glass which is odourless, easy to clean and dishwasher safe. The cup is also double-walled so you don’t need an additional sleeve when drinking your favourite hot brew.

We also wanted to enhance the drinking experience, so we've made the mouthpiece ergonomic and manufactured the lid from antibacterial plastic to repel harmful bacteria and viruses.

How do you factor in sustainability to the design process?

R: Firstly, we wanted to use as few components as possible for easy maintenance, and to cut down on waste. Material choice was also important.

Simple yet effective, glass can be infinitely recycled. This ties in with our mindful consumption ethos, which is about buying products with purpose, that last.

While our products are eco-friendly, we believe the most sustainable products are those that are used and cherished every day.

Can you talk us through the design process, where did you begin?

A: The design process was really enjoyable. We started by outlining what we wanted the product to achieve - predominantly by assessing our competitors and understanding what features we didn’t want/how not to do things.

Then, once we had a list of key product requirements, it was a case of exploring numerous concepts through prototypes and sketches. We then assessed each concept against our key product requirements and whittled them down to a handful of options.

R: Once we were happy with what we wanted to achieve, we began focusing on how the brew cup would deliver it. This involved delving into details such as part splits, materials, manufacturing methods, colours, sizes, weights and the list goes on!

How did user testing inform the final design?

A: We set-up our largest user trial to date and shipped early production cups around the world to put them in the hands of our users. Then we asked for their thoughts!

We received a ton of useful feedback, which in turn helped us create a final iteration of the cup. At this point we felt it was ready to share with a larger audience, and so we started working on our launch!

Did you face any challenges during the design or manufacture process?

R: Our double-walled glass cup is hand-blown which throws up a few design quirks. It’s great to use skilful processes like hand blown glass in our products but we had to give careful consideration to how it would integrate with other components.

Tell us about the work you did with baristas? How did this shape the end product?

A: At the early concept stage we took our ideas to professionals. Sometimes this was just an impromptu chat whilst waiting for a flat white, but it provided some real gems of information that we wouldn’t otherwise have got.

We want our users to experience the luxury of having one perfect moment every day

This helped shape the direction we went in, in particular it made us focus on material usage and simplifying components.

Additionally, during our user trial we gave some early production cups to baristas who were able to put them through their paces and provide further tweaks before launch.

What do you hope people will experience when using the cup?

R: We really want our users to experience the luxury of having one perfect moment every day, to immerse the senses. Be it a cup of coffee on the way to work or a cup of green tea in the evening, being part of a moment where people can regather and refocus is humbling.

Imagine feeling, tasting, seeing and smelling the full experience of a cup of coffee.

The BU Brew Cup is available now in three different sizes from our online shop. Choose from four fresh colours and make your next brew a moment to remember.

1. Learn how to savour

Scientists have found that the happiest people in the world all have one thing in common: they know how to savour things. 

Savouring means learning to do one thing at a time, and allowing yourself to live in the present moment.

Maybe it’s enjoying that first sip of coffee in your favourite cup each morning, or going for a run in your favourite green space -  the more we can pause to notice the beauty and positivity around us, the happier and healthier we will be.

2. Take it slow and find your ikigai

In Okinawa, Japan - known for having a population with the longest life expectancy in the world, the islanders often talk about “hurry sickness” afflicting the west.

Hurry sickness is when you feel constantly rushed, and never have enough time in the day to complete all your tasks. Sound familiar?

Sadly, our obsession with trying to do more and more in less time, ultimately leaves us feeling stressed, dissatisfied and exhausted in the process.

ikigai means 'a reason to enjoy life',
or 'a sense of purpose'

So what’s the secret to a long and happy life? Okinawans like to take it slow and go with the flow. They also talk a lot about ikigai, which means 'a reason to enjoy life' or 'a unique sense of purpose'.

This means staying true to yourself, and taking the time to appreciate the little things in life that provide comfort, delight and enjoyment.

Whether that’s gardening, walking in nature, having tea with friends or practicing tai chi - ikigai is something you discover and pursue everyday to give your life a greater meaning.

3. Reawaken the senses

One easy way to help you live in the moment is to pay more attention to the tangible things you hear, see, smell and taste everyday. These are all foundations of mindfulness.

The more we feel present in our bodies by connecting with our senses, the less we are prone to overthinking, worrying or feeling stressed out.

Try to find ways to embrace the senses in your daily life. Maybe it's an object, photograph or keepsake that makes you feel calm or inspired whenever you look at it.

Also think about the materials you surround yourself with everyday - something we are passionate about at BU through our commitment to sustainable design. Even just a small adjustment to your desk space can make all the difference to mental wellbeing. For more tips on building a more mindful workspace, read our blog here. 

We’d love to hear your tips on living more mindfully and savouring the moment. Share your story with us on Instagram @BU_Lifestyle.

We believe in unlocking moments of delight - from the moment you walk out of the door for the day, to the first thing you see when you arrive home. And the place where you hang-up your keys is no exception. It's one of those small details that can add a touch of calm to a busy schedule.

Beautiful yet functional and made using eco-friendly bamboo - you can store up to five sets of keys using the powerful magnetic hooks that clip into the frame, and start your day stress-free.

Here's three reasons why we love it...

1. SUSTAINABLE 

We chose to work with solid bamboo due to how quickly it grows, which is much more sustainable than other types of wood.

Also the way it’s cut and finished adds a lovely warmth to the wood which other bamboo products don't have.

I was experimenting with patterns and
loved the naturally formed shapes of
honeycomb and how natural it looked. 
(BU Designer)

2. QUIRKY DESIGN

Frustrated by the current selection of key holders on the market, we came up with this original design, which not only looks great but is also extremely practical.

BU co-founder, Richard, explains how he developed the design:

"I was experimenting with patterns and loved the naturally formed shapes of honeycomb and how natural it looked. The fact that it can be tessellated made it ideal to incorporate into a suitable design."

3. SURPRISINGLY STRONG

At BU sustainability is also about longevity. That's why we use materials in our products that are durable and built to last - like neodymium magnets (the strongest magnets in the world!). 

Each magnet can hold up to 500 grams - that's about the weight of about 3-4 apples. So you can be sure that your keys will stay put, snug in their honeycomb structure. Choose from either a small honeycomb with two magnets or a larger one with five in total - perfect for the whole family. 

Looking for a sustainable gift idea? Then why not treat a friend or loved one to our honeycomb key holder, available now from our online shop.

With the longest day behind us, we thought it'd be a good time to step back, and share what's been going on behind the scenes at team BU - the highs, the lows and what we're excited about for the months ahead. Here's co-founders Armine and Richard with their thoughts on another crazy year.

We’ve all been affected by Covid-19 in very different ways. How has it impacted the BU business?

Armine - As our business is mainly focused on physical design, we’ve been affected more than other industries. On the one hand, we saw a boost in sales due to more people shopping online. The downside, however, is that we've not been able to meet in person as much to focus on new product development.

Many of us have had to embrace new ways of working during lockdown. How has it changed the way you collaborate together? Any positive learnings?

Richard - Similar to almost all businesses we had to replace our usual way of working with video calls. It took some time to adjust, as our product design process is very much about the feel and interaction, or emotional connection of the product rather than solely focusing on technologies and specifications. 

Armine - A positive learning for us was the realisation that a wide range of demographics now shop online. With this in mind, we're striving to make the online shopping experience as frictionless as possible for everyone. 

Covid aside, Brexit has posed its own unique challenges. How have you found the day-to-day reality of running a small business now that we've left the EU?

Armine - The cocktail of Brexit and Covid has been tough for all UK businesses - whether they're importing or exporting. We do both of these, and as a result we've been hit by shortages of certain product components.

"The cocktail of Brexit
and Covid has been tough
for all UK businesses"

A big portion of our sales are to the US which we’ve had to put on hold due to shipment issues caused by the Covid backlog all couriers are experiencing. Similarly, there are big administrative hoops to jump through to get products into Europe, so it has massively impacted our European market.

However, we are looking at having a physical presence in both of these regions so we won't be restricted by UK-US and UK-EU logistics.

What are you most looking forward to now that Covid restrictions are easing?

Richard - Definitely being able to collaborate more in person. Whether I'm in the same room as Armine and we're feeding off each other's ideas, or we're working with our photographer Jonathan capturing the best shot...that’s when the magic happens.

"It has intensified our belief
that the way we consume
must change for future
generations"

What do you feel optimistic about looking to the future?

Armine - We're both fathers to young children, which has really forced us to take a step back and question the direction of our business. It's also intensified our belief that the way we consume must change for future generations.

Richard - Some exciting news... we're actually busy working on a new product due to be launched in Q4 of 2021. More info on this soon!

Follow us on Instagram @BU_Lifestyle.

There is something timeless about glass. It’s transparency brings light into the home. It’s functional and can easily be washed and recycled. Thanks to traditional manufacturing techniques that have been around for centuries - it can also be transformed into exciting new forms and shapes that fit within a modern design aesthetic. 

We wanted to share some of the reasons why our designers love working with glass, and why it was the ideal material choice for the BU carafe. 

1. A material like no other

Glass feels like quite a pure material, it can be recycled indefinitely and the manufacturing process hasn’t really changed for hundreds of years which seems charming and authentic.

"Once the billet of glass is heated up to a molten temperature,
it is then hand blown"

2. Crystal clear

Our design philosophy at BU is all about creating products that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable. The simplistic and minimalist makeup of glass is something we try and incorporate into all of our designs. Our carafe is made of high quality crystal clear glass that never loses its quality no matter how many times you wash it.

3. Simplicity

The material properties of glass are ideally suited to simple and flowing forms, which is exactly what we wanted to achieve with the carafe. After sketching a few different shapes and refining the concept, we knew that glass would work perfectly with the final silhouette you see today.

4. Versatility 

Glass blowing has been around for centuries and it hasn’t changed a great deal in that time. Once the billet of glass is heated up to a molten temperature and then hand blown into a mould reflecting the shape of our carafe. It is a very skilled process and difficult to get right! 

5. Non-toxic

Glass is inert, which means it’s odour resistant making it easy to clean. It also doesn’t run the risk of leaching toxins and additives, making it perfect to be used with consumable liquids such as water infused juice or even wine. We intentionally gave the carafe a wide aperture as this helps aerate wine, and also makes it easier to add ice or fruit to water.

Our glass carafe is also available with a charcoal filter. Browse all products.

Elegant, lightweight and smooth to the touch - our handmade desk mat made from 100% sustainable cork leather, provides support and cushioning while you work. So you can lean in, and enjoy that extra bit of comfort.

Many of us are working in a much more flexible way now. Gone are the days of having one fixed desk setup.

Whether you’re in the office, home studio or simply sat at the kitchen table - investing in a desk mat is an easy way of creating a portable yet defined workspace, wherever you choose to base yourself. 

It also helps protect your devices or surfaces from getting scratched. And did we mention it feels great?!

We spoke to the BU co-founders Richard Braine and Armine Ansari about their design process, and all things cork leather.

Featured above: Rich and Armine at work in their design studio

What was the idea behind the BU desk mat?

Rich: We wanted to create something that would enhance people’s workspace and make it feel truly unique. As designers, we believe a minimalist desk setup can stimulate creativity and help focus the mind. 

I personally love to use it for sketching - it's such a nice surface to lean on and work with.

The mat is manufactured from 100% sustainable cork leather. Can you tell us a bit more about the manufacturing process?

Rich: All of our cork is sourced from Portugal which has the highest grade cork available. It's harvested by carefully removing the bark from the cork oak tree - without damaging the tree.

"I personally love to use it for sketching - it's such a nice surface to lean on and work with."

The bark is then boiled and shaved into really thin sheets. These are then backed onto granulated cork to provide support and structure. The process is non-toxic and uses a food grade binder instead of solvents or formaldehyde. 

The result is a really versatile fabric, which is a sustainable alternative to plastic and animal leather. 

What do you like about designing with cork leather?

Rich: As it's 100% natural - literally ‘straight from the tree’, cork leather has a really beautiful pattern and texture. I think this works really well with the simplicity of our design.

Cork leather is also a really versatile material, and it's vegan friendly. Not only is it lightweight (50% of cork is air), it's also super soft to the touch and waterproof - so you can easily wipe down any spills. Plus it doesn't absorb dust making it the ideal for people with allergies.

And I love the feel of it. When I'm sketching, it's great to be in contact with a natural material... it makes the whole process more enjoyable.

Armine: The amazing thing about cork is that once the bark has been harvested, the tree then grows it back again.This allows the tree to absorb 10 times more CO2 than one with bark.

The whole process allows for cork trees to be harvested multiple times over their 300 year life, making it a really sustainable material choice for us.

"It's 100% natural - literally straight from the tree."

There’s currently a massive abundance of cork in the world, so utilising it in products - other than wine bottle corks - is very exciting to us. 

What do you hope people get from using the desk mat?

Rich: With more and more of us working from home, I think it's important for people to create an environment that promotes wellbeing and makes them feel at ease in their workspace.

Little details like the texture of your work surface and the materials you surround yourself with day-to-day can really help with this. 

I also like to think it will help get people’s creative juices flowing, and add a touch of personality to their workspace.

Our cork leather desk mat is available in natural brown, or charcoal black. Browse all products.

Tidy desk, tidy mind. It’s a phrase we’ve all heard many times before. But is it really true? How does the way we design our workspace affect our mood and productivity? And how do you make it more minimalist? We’ve put together some handy tips to help you declutter and feel that little bit more mindful. 

Experts agree that creating a calm and tidy workspace can help boost creativity and allow you to focus on what’s important. According to Joshua Becker, author of “The Minimalist Home”, a minimalist workspace gives you the freedom to choose your own projects. He explains: “Your to-do list is not held captive by the folders on your desk. It is determined by you.” 

So what are the steps towards achieving this?

1. Make it work for you -  The first step is to evaluate your workspace and decide how you want to use it. Matthew Encina, designer and Creative Director at thefutur, has developed a handy three-pronged organisation method - ‘function, flow, familiarity’ which he says will help you create a more intuitive workspace. The trick, he explains, is to know instinctively where things go because you have given them a proper home. Watch his YouTube video for more tips.

To get started, he recommends doing an audit of your daily workflow to understand what’s important. This involves noting down what you do everyday at work, and thinking about the tools you use most often and need to have easily accessible. 

2. Reduce, remove & recycle - Step two is the difficult one - getting rid of stuff! We draw inspiration from Marie Kondo and her “spark joy” method. It involves removing everything from your desk, and then grouping items together into categories such as books, paper, pens and personal items. 

Once you have all your items organised into groups, you can then evaluate each object individually and decide whether or not it makes you feel good about your work. If not, thank the object and remove it. This is also a great opportunity to recycle, give to friends or donate to charity.

3. Get creative! - Now that you’ve removed some of the clutter and prioritised what you need, you can start designing the space to work for you. We recommend storing items such as books upright rather than stacking them into piles. For papers, make use of magazine files, and label the spine so you can scan them easily and avoid an unwieldy in-tray. 

Resist the temptation to stuff things into drawers haphazardly, and instead use small trays and boxes to compartmentalise items so you can retrieve them more easily. Prioritise the top drawer for the things you use most often, and work your way down in order of importance. 

4. Soothe with texture and touch - Achieving a more mindful space isn’t only about decluttering, it’s also about creating a space that allows for contemplation and relaxation. Try to incorporate tactile, earthy materials such as cork, wood and stone as these can help reduce stress and reinforce a connection with the natural world.

Why not also make space for greenery, however small? Work environments with plants and foliage have been proven to reduce stress levels and promote wellbeing. Including a small plant on your desk or shelf area is a great way to increase oxygen levels and boost your mood as your work.

5. Let there be light - Last but not least, lighting. Perhaps one of the most overlooked elements but also the most important when it comes to making your workspace more mindful. Always prioritise natural lighting whenever possible as sunlight is mood enhancing, and prevents you having to strain your eyes under the glare of overhead lights. 

As the sun fades, complement natural light with soft, diffuse light to illuminate the room around you without causing glare or shadows. A good option here is to invest in task lamps for computer work and upward shining floor lamps or accent lights hidden in bookshelves to create a soft glow across your workspace.

We’d love to hear your tips on creating a minimalist and mindful workspace. Share your story with us on Instagram @BU_Lifestyle.

What is cork leather?

Cork bottle stops aren’t so common these days. But you may have noticed it more and more in everyday accessories – from watch straps, to wallets, to yoga mats.

These increasingly sought-after items are made from cork leather (also known as cork fabric). It’s a durable textile, made from thin shavings of cork oak bark.

So what’s with the cork leather hype?

Here’s what’s giving it a good name among designers, fashionistas and eco-conscious shoppers across the globe.

Eco-friendly

Cork is one of the most ecologically-friendly materials you can get your hands on. It’s responsibly farmed, completely natural and 100% sustainable.

Waterproof

Cork has waxy substance in its cell walls. It’s called suberin, and it makes it effectively impermeable to liquids. That’s why it’s been used for centuries to seal wine, and float fishermen’s nets. Thanks to its natural weather-resistance, it’s also used to make flooring and footwear.

Low maintenance

Because it’s waterproof, cork leather is much easier to clean than absorbent fabrics. If it gets grubby – or you spill something – no worries. All you need to do is give it a wipe down with a little soap and water. 

Biodegradable

Cork leather can last for decades. But when its job is eventually done, you don’t have to worry about it releasing harmful microplastics. Or clogging up landfill.

Hypoallergenic

Cork doesn’t absorb dust, so it’s helpful for people with asthma and allergies.

Tactile

Cork fabric has a unique softness, which feels great to touch. For this reason, it’s increasingly popular in the fashion industry. Almost every item of clothing you can think of is now available in cork, including belts, bow ties, baseball caps – even aprons.

Lightweight

More than 50% of cork is actually air, so it’s light enough to float. Another reason why it’s a top material for clothing and handbags.

Is cork leather vegan?

Short answer – yes!

In all honesty, cork leather is the vegan dream.

Other vegan leathers are made from plastic-based synthetic materials. These include horrors like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane. Some of these materials can take half a millennium to degrade.

Once discarded, they break down into microparticles. From there, they’re free to release toxic phthalates into the atmosphere and food chain.

In other words, they’re terrible for the planet, and they’re terrible for you.

Cork leather is different. It’s a completely organic, sustainable, biodegradable fabric.

In fact, it actually helps the planet.

Cork oak trees can be completely stripped of their bark, without harm.

As a result, they can live, grow, and yield for up to 250 years.

So they offer habitats for wildlife, while creating a valuable natural resource.

But how durable is it – really?

Here’s another impressive thing about cork leather: it can last for hundreds of years.

Its honeycomb structure makes it highly resistant to abrasion. So much so, NASA use it to protect their rocket engines from extreme heat.

Naturally resilient and fire-retardant, cork’s been used to make flooring for over 100 years. You’ll find it in busy public spaces, including churches, banks… and even IKEA stores.

It’s also tough enough to make hard-wearing furniture and car interiors.

How is the cork harvested?

Cork bark harvesting is a pretty remarkable process.

It grows well in dry climates, so most of it comes from Mediterranean countries. Mainly Portugal.

The trees and ecosystems are carefully preserved, maintained and harvested by patient specialists.

Once a cork tree is 25 years old, it’s finally ready for its first harvest. The bark is skillfully stripped from the tree with a machete.

After that, the tree takes nine years to re-build its bark. Only then can you harvest it for a second time.

But it doesn’t just sit there doing nothing.

During the recovery process, a harvested tree absorbs 3-5 times more carbon dioxide than an unharvested one. So cork actually helps remove pollution from the atmosphere!

How is cork leather made?

Harvested cork bark needs to air dry for 6 months.

It’s then boiled and steamed to increase its flexibility, before it’s pressed into blocks.

Finally, the blocks are cut into sheets of beautiful cork leather.

And there you have it! A natural, durable, tactile material that can make hundreds of stylish accessories.

So next time you pick up something made with cork, you’ll know it’s much more than a bottle top. It’s one of the most eco-friendly materials in the world.

Minimalism is taking over and whether it's in art, architecture, product or interior design, there's something about the focus on space and simplicity that is very refreshing. 

In product design it’s a movement that creates simplicity by taking away everything until you are left with the bare essentials - resulting in aesthetic cleanliness.

The Roots

Minimalism isn't new and thanks to its timeless style it can be traced back to almost any time period. The origin has been heavily influenced by Japanese Zen philosophy, there's a clear link between Japanese culture and design which focuses on adding only what is needed and removing the rest. Everything from food presentation to clothing, all exudes simplicity. A perfect illustration of this is the Japanese Kimono, every aspect of the outfit is designed with essential functionality: "freedom of movement, natural cooling, comfort, durability and ease of taking on and off".

In the West a new standard was set for modern minimalist design by World War I architect - Mies Van Der Rose who is well known for creating architecture with simple structural frameworks and plenty of open space. He famously said "Less is more" to describe his aesthetic sense of having every element serve multiple purposes both visually and functionally.

Naturally the simplicity trend continued through the mid-20th century with notable designer and architect Buckminster Fuller. Who designed domes using simple geometric shapes that still stand and look modern today, Fuller made his motto "Doing less is more".

And of course minimalist design spilled over into consumer products with designer Dieter Rams - a firm believer in Functionalism. His rationalist vision of design is clearly represented by the phrase "Less, but Better".
Designing A Minimalist Product

While minimalism by its very nature appears simple on the outside, a lot of thought, practice and time goes into the production and development of a minimalist piece. There's a certain beauty to a product which doesn't distract you from the user experience and which features don't look like they are competing with each other. 

As a general rule the goal is to "subtract until it breaks". In other words the designer has to revise and remove from the product to the point of reaching its purest form without compromising its intended functionality. Here lies the biggest challenge for product managers and designers: correctly balancing extra features whilst maintaining minimalism. Although it's great to emphasise visual cleanliness, if it’s a detriment to your product's capabilities then you’ve gone too far and leave your product vulnerable to market competition.

Once released, it's important to listen to end-users and continue to innovate and enhance your product without adding clutter. To maintain purity all changes need to be carefully thought out with the original goal in mind - a change for the sake of change will undoubtedly make things worse instead of better.

Inspiration

Over 50 billion plastic water bottles are thrown away each year, and sadly, the biggest use and waste is from countries with access to drinkable tap water. To try and fight this fast growing issue, in 2015, we decided to design a water bottle filter which would encourage people to drink tap water. To do this we knew we had to create something that people would be proud to carry around and display rather than an utilitarian vessel that people keep hidden in bags or end up keeping at home.

Bamboo Filter

The first step in the design was researching and testing activated bamboo charcoal as a filtration system - a method the Japanese have been using for hundreds of years to purify water. Despite filtered water bottles already being on the market, the bamboo filtered water bottle is new and unique to BU. Seeking a modern and original design, we went against the flow and chose not to encase the filter but instead focus on the natural beauty of the bamboo charcoal.

Design

The decision to have our filter in full view meant the rest of the bottle had to be built around this concept, we started experimenting with different shapes and while the final version of the BU Water Bottle has a very minimalist appearance, achieving this shape and look took a remarkable number of iterations. Richard spent days sketching out the structure by hand and constructing physical mock-ups using 3D printing and SLA prototyping. Each model was passed on to Armine and the two analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of every minute detail. After rinse and repeating the process numerous times, the water bottle started to take shape.

Vision To Reality

As a design company, we’ve always been huge fans of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo as they’re a true hub for the world’s newest and most innovative products. Last winter we ran a Kickstarter campaign and smashed our target to bring the BU Water Bottle to life. The campaign was great not only for the money raised but it’s been great having a community of supporters that have your back and provide incredible feedback.

Production

Good design isn’t cheap. Often product designers have to cut corners when bringing a new product to market in order to lower manufacturing costs and satisfy retailer demands for big profit margins. We decided to go against the flow and cut out the middleman by operating as both the manufacturer and ecommerce business - controlling the whole process. Selling directly to consumers has freed up cash that we’ve put back into the product, allowing us to stick to our original vision of aesthetics, health and sustainability.

We’re extremely excited for the launch of the BU Water bottle this summer - it’s available now to preorder here.

1. Water, water and more water

Around 70% of our body is made up of water so staying hydrated is absolutely key to a healthy lifestyle. Firstly the body can confuse thirst for hunger, so when you feel peckish it might just be a sign that you're dehydrated. Secondly, a hydrated body burns fat at a much higher rate than a dehydrated body as water speeds up your metabolism.

A simple way to start the day fresh is by drinking water as soon as you wake up to rehydrate. Also keeping a water bottle with you throughout the day will ensure you get enough water in - check out the BU water bottle.

2. Green and lean juice

For most of us with busy daily routines it’s a big challenge to get our recommended daily intake of vegetables every day. Not only does juicing help you get enough fruit and veg, it’s also a great way to turn boring and bland vegetables into a delicious drink. Ditch the morning coffee and get a natural energy boost by having a green juice or smoothie!

3. Love the coco

Most people are put off eating coconut oil after looking at the nutritional info because it's high in saturated fats. But that's not the whole story, it’s important to dig a little deeper as not all saturated fats are unhealthy. Coconut oil is actually made up of natural forms of saturated fat called MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) which are used by the body as energy and not stored as fat.

Another huge benefit of coconut oil is that it’s highly resistant to oxidation (it has a high smoke point). This makes it an ideal cooking oil - as opposed to olive oil which breaks down when heated.

What was the first thing you did when you woke up this morning? Most likely you used water. Now try to imagine life without water - for most people reading this it’s difficult however for 663 million people, life without clean water is their daily situation - it’s normal. In some places it’s normal to walk over 4 hours a day to get water, most of the time collected by women, which means time taken away from the classroom, earning an income or having fun.

Sadly, in most cases the water collected is dirty and filled with diseases like dysentery, cholera and typhoid. In fact water diseases kill more people every year than all forms of violence - including war. 800 children die every day from diarrhea caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation.

The crazy thing is that the water crisis is solvable, our planet has water, we just need to help people get it and when we do, it brings all kinds of changes: improves health, gives children more time in school and empowers women. Clean water is a necessity for education and job creation, the two biggest factors in boosting economies. So the sooner we solve the water crisis, the sooner we can help developing countries make progress and advance our world. Every $1 invested in water and sanitation provides a $4 economic return thanks to the time saved and deaths avoided, according to the World Health Organization.

Although it’s easy to feel like you, as an individual, can’t make a difference over such a widespread humanitarian crisis, you can help today by giving to impactful organizations on the ground. At BU we’ve chosen to partner with charity: water who have funded 19,000 water projects helping change the lives of over 1 million people.

Bambu Indah, which in Balinese means “lovely bamboo”, beautifully blends antique architecture with modern design creating a dream hotel for anyone seeking peace and calm.

This truly unique and sustainable boutique hotel opened its doors in 2005 with 13 bamboo buildings - each with a unique look and feel that allows guests to reconnect with nature.

Situated on a shrimp pond, one of the signature rooms (the Udang House) features glass floor panels that create an exceptional atmosphere by revealing a panorama of underwater activity.

Whether it’s taking an open air shower or eating at the hotel restaurant, which sources the majority of ingredients from the hotel’s organic garden, this experience is designed to immerse guests into nature.

It doesn’t stop there, outside is as amazing as inside with its stunning views overlooking the cascades of the Ayung River, a Hindu temple and volcanic ridges surrounding mount Batu.

Read more: Bambu Indah

For 10 crêpes:
100g of plain flour
2 eggs
Pinch of salt
250ml semi skimmed milk
Butter for frying

Put the flower in a bowl and mix in the eggs and salt. Slowly add in the milk, bit by bit, while constantly whisking the mix until it turns into a smooth batter with no lumps.

Cover the bowl and let it set for an hour.

Heat a large frying pan and grease the surface with butter. Add a medium sized ladle of batter and immediately spread around the pan by moving it in a circular motion. The trick is to spread the layer of batter as thin as possible on the pan.

Keep a close eye on the edges and as soon as they start to brown flip and cook for the same amount of time on the other side.

When it's done slide it onto your plate, add your favourite topping et voilà!

Bamboo Placemats available here.

A simple and natural option for filtering your tap water is using something called Binchotan. A method developed in ancient Asia, Binchotan is the name given to white charcoal, which is made by steadily steam-activating wood over a long period of time to temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees Celsius.

So how does charcoal work as a water purifier? The Binchotan, a beautiful thick charcoal branch, absorbs unwanted particles such as bacteria, smells and chemicals (like chlorine) from the water and instead, releases natural minerals. Because the water is softened, our bodies easier absorb it to stay hydrated.

The Binchotan can simply be left in a jug of water to filter overnight and the result will be pure and crisp tasting tap water. Depending on frequency of use it is recommended changing the branch after about 3 months, alternatively you can reactivate it by placing it in boiling water for 8 minutes. At the end of its life it can be recycled into many different uses, one of which is to be smashed and used as compost.

Thanks to the bamboo charcoal’s incredibly porous surface, the ions of contaminants are attracted to the surface of the carbon, where they’re held.

Charcoal is probably not the first thing that comes to people’s minds when thinking about being eco-friendly, especially as charcoal tends to bring up images of mass deforestation and air pollution. However compared to the installing a home purification gadget, which cost hundreds of pounds, or buying bottled water - charcoal suddenly becomes much more environmentally appealing.This environmental argument for charcoal becomes even more persuasive when the source material is bamboo - the fastest growing plant on earth.

Binchotan is commonly made from oak, coconut or bamboo. We chose bamboo as it is renewable (see here) and unlike other materials it doesn’t require any post processing.

We are very excited to announce that the team at BU has been in the lab working hard on a new environmentally conscious design which incorporates Binchotan into a beautiful product. More details coming soon... #BUwater

Although we hear terms such as “eco-friendly” and “sustainability” more and more, we’re not changing our habits as quickly as we need to. In order to reduce the negative impact we are having on the environment, the business sector will need to be the driving force in this change - this is sustainopreneurship.

Conventional businesses typically measure performance in terms of profit and revenue, however sustainability entrepreneurship additionally takes into account a positive return on society. With this model, global problems such as poverty, sustainable production, water and sanitation (to name a few) are turned into business opportunities by forward-thinkers.

“It is clear that governments alone have neither the will nor the capability to accomplish sustainability on their own. The private sector, as the chief engine of economic activity on the planet, and a major source for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, must be involved in trying to achieve sustainability" - (John Robinson, 2004, Squaring the Circle?).

The sustainopreneurship model is at the heart of BU and shapes our long term as well as short term goals, whether it's using sustainable material i.e. bamboo or partnering with charities to help those in need.