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Who's Biene?
Hi, I’m Caroline: Founder of Biene, mom of two, and a German native now living in West Chicago, IL.
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I started Biene (pronounced bee-nuh) in December 2024 with a simple goal: to help people waste less, without the overwhelm. As someone who grew up in a culture where reusing and reducing waste were second nature, I know how powerful everyday choices can be. But I also know how hard it can feel to stay sustainable when life gets busy (especially with kids, work, and routines pulling you in every direction).
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That’s where Biene comes in. We're the first low-waste store in our neighborhood. Our shop is designed to meet people where they are, literally and figuratively! We bring plastic-free home and personal care products straight to neighborhoods, homes, and businesses across DuPage and Kane counties. No judgment. No pressure. Just simple ways to build better habits, one swap at a time.
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The name “Biene” (German for “bee”) comes from my childhood nickname. Bees are small but mighty, always working to support their community and the planet. That’s the spirit behind everything we do.
Our Goals and where we are todate
Have you ever done a trash audit at home? The evidence is beyond doubt: Recycling just isn't enough. The only way to tackle our household plastic waste is to cut it at the source. That means reducing the amount that comes into our homes. But how?
Biene's goal is to create a local solution for this global problem and to provide eco-friendly solutions for your everyday needs. And we've done fabulous so far! Check out the tally below!​​
Our Values
Driving Sustainability, Building Community, and Creating Purposeful Change
Woman Owned
& Operated
Biene is proudly woman-owned and operated, founded by a local mother who is passionate about sustainability and community. Rooted in West Chicago, we bring a personal touch to everything we do, striving to create a better future for our neighbors and the next generation. Supporting Biene means supporting a small, family-driven business dedicated to making eco-friendly living accessible.
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Product & Packaging
always Plastic free
We are dedicated to offering products and packaging that are 100% plastic-free. From the suppliers we partner with to the way we deliver, every detail is designed to reduce waste and protect our planet. By prioritizing sustainability without compromise, we make it easy for you to embrace eco-friendly choices that truly make a difference.
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Local Focus from
Supplier to Consumer
We believe in the strength of community to drive meaningful change. That’s why we partner exclusively with U.S. suppliers and focus our efforts locally, delivering only within DuPage and Kane counties. By keeping it close to home, we aim to create real, tangible impact in our neighborhoods—promoting well-being, restoring natural resources, and advancing sustainability.
Meet the Suppliers
Thoughtfully Sourced, Sustainably Made: At Biene, we exclusively partner with small, U.S. and Canada-based businesses—most of which you won’t even find on Amazon. Supporting local is important to us, and every supplier shares our commitment to sustainability, quality, and reducing waste.
