Hold on, what makes a cup of tea “eco-friendly?”
Well, what makes anything eco-friendly?
As always, we want to support businesses that are committed to reducing their impact on the environment. It’s still hard to find completely carbon neutral, zero-waste products, but there are several factors to consider when deciding how “eco-friendly” a product is.
Sustainable sourcing that doesn’t negatively impact soil, water, or wildlife is one thing to take into account. Whether or not a product and it’s packaging are compostable or recyclable is another. The amount of water and energy needed to produce and transport the product to the consumer is also important.
Wait, it never said anything about that on the box…
How do I know if my tea-time ritual is safe for the planet?
Rule #1: transparency is always a green flag.
However, green-washing is an all-too-common marketing tactic these days, so we’ve compiled a list of habits you’ll want to get into to ensure every sip is sustainable.
- Buy loose leaf teas.
If you’re an avid tea drinker, you need to get yourself a tea ball and/or self-steeping tea pot.
To put it simply: tea bags are toxic!
More on that below.
P.S: Reuse (or recycle) the containers!
- If you must use bagged teas, opt for unbleached, plastic-free, sustainably sourced bags that are closed with staples.
Okay, you may want to sit down for this one…
Most tea bags are made from a blend of bleached paper, plastic, and nylon.
Not only does this make them non-compostable, but one tea bag can actually release up to 11 billion microplastics!
The bags are also sealed with toxic glues and other chemicals, all of which ends up in your body as well as the environment.
Realistically, you’ll never know what a tea bag is made from by looking at it. So if you must purchase pre-bagged teas, thoroughly research the company beforehand.
- Look for organic and fair trade certifications.
Organic teas are made from non-GMO plants grown without the use of pesticides or other harsh chemicals.
Fair trade certifications also ensure a high standard of environmental responsibility, as well as safe working conditions and fair wages for the farmers that are tending to the crops.
- Compost your leaves (and bags, if applicable).
New to at-home composting?
Check out this easy-to-follow tutorial explaining the basics of backyard composting, using both the pile and the bin method.
If you’re looking for something less labor intensive, Lomi is a high-tech kitchen compost system that breaks down food waste overnight.
- Keep a trusty reusable cup on hand.
But remember, not all reusable cups are created equal.
Avoid plastic and bamboo as these materials leach chemicals when heated.
[Text Wrapping Break]Stainless steel is the most durable option, but you can also opt for a mug made from non-porous glass, ceramic, or recycled materials–like this one from Circular&Co!
Try to purchase a model with lids and grip cozies made from food grade silicone when possible.
Happy sipping!