Environmentalist Tips for Tea Lovers
Reusable teaware
The first simple step to implementing sustainability into your tea routine is to utilize reusable teaware rather than single use items. Loose leaf tea creates the least waste, with the use of reusable tea steepers, steeping pots, or biodegradable teabags, brewing a cup of your favorite tea can be waste free! We also recommend the use of an electric kettle, to eliminate the use of gas when boiling water with a gas stove. Art of Tea offers a large collection of teaware including the Kinto Glass Teapot, reusable tea Filter Bags, reusable travel Tumbler Cup, and Stagg Electric Kettle.
If you are on the go, or don’t have a reusable tea steeper, Art of Tea’s Reusable Tea Filter Bags are the most eco friendly single-use option! No adhesives are used in these tea filters, so there's no need to worry about harmful chemicals leeching into your tea. The reusable tea bags are made from completely natural abaca pulp, cellulose and sealing fiber sourced from the Philippines, making them completely biodegradable as well. Additionally, we recommend using a reusable travel mug over a disposable one whenever possible, not only to eliminate waste, but also to keep your tea at the perfect temperature.
Buy tea in non-plastic packaging
Buying tea in recyclable, non-plastic packaging is another great way to reduce waste such as our loose leaf teas in recyclable metal tins and pyramid bag sachets in 100% recyclable cardboard boxes. Our adorable retail tins are also perfect for reuse as kitchenware containers or for arts and crafts. Try to avoid purchasing teas that come in fully-plastic packaging, or teabags that are not labeled biodegradable.
Use your steeped teabags in your garden
Did you know that steeped teabags, like Art of Tea’s biodegradable filter bags and teabag sachets, can be used to help hydrate, fertilize, and feed your plants? Steeped tea bags and loose tea leaves are rich in nutrients that can supercharge your compost bin or garden. As the tea leaves and bag begin to break down and decompose, they release nutrients into the soil that helps plants retain water and thrive. However, you should use tea only on plants that grow best in acidic soil. Tea lowers the soil’s pH and increases its acidity, so only plants that thrive in slightly acidic soil will do well with the addition of tea. Placing biodegradable teabags directly on your compost pile can help break down other items, allowing you to use your compost sooner. You must ensure that your teabags don’t contain any harmful microplastics in order for this to work, so we recommend always being mindful and reading labels. Additionally, teabags are known to keep pests from damaging and destroying plants, and inhibit the growth of weeds; using steeped teabags as a DIY pest repellent is both a cost-effective and natural alternative to sprays that you might find at the market. Composting your used tea bags is a “green” way to dispose of them, with the added benefit of enriching your compost and speeding up the decomposition process.
Naturally sourced organic ingredients
Many industrial tea companies use heavy machinery when harvesting tea and destroy the surrounding land in the process. At Art of Tea, we source from the top 2% of teas produced in the world. Our mission is to create a delicious experience by providing the highest quality product we can. We use organic and natural ingredients whenever possible, and are committed to sustainable business practices. We thank you for your support.
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