Zero waste tea is becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the environmental impact of plastic waste and the release of microplastics from plastic tea bags. With responsible tea leaf sourcing also a concern, many consumers are seeking out more ethical and sustainable tea brands.
Fortunately, there are companies committed to providing sustainabili-tea with each cup. From loose leaf tea to compostable tea bags, these brands are dedicated to reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. In this article, we will explore some of the best zero waste tea brands and why they are good for you and the environment.
The Most Tea-riffic Zero Waste Tea Brands
Looking for a zero waste tea brand that not only offers delicious tea but also cares for the environment? Here are some of the best zero waste tea brands that you can try.
1. Bird & Blend Tea Co.
Bird & Blend Tea Co. is a UK-based zero waste tea brand that specializes in handcrafted loose leaf tea blends. They offer over 100 different blends of zero waste loose leaf tea, including unique flavors like Blueberry Pancake tea.
All their blends are vegan, with few containing ethically sourced local honey or bee pollen, which is clearly listed. They pay above the Fairtrade base rate for their tea and work to ensure full traceability of all ingredients.
Their zero waste tea packaging is 100% compostable and plastic-free. The reusable tins are manufactured in the UK using solar power. They also offer compostable zero waste tea bags for their most popular blends.
Bird & Blend is carbon neutral, purchasing carbon offsets via Ecologi. They support a different charity each quarter and take part in volunteering events.
2. Numi Tea
Numi Tea is a California-based zero waste tea brand that offers a range of certified organic and ethically sourced teas. Their zero waste tea bags are made from unbleached manila hemp cellulose with recycled, soy ink-printed tags and cotton strings. The tea bag wrappers are industrially compostable.
Numi supports farmers who use regenerative tea growing practices and visits the farms regularly. All their zero waste tea leaves are Fair Trade Certified as well as Verified Fair Labor, a certification that Numi helped develop to ensure safe working conditions.
Numi is Climate Neutral Certified, and the Numi Foundation supports communities both locally and overseas with programs including emergency food relief and clean water.
3. Woodland Herbal
Woodland Herbal is an Ohio-based zero waste tea brand that specializes in handcrafted herbal remedies, natural body care, and wellness products. They offer zero waste loose leaf tea that is crafted with medicinal herbs and formulated for a specific purpose.
Their products are handmade to order in Ohio using ingredients purchased from reputable, certified organic botanicals suppliers. All their products are natural, chemical-free, and cruelty-free.
Most of the reusable tins they use as zero waste packaging for loose leaf tea are made in the USA. For every item sold, Woodland Herbal plants 100 wildflower seeds on an acre of land they’re turning into a garden for pollinators.
4. The Tea Spot
The Tea Spot is a woman-owned zero waste tea brand that aims to create a tea company as a force for good. They offer both loose leaf tea and pyramid-shaped zero waste tea bags filled with full-leaf teas from their collection.
All their tea is blended and packaged in small batches in Colorado. The zero waste tea bags are made from a certified non–GMO sugar cane-based material that is 100% biodegradable, compostable, and plastic-free.
Sourcing is motivated by a desire to support regenerative agriculture, meaning they source regeneratively whenever possible. The Tea Spot is a Colorado-based Public Benefit Corporation and a Certified B Corp, recognized in the top 5% of all B Corps as “Best for the Community.”
10% of all profits are donated to wellness projects around the globe. They have also teamed up with charity: water, which receives all profit from the sales of their co-branded stainless steel tea tumbler.
5. Glass Wing Organic
Glass Wing Organic is a zero waste tea brand that offers organic, fair trade, and wild-harvested teas. They use only bleach-free paper and soy-based inks for their packaging, which is recyclable and made from wood pulp.
Their tea bags are compostable and biodegradable, and they offer a stainless steel tea infuser that is also zero waste. Glass Wing Organic is committed to sustainable packaging and uses only eco-friendly materials.
6. Rare Tea Company
Rare Tea Company is a UK-based zero waste tea brand that offers a range of ethically sourced, rare and unique teas. They specialize in loose leaf tea and their packaging is made from recycled and recyclable materials.
Their tea is sourced directly from farmers and growers, ensuring that they receive a fair price for their produce. Rare Tea Company is also committed to sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
7. Arbor Teas
Arbor Teas is a Michigan-based zero waste tea brand that offers a range of organic and fair trade loose leaf tea. Their packaging is home compostable and made using solar power.
They offer over 100 different blends of zero waste loose leaf tea, including unique flavors like Blueberry Pancake tea. Almost all their blends are vegan, and they pay above the Fairtrade base rate for their tea.
8. Yogi Tea®
Yogi Tea® is a
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How We Found The Best Zero Waste Tea Brands
When searching for the best zero waste tea brands, several factors were taken into consideration. These factors included the tea itself, ethical sourcing and supply chain practices, and green business practices and charitable giving.
The Tea Itself
Zero waste loose leaf tea was found to be the most environmentally friendly option, as it eliminates the single-use materials and manufacturing processes involved in making tea bags. Additionally, loose leaf tea can be re-steeped, making it a sustainable and cost-effective choice.
For brands that sell tea bags, compostable tea bags were a must-have requirement. These tea bags should also be free from bleaches, glues, microplastics, and tag staples. Organically grown tea and herbs were also preferred, with certifications such as USDA Organic and Global Organic Alliance being highly valued.
Ethical Sourcing and Supply Chain Practices
Zero waste tea companies that care about people at all levels of the supply chain were given priority. Transparent sourcing policies were also preferred, especially those that showed ingredients coming from sustainable food systems and eco-friendly methods of harvesting.
Third-party certifiers and membership initiatives such as the Ethical Tea Partnership were also looked for, as they show that ethical sourcing is a priority. Certifications such as Certified B Corp, BSCI, Fair Trade, Fair for Life, Fair Wild, Soil Association Organic, Rainforest Alliance, SMETA, and Fair Labor Association were highly valued.
Green Business Practices and Charitable Giving
In addition to the tea itself, zero waste tea packaging was also taken into consideration. Reusable tin canisters, recycled and recyclable cardboard boxes, and compostable zero waste tea packets were preferred. Some brands were found to still use a small amount of plastic in their heat-sealable tea bag envelopes, but they were actively seeking compostable alternatives.
Companies that were Climate Neutral Certified were highly valued, as were those that gave back to the community or supported charitable causes.
Final Thoughts On Low & No Waste Tea Brands
Overall, a cup of organically grown, zero waste tea is not only good for the environment, but also for the people who produce it. With billions of cups of tea consumed daily, making the switch to more sustainable tea drinking habits can have a significant impact.
While the most waste-free tea can be found at local zero waste stores and decanted into reusable containers, the next best option is to choose from one of the many zero waste tea brands available. By sharing this list of the best zero waste tea brands, tea drinkers can make a positive impact on the environment and support ethical and sustainable practices in the tea industry.
