️I start everyday with a cup of tea. It’s a ritual from which I receive immense comfort and pleasure, however lately I’ve been thinking about the environmental impact of this habit. During a busy workday morning I don’t carve out enough time for loose leaf tea. I love the ease and simplicity of a tea bag, however, I know that this is often not the greenest option.

At a sustainability seminar put on by I Love a Clean San Diego the community educators talked a lot about the concept of “good, better, best” on the journey toward zero waste. Without judgment they helped us all see the progressive steps that we can take to lessen our impact.

I think that I have found my “better” solution to my morning tea habit. You see, many tea bags have a string and a tag stapled to them. Individually wrapped teas also add another layer of waste. My solution has been to switch to buying my teas from the Republic of Tea.

This brand takes extra efforts to provide eco-friendly tea bags. Unbleached tea paper, no glue, no string, no tag, no excessive packaging. They keep it simple! You can read about their commitment to the environment here.

To take it a step further I have now ordered my favorite morning tea in bulk. I can refill my pretty metal canister that I keep on my counter from this bulk bag and know that I’m reducing my waste, reducing shipping frequency, etc.

Bonus: these tea bags are compostable! No longer do I have to toss them in the trash – now I know they will be returned to the earth in a beneficial manner. Even if you don’t compost, the Republic of Tea website says that you can dig the tea bags into your garden soil and they’ll naturally decompose and nourish the soil. So much goodness in every sip!

Are you intrigued? If so, you have a few purchasing options. Local grocery stores may carry a few flavors, or you can shop online directly from the Republic of Tea or on Amazon with Prime shipping! Hope you find the flavor that’s your perfect cup of tea.

xo, Nicole