Plastic Free Tea

istock-1182198721.jpg

The first use of tea bags dates back to over 100 years ago. The old tea bags were made from natural fibres and completely biodegradable - but now in our world of fast paced convenience, many are made and sealed with plastic.

How do we know which tea bags can go in the compost and which should go to landfill? Which tea bags do not contain plastic and which tea bags do? Some tea companies have proudly announced that their tea bags are made from biodegradable Manilla hemp, abaca plant, corn starch or other cellulose fibres, but the majority of tea companies are still using plastic.

We recommend compostable bags without plastic fibres, so we've done a bit of research to find out which popular brands contain plastic and which don't!

Try a reusable tea bag

If you're wanting to go zero waste and still use a tea bag, you can try out a reusable one!

These 'Tea Swags' are all natural and reusable. You just fill them up with loose leaf tea or herbs from your garden, steep it in hot water as you would a normal teabag, then when you're done, empty the contents into the compost, rinse the tea swag and hang it out to dry!

The other option is to switch to loose leaf tea!

The one thing all the tea companies do seem to agree on is that loose leaf tea in a teapot makes a superior tasting tea. Nerada loose leaf black tea comes in a simple, plastic free, cardboard box and can be found at most major supermarkets (often on the bottom shelf). Mayde Tea is an organic tea brand based in Byron who package their teas in a fully compostable cardboard and paper bags or glass jars.

So whether you're a teabag lover or a loose leaf die hard, do your best to find plastic free options if you can. and if your favourite brand is still using plastic, let them know you'd love them to change their ways!

Have we left your fav plastic free tea brand off the list? Let us know and we can add it in!

Original article source - 1 Million Women

Previous article

amy-header.jpg

Amy’s zero waste mission

One of our favourite Living Smart stories on Amy Handy from a wee while back - simply full of great advice that’s perfect for sharing during Plastic Free July. Amy Handy is on a mission: to reduce her personal footprint on the earth. The mother of three has spent the past the past five years working towards a zero waste household.

Amy’s zero waste mission

Next article

Living-Smart-Story-Header-image-How-to-line-your-rubbish-bin-now-the-single-use-plastic-bag-ban-is-here.jpg

4 ways to line your bin - plastic free

For years, using free supermarket bags to line our household bins has been the norm, something many of us have never thought to question. In the kitchen, bathroom, kids' rooms or office, the seemingly endless supply of lightweight plastic bags could easily be used to line a plethora of different sized bins.

4 ways to line your bin - plastic free

Related stories

How to teach your children to use less energy

Most kids love learning new things and relish the opportunity to be helpful around the house. When you explain the importance of saving energy, they'll be more than happy to do their bit. Here are a few tips on how to encourage kids to save energy.

Young boy with a plant in pot

33 Things to do before you're 3!

The information on this page has since been developed into an App called GROW with Nature Play. It's a practical play app for Grown-ups that features heaps of things-to-do, tips, hints, and all sorts of information about how and why playing in nature can benefit your baby. GROW with Nature Play is $2.99 with proceeds supporting Nature Play QLD's services, programs and resource development to benefit QLD children. It can be found on Apple Store and Google Play. Read more about GROW with Nature Play here.

daiga-ellaby-154936.jpg