Tea time, every day! But is your daily brew contributing to a plastic problem? While enjoying a comforting cup of tea is one of life’s simple pleasures, there’s a hidden issue lurking in many tea bags: plastic. Let’s explore the benefits of switching to plastic-free options and why it’s worth changing.
Did you know that many tea bags contain plastic? This plastic is used to seal the bags and can release microplastics into your tea. Microplastics are tiny particles that can easily find their way into our bodies. Learn more about microplastics in the human body.
At home, I have a large selection of loose tea, but when traveling, I bring my own high-quality herbal tea for the night and a nice black tea for the day. I even travel with my international 110/220 kettle (packed with coffee and tea) to avoid the low-quality free tea in hotels. Because, let’s be honest, no one has time for subpar tea!
Plastic in tea bags isn’t just an environmental issue; it poses health risks, too. The plastic can leach chemicals into your tea, disrupting hormones and impacting your immune system. We still don’t know much about the long-term effects, but reducing plastic intake is a wise precaution. For instance, studies have shown that microplastics can have hormonal disruption concerns, which is something to think about when enjoying your daily brew.
Microplastics don’t just affect our health; they wreak havoc on our ecosystems too. Tea bags contribute to plastic pollution, which affects wildlife and natural habitats. By switching to plastic-free tea bags, you can help reduce this impact and positively change the planet.
What are the benefits of switching to plastic-free tea bags?
Switching to plastic-free tea bags has numerous benefits. Not only are you reducing your plastic consumption, but you’re also avoiding the potential health risks associated with plastic. Here are some types of plastic-free tea bags to consider:
- Cotton: A natural, biodegradable option, but may release dyes.
- Hemp: Durable, eco-friendly, and often free of harmful chemicals.
- Abaca: A sustainable, plant-based alternative with a fine mesh.
- Silk: High-quality, but can be more expensive.
Transitioning from traditional tea bags to plastic-free options can be easy and enjoyable. Loose-leaf tea is a fantastic alternative; you can compost your plastic-free tea bags to further reduce waste. Here are a few tips to make the switch:
- Start Slow: Begin by replacing your favorite tea with a plastic-free version.
- Invest in a Tea Infuser: Loose-leaf tea often has a richer flavor and is easy to brew with an infuser. See our list of favorite infusers below, ranging from simple to fancy.
Here are 2 we like:- Stainless Steel Tea Diffuser
- Coffee and Tea Maker—by Final Press the Plunger to Brew Anywhere by Final Press We originally bought this from a Kickstarter campaign and now take it with us when traveling. It is great for tea and makes a decent cup of coffee without using those disgusting hotel coffee makers.
- Compost Your Tea Bags: Make sure to compost your plastic-free tea bags to give back to the earth.
You can find plastic-free and PFAS-free tea bags at sustainable.
Reducing plastic consumption is crucial for both our health and the environment. By switching to plastic-free tea bags, you can enjoy your daily brew without the guilt. Let’s create a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, one cup at a time. Ready to make the switch? Check out our recommended plastic-free tea bags and start your journey today.
With these small changes, we can make a big difference. Happy sipping, Happy Hippies!