When you put the kettle on, you’re probably looking forward to a warm, soothing cup of tea, not sipping on microplastics. But did you know that many conventional tea bags are sealed with polypropylene, a type of plastic used to help them hold their shape and keep the tea leaves locked in? In fact, studies found that a single tea bag can actually release around 11.5 billion microplastic particles into your cup.
Once you’re done brewing your tea and ingesting microplastics, the rest of that plastic tea bag usually ends up in the bin or compost, where it can take years to break down. With the British population drinking about 100 million cups of tea per day, the plastic waste adds up very fast.
The Hidden Plastic in Tea Bags and Why It’s a Problem
Most standard tea bags use 20-25% polypropylene to seal the bags. Even those that look like paper often have a hidden layer of plastic woven into it. This means they can’t properly be composted. Instead, they will break down into microplastics that pollute our soil and waters.
If you try composting a tea bag containing plastic, you might find that it is still somewhat intact even a year later!
When you drink a cup of tea, billions of nanoscopic pieces of plastic are released from the tea bag into your cup. Aside from sounding unappetising, this can actually be really bad for the human body. Polypropylene, in particular, is linked to genetic mutations and tumours, as well as issues with the endocrine system. It’s also known to be bad for the reproductive system, as it can mimic estrogen in females, which then causes fertility and conceiving troubles.
The solution? Drink loose-leaf tea
Loose-leaf tea is an excellent alternative to traditional tea bags, allowing you to skip the plastic altogether. Not only is it plastic-free, but it’s also more flavourful, as the leaves have not been ground down to dust in order to fit in a small tea bag.
Loose-leaf tea is often less expensive, as it is priced by weight rather than by tea bag. It can be purchased at bulk stores, allowing you to reuse containers you already own and cut down on packaging. And when you’re done with the tea, you can compost it!
Several brands offer plastic-free loose-leaf tea. For example, Arbor Teas offers loose-leaf tea packaged in compostable cellulose material. The UK Loose Leaf Tea Company ships tea in paper bags, so you can transport it into your own storage container. In fact, they offer 100% plastic-free shipping, as well!
How To Brew Loose-Leaf Tea
To drink loose leaf tea, you just need something to hold your tea leaves while they brew. You can use reusable tea bags made from unbleached, organic cotton. They’re reusable and machine washable. Otherwise, you can use an infuser like this one. Infusers act just like a tea bag.
Some people prefer to use a mug strainer while others just use a slotted spoon to catch the leaves as they pour the tea into their mug. For bigger batches, you can use the strainers and infusers inside your teapot, or you can also use a French press.
Once you’re done, simply toss the used leaves into your compost bin. No plastic. No waste. Just a comforting, flavourful cup of tea!
Plastic-free tea bags
Some brands, like Clipper, Pukka and Numi, now offer biodegradable, plastic-free bags. These are all good alternatives if you’re not quite ready to switch to loose-leaf. Just keep in mind that some use polylactic acid (PLA), a plant-based plastic, or bioplastic, that may still require industrial composting, and isn’t a perfect solution. So if you can, loose leaf is still the best option!
Want some more plastic-free swaps for your hot drinks? Check out our blog on reusable coffee cups!
What’s your favourite loose-leaf tea? Let us know In the comments below!
Ready to act? Sign up for our 30-Day Plastic Free Challenge and get a free calendar packed with simple steps to reduce plastic waste and live more sustainably. Make a difference, one day at a time!
We hope you’ve found this blog helpful! As always, you can support Aim Plastic Free by buying a cup of tea or sharing the site with a friend. Your support means the world to us!
