Opting for Biodegradable Tea Bags: A Choice for Health and the Environment
What if the cup of tea you're drinking was harmful to your health? The culprit: plastic microparticles that may be present. It's ironic since many consumers turn to this superfood precisely for its beneficial virtues. So, how can you enjoy your cup of tea without fear? At Teatower, we have the solution!
The Plastic Scandal in Tea Water
A scientific study* published 3 years ago caused a stir in the media and the world of tea. It reveals that plastic tea bags release billions of harmful plastic microparticles into the consumer's cup.
A single tea bag can release 13 to 16 micrograms of plastic that end up in a simple cup of water. These are very worrying levels, much higher than those previously detected in other foods. The cause: the high heat of the water required for tea infusion releases 300 times more particles than ambient temperature (22°C).
What are the Risks for Consumer Health?
The impact of plastic microparticles on humans has not yet been precisely determined. However, anatomical and behavioral abnormalities appeared in water fleas exposed to these substances. Thus, as a preventive measure, the researchers in this study simply recommend avoiding the use of these plastic tea bags.
Our Commitment at Teatower
At Teatower, we didn't wait for this scandal to erupt to choose risk-free tea bags from the start. They are made from non-GMO corn starch. Our tea bags are therefore 100% natural and healthy.
Made from corn, they are also 100% biodegradable. This choice of packaging is thus respectful of our customers' health while preserving the environment.
The Alternative to Plastic Tea Bags
The majority of our recipes are available in natural tea bags. However, if this packaging is not available for one of our references, you can also buy them loose and use paper, cotton, or stainless steel filters for infusion. These are also an additional ecological gesture to further reduce your impact on the planet.
*September 25, 2019, ACS Environmental Science & Technology, Plastic Teabags Release Billions of Microparticles and Nanoparticles into Tea, Laura M. Hernandez, Elvis Genbo Xu, Hans C. E. Larsson, Rui Tahara, Vimal B. Maisuria, and Nathalie Tufenkji.