An alternative to tea bags is to use loose tea with washable linen tea bags. Featuring quotes to inspire your day, wash with biodegradable washing-up liquid and rinse/line-dry after each use, and occasionally soak in a 1 part cleaning vinegar to two parts water (then rinse).
People in England drink more tea than anywhere bar Ireland and Turkey. Choose plastic-free tea bags (to avoid drinking microplastics) and treat yourself to an energy-saving kettle to save on bills.
NHS recommends no more than 2 cups weak tea daily for pregnancy (or none) and avoid some herb teas (like hibiscus/sage) for pregnancy/medication.
Just bin tea leaves (the caffeine could harm compost bin creatures). If tea bags have string, bin them too (they could harm birds and native wildlife).
Brewing Black Tea
Brewing black tea is a straightforward process, but timing and temperature can make all the difference in flavour. Here’s a simple guide to brew the perfect cup:
- Boil Water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a boiling point. Black tea needs high heat to release its full richness.
- Measure Tea: Use about one teaspoon of loose leaf black tea for each cup. Loose tea allows for fuller flavour extraction than tea bags.
- Brewing Time: Pour the boiling water over the tea and let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Longer steeping can lead to bitterness.
- Strain and Serve: Use a metal or silicone strainer to keep your brew plastic-free. Serve plain or with a dash of plant milk.
