Zero waste tea-making tools

These are great if you would like to switch to loose tea, without the bother of brewing a whole pot for one person, or if you are in the office or  travelling.

This in-cup tea strainer is made from stainless steel, like an upgraded  version of the hand-held one your mother likely had. Fitting inside most mugs, just add loose tea, put over a mug and leave to infuse. For fine tea (like spearmint or peppermint) wet the strainer before you add the tea.

Tea Paper Filters

Tea Lab Paper Filters are made from biodegradable filter, if you want to make a loose cup of tea on the go. Just fill with tea and pour over water, use the drawstring to brew and then dispose of the tea bag, to safely return to the earth. Each box contains 50 bags.

Tea Lab Company is a lovely brand, founded by identical twin sisters (and a scientist) who had the good fortune to be raised in Hawaii and Barbados (nice!) They not only pack their organic teas in glass jars and test tubes to be recycled, but a portion of profits help a wonderful charity that rescues orphaned elephants and rhinos. How good can this get?

You can find loose teas in all flavours from classic Assam to herbal to rooibos. The letterbox mailer teas are sent in glass test tubes with cork lids, including eco-fillable tea bags.

Avoid caffeine for pregnancy/nursing (also some herb teas like hibiscus and liquorice). Just bin leaves (caffeine could harm compost creatures). Use a SinkShield to stop clogging drains. 

Also read about energy-saving kettles.