4 Ways You Can Make Your Tea Routine More Eco-Friendly

4 Ways You Can Make Your Tea Routine More Eco-Friendly

At Portal Tea, we’re all about sipping with intention — and that includes caring for the planet with every cup. Here are five simple ways to make your tea ritual more sustainable.

1. Choose Reusables First

Whenever possible, reach for loose-leaf tea and a reusable infuser or teapot instead of single-use bags. Loose-leaf creates less waste, delivers bolder flavor, and gives the tea leaves room to fully bloom. Furthermore, a loose-leaf strainer (check out the cute ones on our site!) will last you for years. We also have reusable straws as well!

2. Choose Earth-Friendly Tea Bags When You Need Them

We get it — sometimes you need the grab-and-go ease of a tea bag. That’s why we offer biodegradable paper tea filters on our website, perfect for single servings of loose-leaf tea. If you choose our pyramid tea bags, rest assured they’re 100% plastic-free and fully compostable.

3. Give Your Tea Leaves a Second Life (or Third)

Many high-quality loose-leaf teas (especially oolongs, puers, and chais) can be re-steeped multiple times — often revealing new flavors with each round. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and get the most out of your tea stash. Just add hot water again and steep a little longer with each brew.

4. Compost Your Tea Leaves

Used tea leaves still have life in them! Once you’ve steeped your tea, toss the leaves into your compost bin. They break down easily and add nutrients to the soil.

Eco-friendly tea habits don’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s re-steeping your oolong, switching to a reusable mug, or choosing compostable bags, each little action adds up to something meaningful. Your daily cup can be a small but mighty way to love the earth — one sip at a time.