Free shipping on orders $60+ | Shop herbal tea, no caffeine" → Save
What No Microplastics Really Means for Your Tea Bags - Leaves of Leisure

What No Microplastics Really Means for Your Tea Bags

by Allie Ullo in Blog

You are doing everything right. You skip the plastic water bottle, you bring your own bags, you read the labels. And then you steep a cup of tea to unwind, never imagining that the little bag itself might be the plastic problem. It caught me off guard too, and it is a big part of why our tea bags are made the way they are.

Let us talk about what no microplastics really means, what most tea bags are actually made of, and how to steep with a little more peace of mind.

Wait, tea bags contain plastic?

Many do, yes, and it surprises almost everyone. A lot of conventional tea bags, especially the silky, mesh, pyramid shaped ones, are made partly or entirely from plastics like nylon, PET, or polypropylene. Even some paper looking bags are sealed shut with a thin plastic layer so the edges hold together in hot water.

The trouble is heat. When plastic meets near boiling water, it begins to break down and shed tiny particles. A widely cited study from McGill University found that a single plastic tea bag steeped in hot water can release billions of microscopic plastic particles into one cup. Billions, in the thing you are drinking to relax. Researchers are still learning about the long term effects, but for most of us the simplest response is easy. Why drink them if we do not have to.

What plastic free should actually mean

Here is where I want to be straight with you, because the label world is messier than it looks. Plastic free and eco friendly can mean almost anything, so the smartest thing you can do is look past the buzzwords and check for real, independent proof.

When you are shopping, the things worth looking for are:

  • Bags made from genuinely plant based materials rather than petroleum plastics.
  • A real, third party certification such as BPI, not just a green leaf on the box.
  • Clear, specific language about what the bag is actually made of.
  • Unbleached, natural fibers.

What our tea bags are made of

Our tea bags are made from BPI-certified corn mesh. In plain language, that means the bag is made from a plant based material derived from corn, and it has been independently certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, the most recognized composting certification in North America. It is fully compostable, it breaks down naturally, and it contains zero microplastics. None of the nylon, PET, or polypropylene that conventional bags shed into your hot water.

So what does BPI-certified actually mean? It means a third party, not us, has tested and verified that the material genuinely breaks down into compost and does not leave plastic behind. Anyone can print the word natural on a box. BPI certification is the receipt that backs it up.

Small ways to steep more mindfully

  • Check what your favorite brands use. If they will not say, that tells you something.
  • Look for a real certification like BPI rather than vague eco language.
  • Let just boiled water rest for a moment before pouring. A slightly gentler steep is kinder to everything.
  • Compost your bags when the material allows it, and keep loose leaf and a stainless steel infuser on hand for variety.

Frequently asked questions

Do all tea bags have microplastics? No. The main culprits are bags made from nylon, PET, or polypropylene, often the silky mesh pyramids. Bags made from certified plant based materials, like our BPI-certified corn mesh, avoid those petroleum plastics entirely.

How do I know if my tea bag is plastic? Look at the packaging language. If a brand is proud of its materials, it will say exactly what the bag is made of and show a real certification. Vague wording, or a plastic feeling mesh, are both worth a second look.

What does BPI-certified mean? BPI is the Biodegradable Products Institute, a respected third party that tests and certifies whether a material is genuinely compostable. A BPI certification means the bag has been independently verified to break down into compost rather than leaving plastic behind.

Are your tea bags really free of microplastics? Yes. Our bags are BPI-certified corn mesh, a plant based material that contains zero microplastics and is fully compostable, unlike the nylon and PET mesh that sheds particles into hot water.

The bottom line

You should not need a science degree to enjoy a cup of tea. Choosing a bag made from certified, plant based corn mesh over petroleum plastic is a small, powerful way to care for yourself and the planet at the same time. It is the choice we made for you, and it is one I feel good about every single day.

Come see how we do things, and find your new favorite blend in our tea shop.

Tags: lifestyle microplastics plastic free sustainability tea bags
Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Lemongrass Tea Benefits: What It Does and How to Brew It

Lemongrass Tea Benefits: What It Does and How to Brew It

Bright, citrusy, and just a little bit grassy, lemongrass is one of those ingredients that makes a cup of tea feel instantly refreshing. It has been brewed for centuries across Southeast Asia and beyond, and it is having a real moment again as more people look for flavorful, caffeine-free teas that also do something good for the body. Here is a look at the benefits of lemongrass tea, how to brew it, and the blend to reach for. What is lemongrass tea? Lemongrass tea is an herbal infusion made from the stalks and leaves of the lemongrass plant. It is naturally caffeine free, with a light lemony aroma and a clean, slightly sweet finish. Because it is so gentle, it works beautifully on its own or paired with other calming, citrusy botanicals. The benefits of lemongrass tea Lemongrass has a long history in traditional wellness, and modern interest has followed. While it is not a cure for anything, here are the reasons people reach for it. It may support digestion. Lemongrass has traditionally been sipped after meals to ease bloating and settle the stomach, which makes it a lovely choice when you are feeling heavy or overfull. It is calming. The warm, citrusy aroma is soothing, and a cup is an easy way to slow down and unwind at the end of the day. It is rich in antioxidants. Lemongrass contains plant compounds that act as antioxidants, which help the body handle everyday oxidative stress. It is a hydrating, caffeine-free swap. Since it has no caffeine, lemongrass tea is an easy way to add flavor to your day and stay hydrated without the jitters, morning or night. It is refreshing hot or iced. That bright citrus note holds up beautifully over ice, which makes it a natural for summer. How to brew lemongrass tea For a hot cup, steep a lemongrass blend in just-boiled water for five to seven minutes, then sweeten with a little honey if you like. For iced, brew it a touch stronger, let it cool, and pour over ice with a slice of lemon. It is forgiving and hard to over-steep, so you can let it go a little longer for a bolder cup. The blend to reach for Our Bath Time blend puts lemongrass front and center, alongside sage and tangerine, for a soft, spa-like cup that is as soothing as its name suggests. It is a favorite for winding down in the evening, and just as good iced on a warm afternoon. If lemongrass is what you are after, that is where to start. Frequently asked questions Does lemongrass tea have caffeine? No. Lemongrass tea is naturally caffeine free, so it is a good choice any time of day, including before bed. When is the best time to drink lemongrass tea? Whenever you like. Many people enjoy it after meals to feel settled, or in the evening to relax. Are there any side effects? Lemongrass tea is generally well tolerated in normal amounts. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, it is always wise to check with your doctor first. Can you drink lemongrass tea every day? For most people, a daily cup or two fits easily into a healthy routine. The bottom line Lemongrass tea is bright, calming, and endlessly easy to love, hot or over ice. If you want to give it a try, reach for our Bath Time blend, or explore the rest of our caffeine-free options in the tea shop.

Learn more
How to Make Sun Tea (and Is It Safe to Drink?)

How to Make Sun Tea (and Is It Safe to Drink?)

There is something wonderfully old-fashioned about sun tea. You fill a big glass jar with water and tea, set it on the porch or windowsill, and let the summer sun do the brewing. No kettle, no stove, just a slow steep and a little patience. It is the kind of low-effort ritual that fits a hot afternoon perfectly. Before you set out your jar, though, it helps to know how to make sun tea well, and how to make it safely. What is sun tea? Sun tea is simply tea brewed with sunlight instead of hot water. The warmth of the sun gently heats the water over a few hours and slowly draws out the flavor and color of the tea. The result is smooth, mellow, and less likely to turn bitter than a hot brew, which is part of why it has stayed a summer favorite for generations. Is sun tea safe to drink? This is the part worth being honest about. Because sun tea brews at warm rather than boiling temperatures, the water may never get hot enough to kill off bacteria that can grow in that gentle heat. It is usually fine, but the risk is real enough to take a few simple precautions. Herbal, caffeine-free blends are a great choice here, and a little care goes a long way. To brew sun tea safely: Start with a scrupulously clean glass jar with a lid. Use fresh, cold water and sealed tea bags rather than loose leaf floating around. Brew for no longer than three to four hours, and bring the jar in before it sits too long. Refrigerate the tea as soon as it is done, and drink it within a day. If the tea ever looks thick, cloudy, or ropey, or smells off, pour it out. That is a sign of bacterial growth. If you would rather skip the guesswork entirely, cold brewing in the refrigerator gives you the same smooth, mellow cup with none of the warm-water worry. More on that below. How to make sun tea, step by step Fill a clean half-gallon glass jar with about 6 to 8 cups of cold water. Add 4 to 6 herbal tea bags. As a rule of thumb, use one bag per cup of water. Cover the jar with a lid or cloth and set it in direct sun for three to four hours. Once it has reached a color and strength you like, remove the tea bags. Refrigerate right away, then serve over plenty of ice. Finish with a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of honey, or a sprig of mint. The best teas for sun tea Herbal, caffeine-free blends are the natural fit for sun tea, both for safety and for that bright, refreshing summer flavor. Reach for Sun Soaked, our green mate, apple, and hibiscus blend that was practically made for a sunny jar, or Bath Time, a soothing mix of lemongrass, sage, and tangerine. Picnic in the Park brings apple and hibiscus, and Snow Angel offers a cool, minty finish. Any of them make a beautiful, colorful pitcher. An alternative: cold brew If the safety question gives you pause, cold brewing is the easy answer. Steep the same tea bags in cold water in the refrigerator overnight, about eight hours, and you get a smooth, well-chilled tea without ever entering the warm temperature range where bacteria thrive. It is the method to reach for most on repeat all summer. Frequently asked questions How long does sun tea take to brew? Usually three to four hours in direct sun. Keep an eye on the color and pull the bags once it looks right. Is sun tea actually safe? It can be, with care. Use a clean jar, brew no more than three to four hours, refrigerate immediately, and drink within a day. When in doubt, cold brew in the fridge instead. How long does sun tea last? Drink it within 24 hours and keep it refrigerated. Toss it if it looks cloudy or ropey. Can you make sun tea with herbal tea? Yes, and herbal, caffeine-free blends are the best choice for both flavor and peace of mind. The bottom line Sun tea is a simple summer pleasure, and a little know-how keeps it a safe one. Brew it clean, brew it short, chill it fast, and reach for a bright herbal blend. Find your favorite in our Summer Shop, or browse them all in our tea shop.

Learn more
Frozen Hibiscus Iced Tea Slushie: An Easy Summer Mocktail

Frozen Hibiscus Iced Tea Slushie: An Easy Summer Mocktail

There is a specific kind of August afternoon that no hot mug can compete with. The air is thick, the humidity is unrelenting, and the heat simply will not quit. On days like that, tea does not have to be hot to be wonderful. Blend it with ice and a little fruit, and it becomes the most refreshing thing in the house. This frozen hibiscus iced tea slushie is part mocktail, part grown-up slushie, and exactly what those sticky late-summer days call for. It starts with Sun Soaked, our low-caffeine blend of green mate, apple, and hibiscus. The hibiscus gives it a gorgeous rosy color and a bright, tart snap, the apple rounds it out with a little sweetness, and the green mate adds the gentlest lift. Frozen into a slushie, it tastes like a hibiscus frose without a drop of alcohol, though there is an easy way to add some when the occasion calls for it. Why cold brew is the secret Skip the kettle here. Brewing hot means waiting ages for the tea to cool, and pouring warm tea over ice just melts it into something watery and sad. Cold brewing solves both problems. Steeped slowly overnight in the fridge, the tea comes out smooth, deeply colored, and never bitter, which is exactly what you want before it hits the blender. It is almost no work, you simply start the night before. What you will need 2 Sun Soaked tea bags 8 to 10 ounces cold water 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup, to taste 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice 1.5 to 2 cups ice Fresh mint or basil, to garnish Optional: a splash of rose or prosecco How to make it 1. The night before, add the 2 tea bags to 8 to 10 ounces of cold water and let them steep in the fridge overnight, at least 8 hours. 2. In the morning, remove the tea bags and stir in the honey or simple syrup until it dissolves, then add the lemon or lime juice. 3. Pour the cold brew into a blender with the ice and blend until slushy and smooth. 4. Pour into a glass and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or basil. 5. Sip slowly and enjoy the fact that you planned ahead. Make it a weekend treat For a grown-up version, blend in a splash of rose or prosecco at the end, or float it on top after pouring. It makes a lovely after-work wind-down or a slow weekend pour on the porch. The apple and hibiscus play so nicely with a dry rose that most people will not believe it started as a cup of tea. Easy variations Muddle a few fresh raspberries or strawberries into the glass for a berry-hibiscus twist. Swap the honey for a spoonful of peach or apricot jam to lean into late-summer stone fruit. Freeze a batch of the cold brew in an ice cube tray, then blend the tea cubes straight for an even more intense color and flavor. Frequently asked questions Why cold brew instead of hot? Hot tea takes forever to cool and melts your ice when you blend it, leaving you with a watery slushie. Cold brewing overnight gives you a smooth, strong, well-chilled base that blends into a proper slushie without any dilution. Can I make the base ahead of time? Yes. The cold brew keeps in the fridge for a couple of days, so you can steep a batch and blend a fresh slushie whenever the craving hits. Is it caffeinated? Only lightly. Sun Soaked is a low-caffeine blend thanks to the green mate, so it gives a soft lift rather than a jolt, which makes it a great afternoon or early-evening drink. What if I do not have a blender? Pour the sweetened cold brew over a tall glass of crushed ice for an iced hibiscus tea instead. Not quite a slushie, but just as refreshing. The bottom line A frozen hibiscus slushie is proof that herbal tea belongs in your summer just as much as it belongs in your winter. Reach for Sun Soaked, start it the night before, and give yourself something cold, pink, and a little bit special when August turns up the heat. Find it in our Summer Shop, and browse the rest of the blends in our tea shop.

Learn more