Updated: Sep 6, 2018
Why shop ethically and sustainably for your tea?
We all know that it is vital to drink enough fluids as not drinking enough can lead to dehydration, and this can cause tiredness, weakness, headaches, constipation and may even harm your kidneys. Many of us force ourselves to drink the recommended 8 cups of water a day, not realising that tea, like water, is hydrating and can count towards your daily fluid intake target. Green tea has no calories and typically has around a quarter the level of caffeine compared to coffee. So, now you are on our wavelength and heading out to buy yourself loads if really hydrating teas to try, STOP and think about what it is you are buying and who you are buying it from. As many of our avid #teatasters and fans already know, we are extremely proud to be joint first place (along with Equal Exchange Tea and Hampstead Tea) in the Ethical Consumer’s Ethical shopping guide to Tea! Right from the off our company has had its roots in ethical, sustainable and fair-trade practices. It is of great importance to us that our tea continues to be prepared in the true spirit of partnership with local farmers and growers.
https://qi-teas.com/ethical-sustainable-and-organic-teas
At Herbal Health Ltd and Qi Teas Ltd we make it our business to work directly with the people farming our tea, and working the land where we source our ingredients… Are they running successful family businesses and making enough profit to keep their children and families safe and happy? This question is very important to us.
Fairtrade strives to guarantee a better deal for third world producers, ensuring not only fair prices paid for the product, but also fair wages and conditions for all those involved in the harvesting and production process.
To ensure we maintain a fair and prosperous relationship with our suppliers Herbal Health Ltd provides farmers and growers with:
A fair price and a guaranteed income.
Financial support by contributing towards the costs of organic inspections.
Technical training and technical support.
Agreed employment framework for workers, which respects their human rights and promotes good working conditions.
A social and community fund which promotes and supports community well being for everyone.
By buying Fair-trade, you have the power to change the world every day. With simple shopping choices you can get farmers a better deal. And that means they can make their own decisions, control their futures and lead the dignified life everyone deserves.
https://qi-teas.com/what-is-fairtrade
We also offer a range of 100% Organic teas - this means grown without the use of harmful chemicals, pesticides and herbicides, and so are healthier for you.
Click here
Qi Organic teas are independently certified organic by international accreditation body Ecocert, as well as the Soil Association in the UK.
Soil Association Certification is the UK's largest organic certification body, responsible for certifying over 70% of all organic products sold in the country. The Soil Association symbol on our packs is your guarantee that our products meet the highest standards of sustainability and quality.
We are often questioned about our packaging and whether it is all necessary?
As a small company our products have to fulfil different functions for different markets, and we try to combine these in the simplest way possible.
Our teabags are wrapped in individual paper envelopes, this helps protect the delicate tea and is an essential format for the catering trade, however, the paper we use is un-bleached and the bags are free from glue and aluminium staples.
ALL our packaging is fully recyclable and we are currently investigating alternatives to using plastic in our tea bags. As soon as we find a material that fits the purpose and doesn't damage our planet, you can rest assured we will use it!!
If you’re trying to limit your caffeine intake, here’s a useful tip:
Caffeine is highly soluble, so when you prepare your cup of tea, pour just a small amount of hot water over the tea bag, swirl it around, then discard the water as caffeine will be one of the first compounds released. Re-brew with fresh water and you have a very low caffeine cuppa!
