At Wortea, our commitment to sustainability and health is a fundamental part of our philosophy. This commitment extends to every choice we make, including our decision to avoid the use of plastic tea bags in our tea blends. Recent research highlights a significant reason why this choice is not just beneficial for the environment but also for our health.
A revealing study conducted by researchers at McGill University, published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal, underscores the potential hazards of using plastic tea bags. According to this study, a single plastic tea bag can release approximately 11.6 billion microplastic and 3.1 billion nanoplastic particles into a cup of tea when brewed at typical temperatures. These quantities are astonishingly higher than those found in other food products. To put it into perspective, nanoplastics are particles smaller than 100 nanometers - much smaller than a human hair's diameter, which measures about 75,000 nanometers.
The study involved heating the plastic tea bags in water without tea leaves to avoid interference in the analysis. This meticulous approach allowed the researchers to observe the direct effects of the plastic material under brewing conditions. The electron microscopy used in the research vividly illustrated how these minuscule particles disperse throughout the beverage—a cup of tea that many might assume to be purely beneficial and relaxing.
Furthermore, the impact of these microplastics and nanoplastics was tested on water fleas, a common model organism in environmental studies. The results showed that, while these particles did not cause immediate mortality in the water fleas, they led to noticeable anatomical and behavioral abnormalities. This raises significant concerns about the long-term effects on human health, as suggested by the research team, emphasizing the need for further study.
At Wortea, we take these findings seriously. We believe that our customers deserve the purest form of tea, free from contaminants that could harm their health or the environment. That’s why we choose to use whole-leaf teas in eco-friendly bags. Not only does this approach enhance the flavor and quality of the tea, but it also aligns with our mission to provide sustainable and healthy products.
As consumers, making informed choices about the products we use daily is crucial. The move away from plastic tea bags is not just a trend but a conscious decision to protect both our health and our planet. By choosing Wortea, you are part of a community that values quality, health, and sustainability. Together, we can make a difference—one cup of tea at a time.