Every human activity leaves a trace on the world. Even the smallest daily choices gradually shape the environment around us. That is why we try to approach what we do with care and respect, always looking for ways to minimise our impact.
In tea, this means thinking about the entire journey of a leaf – from the place where it grows to the cup on your table. For us, sustainability is not a one-time decision, but an ongoing process that touches every step of our work.
We care about where our tea comes from
One of the most important steps is choosing our suppliers. We aim to work with farmers and tea gardens that grow tea with respect for nature – using ecological or organic practices, and taking care of healthy soil and the surrounding environment.
This approach helps protect biodiversity in tea gardens, while also producing teas that retain their natural character.
Every tea we select has its own origin and story. We personally know many of our farmers, visit tea gardens, and observe whether the land is truly alive – full of insects, balance and natural vitality. Because truly good tea can only come from a healthy ecosystem.
When butterflies and bees are present, when fine spider webs shimmer between the branches, and when the soil is alive with earthworms, we know the environment is not burdened by chemicals. For example, Mr Sakamoto from Kagoshima produces his own natural fertiliser, believing that healthy soil is the foundation of truly exceptional tea.
Loose leaf tea is the greener choice
One of the simplest things you can do for the planet is to choose loose leaf tea over tea bags. It is a return to nature, to the essence of tea itself – a conscious choice that brings both clarity and calm.
There are several reasons why:
1. Quality
Loose leaf teas consist of whole, carefully processed leaves. They allow for multiple infusions and retain a wide range of beneficial compounds. When stored properly, they preserve their aroma, flavour and character for years.
Tea bags, on the other hand, usually contain broken leaves or dust, which cannot match the depth of flavour or aroma. Brewing them multiple times while maintaining quality is practically impossible.
2. Packaging
Tea bags, on the other hand, usually contain broken leaves or dust, which cannot match the depth of flavour or aroma. Brewing them multiple times while maintaining quality is practically impossible.
2. Packaging
Tea bags involve multiple layers of packaging.
The bags themselves often contain plastics and decompose very slowly. Each bag typically includes a string, a metal staple and a paper tag. Combined with individual wrappers, boxes and outer packaging, this results in a complex and resource-intensive system – often for just 20 grams of tea.
Loose leaf tea is usually packed in a single pouch.
Loose leaf tea is usually packed in a single pouch. It can be resealed, reused, and repurposed – for example, to store small items or treats. We aim to use biodegradable packaging wherever possible, and some of our customers even bring their own containers for refills.
3. Fewer transport and processing steps
Tea bags go through multiple stages – from producer to processor, to packing facilities, to distributors and retailers. This requires more energy and results in higher CO₂ emissions.
Loose leaf tea follows a simpler path: producer – retailer – customer.
Every package has a second life (reuse)
Every delivery we receive is an opportunity to do things better. Tea and teaware travel long distances and arrive carefully protected in boxes, paper, bubble wrap or protective fillers.
We reuse these materials when packing your orders. Clean and intact packaging is given a second life, helping us reduce unnecessary waste. Sometimes, your teapot may arrive wrapped in Japanese newspaper – carrying a small piece of its origin story with it.
Even waste has its story
Like any e-shop, we are responsible for the packaging we send out. We work with ENVI-PAK, which supports waste sorting and recycling, helps fund municipal systems, and promotes environmental education.
Thanks to this cooperation, we know our waste is handled responsibly – and that our efforts have real impact.
Quietly, with respect for the city
For over 10 years, we have delivered orders to couriers using an electric vehicle, reducing our carbon footprint every day. Recently, we passed an incredible 111 111 km.
If this distance had been driven by a conventional petrol car, it would have produced approximately 13.3 tonnes of CO₂ – equivalent to what around 600 trees absorb in a year.
Caring for our surroundings
Our ecological approach goes beyond tea. Around our tea house, we care for greenery, plant flowers, feed birds in winter, and provide water in summer not only for birds, but also for hedgehogs, neighbourhood cats and visiting dogs.
When flowers bloom, they bring joy to both adults and children. For the youngest visitors, we have created a small information board about urban birds and how to feed them.
Unfortunately, we also sometimes collect litter left behind by others, and occasionally lose plants overnight. Last year, we even lost a small Japanese maple tree.
It can be discouraging – but we continue. Because even a city can be a place where nature still breathes.
Small steps. A meaningful difference.
We believe change does not come from big words, but from everyday choices.
Every tea we select. Every parcel we pack. Every kilometre we travel.
Sustainability tips
A more sustainable tea ritual begins with choosing quality loose leaf tea. Teas suitable for multiple infusions not only reveal deeper flavour layers, but also reduce waste – allowing several cups from the same leaves.
Even after the last infusion, the leaves still have value. You can return them to nature as compost or use them as a natural fertiliser for houseplants.
If you enjoy experimenting, dried tea leaves can also be used in natural home cosmetics – for example, as a gentle exfoliating body scrub rich in antioxidants.
Kaizen
Not only tea, but also the cultures it comes from inspire us deeply. We see it in the details – in respect for nature, in the patience of craftsmanship, and in the ability to slow down and fully experience the present moment.
Kaizen (改善) is a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement – step by step, with humility and respect. It is not about perfection, but about a mindful process where every small improvement matters.
Great change does not happen all at once. It is built through small, everyday decisions – choosing quality over quantity, attention over distraction, and simplicity over excess.
On the occasion of Earth Day 2026 (18 April 2026)