Sustainability

We never thought we would build an online shop for our teas. From transport-safe packaging (and packaging outside the packaging) to transportation, the amount of resources to ship a small amount of tea feels disproportionately high. But we love the teas we've found and want to share them with you, whether you are near or far. So, our commitment and mission with this online shop: to do so sustainably, to champion our environment, and to reach a net positive impact. We pledge to give the environment a seat at the table in every decision we make.

Our sustainability initiatives are focused on environmental renewability and regeneration. We especially care for efforts that are forward looking and aim to solve today’s problems in a better way. Our plan is fourfold: Track our supply chain end-to-end and prefer suppliers who share similar ethos Foster circular economies with the physical, non-consumable goods we offer Expose & solve gaps in environmental accountability Donate to environment-related causes

We chose our packaging to be metal tins because tin is infinitely recyclable. Our tins also prevent your tea from being crushed in transit, which allows us to mail your tea in padded bags rather than boxes, saving transportation space and energy. Return the tins your tea came in (or your Kotodo tea tin!), and you will receive 10% off your next order. We thank you for helping keep our tins out of the landfill.

We work with farmers and producers to grow teas that are sustainable and non-destructive to their environments. While our teas are not certified organic, we have chosen producers who limit their chemical usage, prefer natural fertilizers, and are non-polluting.

We are committed to developing a fully sustainable supply chain, including our materials our tea comes in. Our goal is to use 100% recycled and recyclable/compostable materials and to source as close to the USA as possible (to reduce energy used in transport). Here is what you should know about our packaging:

Tins:
Material: 100% recycled tin
FDA-approved: yes
Country of origin: China
Recyclable: yes!
Compostable: no

Storage bags:
Material: 100% biodegradable cello
FDA-approved: yes
Country of origin: USA
Recyclable: no
Compostable: yes!

Paper wraparound & sticker:
Material: 100% recycled paper
Country of origin: USA
Recyclable: yes!
Compostable: yes!
FSC Certified • Lignin Free • Made Using Wind Power • Recycled Content

Shipment package:
Material: 100% recycled paper
Country of origin: USA
Recyclable: yes!
Compostable: yes!

Shipment label:
Material: 100% recycled paper
Country of origin: USA
Recyclable: yes!
Compostable: yes!

Today, there is little to no accountability in national and international transportation. If you are building something new in this space, we would like to chat.