Have you heard the publicity surrounding organic and fair-trade tea? If you have not, that is okay too. In all truth, I just heard about organic and fair-trade tea fairly recently. Turns out that tea is harvested by a number of people in developing countries working for menial wages and grown using harsh chemicals that can harm humans and the environment.

Fair Trade Symbol

Typically, tea is produced by manufacturers paying their workers extremely low wages and making them work in substandard environments. Fair trade stops these unfair practices by companies paying their workers a fair wage and working to improve the living standards and educational opportunities for their workers and families. A further explanation fair trade is it is an alternate economic model striving for globalized economic equality by honoring a fair price for products, fair wages, and safe working conditions for workers. Fair trade also works to eliminate unnecessary intermediaries thereby enabling and empowering the farmers and artisans to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global market.

USDA Organic Symbol

Organic tea is harvested without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or insecticides. Teas of this type are great for the environment, because the soil is enriched with natural compost and a layer of mulch to retain moisture while providing extra nutrients as it breaks down. Organic tea is also beneficial for farmers that tea plants can live more than 100 years. In addition to being good for farmers and the environment, it is good for you too. Organic tea provides superior flavor and health benefits from increased polyphenols and catechins. Both organic and fair-trade teas are more costly than traditional, industry-standard tea. In my opinion, it is worth it to pay a little more for a beverage that does not harm the environment or exploit its workers. It feels good to purchase tea with a conscience, which is why I choose tea by Organic Garden. The teas from this manufacturer have a delightful aroma and wonderful taste. Try a cup for yourself and tell me what you think. Enjoy!