Ethical Teas

1. Ethical Partnerships: We work closely with tea growers and farmers who share our values. These partnerships are built on trust, fairness, and mutual respect. We support farms that pay fair wages, ensure safe working conditions, and provide access to education and healthcare for workers and their families. Our commitment to ethical sourcing is not just about the environment; it's about people too.

2. Organic and Natural Farming: Most of our teas are sourced from organic and biodynamic farms. These methods prioritize soil health and biodiversity, avoiding the use of harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. By choosing organic teas, we support sustainable farming practices that protect the environment and preserve the purity of our teas.

3. Environmental Stewardship: We're dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint throughout the entire tea production process. Our packaging and supplies are designed to minimize waste, using eco-friendly materials that are recyclable or biodegradable. 

4. 1% for the Planet Member: We are members of 1% for the Planet, an association of businesses that set aside at least 1% of every sale towards funding non-profits that are engaged in environmental conservation and social equity work. Through this program we support Finger Lakes Land Trust and Climate Solutions Accelerator. Both these organizations are based in our upstate NY region and are doing work we are proud of.  

5. Biodiversity Conservation: We are committed to preserving the rich biodiversity found in tea-growing regions. By supporting sustainable farming practices, we help protect the habitats of countless species that call these areas home. Our efforts contribute to the long-term health of ecosystems.

6. Fair Trade and Direct Sourcing: We are strong advocates of fair trade principles. When you purchase our teas, you can trust that your choice supports fair compensation for tea producers and workers. We also engage in direct sourcing whenever possible, cutting out intermediaries to ensure that more of your money goes directly to the communities responsible for growing and harvesting our teas.

7. Carbon Offsetting: To further mitigate our impact on climate change, we invest in carbon offset programs. This means that the carbon emissions associated with our tea production and transportation are balanced by initiatives such as reforestation projects and renewable energy investments. We aim to be carbon-neutral, and we're continually working towards that goal. Towards that we are members of 1% for the Planet and pay for carbon offset towards shipping of all our orders through Shopify Planet. 

8. Quality Assurance: Sustainability doesn't mean compromising on quality. Our commitment to sustainable sourcing is seamlessly integrated into our mission to provide you with the finest teas from around the world. You can trust that every cup of tea from Happy Earth Tea is a delightful experience that aligns with your values.

9. Community Engagement: We believe in giving back to the communities that make our teas possible both at home and from places where we source our tea. We support many community organizations regularly with donations for fundraisers. 

9. Taking care of our team: We believe ethics starts at home. Our staff are paid above minimum, and for long serving members we have 401K plan and paid leave programs.  

Happy Earth Tea takes its responsibility towards the planet and its people seriously. Our commitment to sustainable tea sourcing is a promise to you, our valued customers, and to the Earth that provides us with these exquisite tea leaves. With every sip, you can be proud to be part of a sustainable and ethical tea journey. Join us in sipping responsibly and making a positive impact, one cup at a time.