Sustainability Q&A

Sustainability - In a world of ever growing greenwashing paired with the rise of conscious consumerism, I really struggle with the use of this word more than ever. It feels like it's lost meaning at times, like "Self Care". Are we perfect when it comes to sustainability? Far from. We also haven't had it all figured out since day one - who does?

Frankly our packaging at Tease has had more updates over the years than iOS! As a small business, as I am sure many of you can appreciate, it can feel incredibly overwhelming at times, trying to uncover how we can take steps towards meaningful change when it comes to sustainability. In this interview, I share a few insights about our journey and how it's led to creating our core collection that you know and love today: The worlds first fully bio-degradable and refillable collection of wellness tea blends.

We interviewed Tease Founder, Sheena Brady, to learn more about her sustainability approach at Tease. 

Q1: What inspired Tease to focus on wellness tea blends, and how do these blends support customers' health goals?

A: At Tease, we're deeply passionate about empowering individuals on their wellness journeys. Our wellness tea blends are crafted with care by our certified tea sommelier and herbalist, utilizing ingredients like rooibos, yerba maté, and ashwagandha. These functional ingredients are selected to support various health goals, whether it's enhancing sleep, boosting focus, increasing energy, relieving stress, or more. Our aim is to offer a holistic approach to wellness through our teas.

Q2: Could you tell us more about Tease's commitment to sustainability, particularly regarding your tea bags and packaging?

A: Absolutely. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at Tease. Our pyramid tea bags are made from plant-based, plastic-free fibers, ensuring they're 100% compostable and biodegradable. We're proud to lead the way with our biodegradable tea tube packaging, which is not only eco-friendly but also refillable, reducing packaging waste. Additionally, we're committed to maintaining an ethical and sustainable supply chain, from sourcing ingredients to packaging materials.

Q3: How does Tease prioritize social impact, particularly in supporting women founders and promoting financial wellness?

A: Empowering women is a central pillar of Tease's mission. Through our Funding + Mentorship Programs, a portion of every order goes towards supporting ambitious women founders. The Founders Fund, initiated by Tease, provides crucial funding and mentorship opportunities, having raised and contributed over $200k to date. We also prioritize the financial wellness of women within our team and community, offering financial literacy programs and resources to foster economic empowerment.

Q4: Can you share some insights into Tease's environmental practices, such as soil management and ingredient sourcing?

A: Absolutely. We're committed to environmentally responsible practices throughout our supply chain. Our tea importers adhere to rigorous soil management techniques, including field rotation, to maintain soil health and fertility. This not only ensures the quality of our ingredients but also contributes to a healthier growing environment. Additionally, our importers comply with environmental standards such as ecosystem conservation, wildlife protection, and water conservation, further minimizing our ecological footprint.

Q5: How does Tease ensure the quality and purity of its ingredients, particularly in the context of sustainability?

A: Quality and purity are non-negotiables for us at Tease. We meticulously select our ingredients from trusted sources within our ethical and sustainable supply chain. Many of our ingredients are hand-picked, reducing reliance on machinery and minimizing CO2 emissions. By prioritizing natural and organic ingredients, we not only ensure the health and well-being of our customers but also contribute to a healthier planet.

Q6: In the journey towards sustainability, what challenges has Tease faced, and how have you overcome them?

A: Like any business committed to sustainability, we've encountered our fair share of challenges. One notable challenge has been sourcing eco-friendly packaging materials that meet our quality standards while remaining cost-effective. However, through innovation and strategic partnerships, we've been able to overcome these obstacles, continually refining our practices to align with our sustainability goals.

Q7: How does Tease embody the principle of "progress over perfection" in its sustainability efforts?

A: "Progress over perfection" is a mantra we live by at Tease, especially in our sustainability journey. While we strive for excellence in every aspect of our business, we recognize that sustainability is a continuous journey of improvement. Whether it's experimenting with new packaging materials, optimizing our supply chain, or enhancing our environmental practices, we're committed to making progress every step of the way, even if it means embracing imperfection along the road to a more sustainable future.

Q8: What advice would you give to other small businesses looking to integrate sustainability into their operations?

A: My advice to fellow small businesses is simple: start where you are and take incremental steps towards sustainability. Whether it's reducing single-use plastics, optimizing energy efficiency, or sourcing eco-friendly materials, every small action adds up to make a significant difference. Don't be afraid to experiment, learn from your successes and failures, and most importantly, stay committed to your sustainability goals. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come.