An Ethical Tea Party with Uproot Teas
Expanding delicious & sustainable teas, without the colonial tea trade nor toxic tea bags.
Project Description
We want to be real with you.
The tea industry has tons of problems, and we’re here to bring transparency in everything we do.
We’re redesigning the supply chain.
The tea industry is older and slower than your great-great-grandpa. The US tea trade hasn’t changed in 300 years - since colonialism.
Our tea prices are set by our farm partners, not the commodity market.
Our tea prices are set by our farm partners, not the commodity market. We do this by eliminating the middlemen in our supply chain and working directly with farmers to pay them what they ask for - because they know best what it takes to grow sustainable, regenerative crops! We pay farm partners between 20-100x fair trade wage depending on the crop.
Sustainability is core to our company, not an afterthought.
A single tea bag can contain 11.6 BILLION microplastics, goes straight into landfills and tastes like trash. Uproot's 100% compostable loose leaf tea pouches contain all natural ingredients, are compostable in home and industrial systems, and tastes like real, loose leaves only.
Cindy's story
As a first generation Chinese American, I grew up, like many third culture kids, seeking connection between places and identities. For me, tea has always been comfort and connection: an excuse to slow down and share. Tea is also deeply part of my heritage.
In college, I researched the commodity tea trade for a senior economics paper and learned of the inefficiencies and inequities of the industry - with centuries-old structures rooted in colonialism. Corporations and imperialism stripped tea of its rich flavor and culture; mass producing and profiting off of a commodity trade. Later, I went to Hawai'i for a month to work with a tea farm and gain hands-on experience. I learned of the tenderness and care that tea requires to create amazing, complex flavors. I saw how tea can be grown regeneratively to protect and nourish the ecosystem. It's been a magical journey.
I now partner with amazing, regenerative farms in different regions sustainably growing and producing artisan loose-leaf teas and botanicals, and I am SO excited to share them with you.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
What does single origin mean?
Single origin generally means that it comes from a single producer, crop, or region in one country. Uproot uses the strictest definition - each of our single origin teas come from one single farm and producer.
How much do you pay farmers?
Our policy is simple: We pay our farm partners what they ask for. This varies by tea, by farmer, by region, and ends up usually being at least 20x fair trade price. Our farmers know best what it costs them to grow a specific tea, based on the terroir and their specific growing conditions, so they determine our prices. We are proud to partner with family farms that practice sustainable agriculture, so that we can continue enjoying high quality teas for years to come.
How do I make loose leaf tea?
Great question! We can’t wait for you to become a tea nerd like us. There are many ways to brew loose leaves - check out our Brew Guide for tips and tricks.
What’s your favorite tea?
Cindy doesn’t have a favorite child. But if she had to choose - something floral ;)
Do you offer returns & exchanges?
While we do not currently offer returns, we want to make sure you are happy with your purchase. Email us at [email protected] so that we can make things right!
Do you offer tea tastings and events?
YES!! We love a good tea event (in person or virtual). Email us at [email protected] Some things we’ve hosted before:
- Zoom tea tastings for corporate and collegiate team bonding activities
- In-person tea ceremonies and workshops
- 30 minute rants on all the issues in the colonial & commodity tea trade 🙃
When will my beautiful, delicious, whole leaf tea arrive?
SOON!! We are a tiny company, so our in-house turnaround times are typically 2-3 business days (this does not include the postal transit time). If you're placing a rush tea order, write us a quick note at [email protected] before you checkout, and we'll do our best to meet your timeline.
Is your packaging compostable?
YES!!!!! COMPOST AWAY!!!
We are so proud to offer the most sustainable packaging available. Everything we make is 100% compostable (including at-home composting!). Our compostable pouches are vegan, non-GMO, and are not made with PLA. They do not contain harmful chemicals such as bisphenol (including BPA and over a dozen other derivatives), PFAS, or phthalates. Made from compostable laminated film in the USA
Standards and Certifications: ASTM D6400, EN13432. The zipper is additionally certified compostable by TUV.
Need help?
Need more help with an order? Words of affirmation? Emotional support?
DM us on Instagram or email at [email protected]. We got you.
90 minute virtual tasting with Cindy. Includes everything you need for a group up to 10 people. Each individual will receive:
- 3 teas of your choice
- 1 reusable strainer
- 1 tasting guide
1 Custom Virtual Tea Tasting with Cindy
A personalized tea flight with ingredients, aromas, flavors made just for you.
90 minute virtual private tea meditation with Cindy + 3 teas of your choice.
A limited-edition holiday tea gift set for a tea lover. Comes with:
- Single Origin Sencha
- Single Origin Makai Black Tea
- Single Origin Whole Chamomile Blossoms
- Single Origin Peppermint Leaf
- 1 Reusable Strainer Basket
A no-strings-attached donation :)
Rewards
90 minute virtual tasting with Cindy. Includes everything you need for a group up to 10 people. Each individual will receive:
- 3 teas of your choice
- 1 reusable strainer
- 1 tasting guide
1 Custom Virtual Tea Tasting with Cindy
A personalized tea flight with ingredients, aromas, flavors made just for you.
90 minute virtual private tea meditation with Cindy + 3 teas of your choice.
A limited-edition holiday tea gift set for a tea lover. Comes with:
- Single Origin Sencha
- Single Origin Makai Black Tea
- Single Origin Whole Chamomile Blossoms
- Single Origin Peppermint Leaf
- 1 Reusable Strainer Basket
A no-strings-attached donation :)