Our Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability Commitment
At Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., sustainability is more than a promise — it is the foundation of our craft. We are devoted to creating exceptional, sustainably produced teas that honor both the environment and the artisans who cultivate them.
Our teas are grown primarily on small, family-run and women-owned farms across the world's most storied tea regions. Each garden follows eco-friendly and fair trade practices, ensuring that the land and communities thrive in harmony. We are proud to say that no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides are ever used in the production of our teas. This commitment protects the soil, preserves biodiversity, and ensures the purest expression of flavor in every cup.
We partner directly with tea growers who share our values — those who nurture the earth through organic farming, ethical sourcing, and sustainable innovation. Many of our partners hold globally recognized certifications, including Korea, EU, and USDA Organic, HACCP, and FSC22000, reflecting their dedication to environmental responsibility and quality excellence.
Every tea from Symphony of Leaves tells a story of mindful cultivation and respect for nature. From the misty highlands of Nepal to the serene gardens of Japan and Korea, our globally inspired, handcrafted teas represent a refined balance between luxury, sustainability, and social consciousness.
Together, we are cultivating a future where every cup contributes to a healthier planet and a more equitable world.
Our Sustainable Tea Sourcing
Women-Led Cooperatives
We're proud to partner with women-owned tea cooperatives that empower communities while producing exceptional tea. Our Gross National Happiness and H.A.C.I.G.G. teas come from a 43-acre women's cooperative in Trongsa, Bhutan, where women make collective decisions about cultivation, processing, and pricing.
These partnerships provide fair wages, profit-sharing, skills training, and economic empowerment for rural communities. When you choose these teas, you're supporting women's leadership and sustainable development.
Wild-Harvested Teas
Our Whispers of Yen white tea is foraged from wild tea trees in Vietnam's ancient forests by H'Mong families who have stewarded these trees for generations. This approach protects biodiversity, maintains forest ecosystems, and ensures wild tea trees continue to thrive.
Similarly, our Misty Green tea comes from wild tea trees in Ta Xua, Son La, where traditional harvesting methods preserve the forest while providing income for indigenous communities.
Organic & Chemical-Free Production
Every tea in our collection is grown without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Our partners include:
- Bhutan: The entire country is organic by law, making our Bhutanese green teas naturally pure
- Nepal: High-altitude gardens at 7,200 feet producing Golden Time of Day and Twilight Talons oolongs
- Japan: Family-run farms near Mt. Fuji crafting our Sencha green tea with ethical practices
- China: Traditional gardens in Fujian and Yunnan producing our Bai Mudan and Bai Long Xu white teas
- Thailand: Small 110-acre organic garden producing our limited-production Thai Oolong
Direct Trade Relationships
We work directly with tea producers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair compensation. This direct trade model allows us to:
- Pay premium prices that support sustainable farming practices
- Build long-term relationships with tea-producing families
- Ensure transparency throughout the supply chain
- Support the preservation of traditional tea-making methods
- Invest in community development and education
Environmental Impact
Carbon-Negative Tea Production
Our Bhutanese teas come from a country that is carbon-negative, absorbing more CO2 than it produces. Bhutan maintains that at least 60% of its land must remain forested, creating a pristine environment for tea cultivation.
Forest Conservation
By sourcing wild-harvested teas like Whispers of Yen and Misty Green, we support forest conservation. These teas don't require clearing land for plantations—they grow naturally in existing forest ecosystems.
Biodiversity Protection
Our partners practice polyculture and agroforestry, growing tea alongside native plants and trees. This approach protects biodiversity, provides habitat for wildlife, and creates resilient ecosystems that can adapt to climate change.
Social Responsibility
Fair Wages & Working Conditions
All our tea partners provide fair wages, safe working conditions, and benefits for their workers. We prioritize relationships with small, family-owned gardens where workers are treated with dignity and respect.
Community Development
Our partnerships support community development through:
- Education programs for tea workers' children
- Healthcare access and support
- Skills training and leadership development
- Infrastructure improvements in rural tea-growing regions
Preserving Traditional Knowledge
We work with tea makers who preserve centuries-old processing methods, from hand-rolling techniques to wood-fired processing. By supporting these artisans, we help preserve cultural heritage and traditional knowledge for future generations.
Our Sustainable Tea Collection
Explore our complete collection of sustainably sourced, ethically produced teas:
- Browse All Teas - Discover our complete selection
- Hospitality Program - Sustainable tea for hotels, restaurants, and spas
- Gift Sets - Beautifully packaged sustainable tea gifts
- Corporate Accounts - Sustainable tea for businesses
Certifications & Standards
Many of our tea partners hold recognized certifications including:
- USDA Organic - Certified organic production standards
- EU Organic - European organic certification
- Korea Organic - Korean organic standards
- HACCP - Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points food safety
- FSC22000 - Food safety management systems
Our Commitment to You
When you choose Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., you're choosing:
- Tea grown without harmful chemicals
- Fair compensation for tea workers and producers
- Support for women's economic empowerment
- Protection of forests and biodiversity
- Preservation of traditional tea culture
- Transparency throughout the supply chain
Every cup you enjoy contributes to a more sustainable, equitable tea industry. Learn more about our journey and explore our sustainably sourced tea collection.
Together, we are cultivating a future where every cup contributes to a healthier planet and a more equitable world.