Sustainable Tea- Is it just a buzz word? Learn from Nepali Tea revolution
In the mid-90s, a quiet village in eastern Nepal witnessed a revolution — one that transformed its landscape and its people. This revolution was the birth of a new era in tea farming, but it came with a price. As tea nurseries sprouted across the village, the environment paid a heavy toll. This story sheds light on the importance of sustainable tea and why it's crucial for the future.
A Changing Landscape: The Birth of Tea Plantations
In 1995–96, our village saw a rapid expansion in tea cultivation. Excitement filled the air as new nurseries were created and tea saplings began to grow. But alongside this growth, something devastating happened — a massive environmental loss that still haunts me.
As a child, my friends and I spent our days exploring the lush forests. We'd pick berries, watch a diverse array of birds, and occasionally spot deer and foxes. The forest was our playground and provider, offering firewood, grass, and wild fruits. But as tea plantations began to take root, the decision was made to clear the forest. What followed was a heart-wrenching transformation.
The Environmental Cost: A Bitter Memory
Overnight, tractors and trucks descended upon our village. Within days, the sound of falling trees filled the air. The once vibrant forest, home to countless species of birds and animals, was reduced to a graveyard of tree stumps.
I remember asking my father why this was happening. His answer was simple: "This is for your future." But as the trees fell and the birds disappeared, it was hard to see how this was beneficial. It took over five years for the tea bushes to cover the barren land, but the damage was done. The rich biodiversity of our village was lost, replaced by rows of tea plants.
For those in North America, this story might evoke the 2018 California wildfires — events that destroyed entire communities and wiped out natural habitats, reminding us of the delicate balance between human activity and nature.
The Path to Sustainable Tea: Learning from the Past
Years later, the community began to understand the importance of balance. They started planting Mimosa plants and pine trees alongside the tea gardens to prevent landslides and provide shade for tea pickers. But the birds never returned in the same numbers. From 20 species, the diversity dropped to just eight. It was a stark reminder of the impact human actions can have on nature.
Today, when discussions about sustainable tea arise, they bring back memories of those days. Sustainable tea is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity. It's about finding a symbiotic relationship between man and nature. While the past cannot be changed, it has taught us valuable lessons about preserving our environment.
What Is Sustainable Tea?
Sustainable tea refers to farming practices that respect the environment, support the community, and ensure that future generations can enjoy tea without harmful consequences. This involves:
- Reducing or eliminating chemical fertilizers in favour of natural methods (cow manure, neem-based pest control)
- Protecting biodiversity — not clearing forests for new plantations
- Investing in the well-being of the people who cultivate the tea
- Pursuing organic certification where feasible
Nepal Hills Tea's farm partners in Ilam and Taplejung embody this approach. Three of four farms are certified organic. No plantation expansion is undertaken. The tea gardens sit within natural landscapes at 5,000–7,000 ft, preserving the Himalayan ecosystem that gives the tea its character. You can read more about Nepal Hills Tea's support for organic farming methods.
A Call to Action
As consumers, our choices can make a significant impact. By choosing sustainable tea, we support practices that protect the environment and promote social responsibility. When we choose Nepal Hills Tea, we choose farms that are committed to preserving the land for future generations — and 5% of every sale goes directly back to the farming partners who grow it.
So, the next time you brew a cup of tea, ask yourself: Is this tea produced sustainably? By choosing sustainably produced teas with traceable farm origins, we can all play a part in protecting our planet for future generations.
Support Sustainable Tea Farming from Canada
Nepal Hills Tea's Tea Sampler Kit ($30) includes teas from 4 farm partners in Ilam and Taplejung — three certified organic, one transitioning. 5% of every sale returns to the farmers. Ships across Canada.
Written by:
Bhaskar Dahal
Founder, Nepal Hills Tea Inc.