Tea and Coffee
Tea
A lot of manufacturers have now taken plastic out of their teabags and are using biodegradable materials but still consider using a teapot or mug diffuser. Top tip when using a mug diffuser, if you rinse it with water first before you fill it with tea less bits will end up in the cup. This works well to reduce the bits from teas such as Redbush.
Loose leaf blends
Loose leaf tea has become popular recently and many online whole food suppliers sell a range of different ingredients. Try different blends to see what type of flavours you like and then have a go at blending your own. You can now buy little drawstring reusable tea bags to take your blends with you.
Mint Tea
I've never been a fan of supermarket mint tea but using fresh leaves is a totally different experience. There are lots of different types of mint available so again you can make a blend to suit your taste. Just add some leaves to a mug of boiling water and steep for 5 minutes. Mint tea is also delicious cold.
Lemon Balm
Collect a cup of lemon balm leaves. Sugar to taste. Chop up the leaves, I do this with the sugar so the sugar can soak up any essential oils from the plant. Place in a jug, pour on boiling water and let steep. Strain. This is refreshing hot or cold. Lemon balm has numerous health benefits but some people have an adverse reaction so use with caution if it is new to you.
Calendula - Pot Marigold
Pour a cup of near boiling water over a teaspoon of dried petals, allow to infuse for 10 minutes. Marigold flowers have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic and astringent qualities! Again use with caution if it is new to you.
Coffee
Coffee has become so popular and with this increase in demand there have been some really questionable practices coming to light. Do your research look for certified brands. You could grind your own beans spending a little more money on the beans because you have saved on some of the manufacturing process. Avoid coffee pods as the manufacturers have been slow to change to fully recyclable materials.