At a Tarrytown tea company, “reduce, reuse and recycle” is more than just a catchphrase.
Silver Tips Tea Room has taken an environmental leadership position by offsetting its carbon emissions with Carbonfund.org, which takes donations from businesses to reduce their carbon footprints by spending them on renewable energy, reforestation and energy efficiency.
This is the latest in a series of environmentally friendly steps the business has taken. The tea company has used eco-friendly materials since it opened in 1999 and its wholesale arm, Eco-Prima Tea in Buchanan, uses recycled cartons and packaging material, including biodegradable packing peanuts.Â
“We”™ve always been interested in organic, biodynamic and sustainable practices,” said Anupa Mueller, president of Eco-Prima and Silver Tips Tea. “Silver Tips and Eco-Prima Teas engage in many simple steps that companies and individuals can pursue to fight global climate change.”
The company keeps its take-out and disposable materials to a minimum; no bottled water is served, and reusable dishware is used.
Recently, Silver Tips opted for 100 percent Green Power, a combination of wind and low-impact hydro-energy, which is offered by Con Edison.
The tearoom has also fully converted to energy-efficient lights and has made changes in numerous other areas, including the use of compostable take-out cups and glasses and recycled bags.Â
Although Mueller acknowledges that there are things that are out of her control, such as shipping tea long distances, the company”™s donations to Carbonfund.org help negate the business”™ carbon footprint.
Mueller compared the “going green” phenomenon to Broadband Internet service when it was first introduced.
“We”™re kind of at the forefront of this,” Mueller said. “We just happen to be leaders in the area right now, but if I”™m lucky we won”™t be for long. Everybody will be doing it.”
Eco-Prima, the U.S. partner of the renowned Makaibari Tea Estates in Darjeeling, India, seeks out green printers and, whenever possible, prints on post-consumer recycled paper with soy ink.Â
“We can all do something ”“ simply recycling, using tap or filter water instead of bottled water, buying organic, and being aware of the consequences of the food we choose to eat can make a difference in the battle for sustainability,” Mueller said. “Climate change affects everybody, and it is everybody”™s responsibility to lend a hand to combat this global issue. As a company with a platform to encourage our customers to join in, we feel compelled to try to do more. We ask our customers to go green with us and with Carbonfund.org.”              Â
Mueller said customers of both Eco-Prima and Silver Tips Tea are very concerned about global warming and are “delighted” with the environmentally-friendly steps the company has taken.
Eco-Prima Tea has been focused on sustainability from its inception in 1995 and has been a leader in providing certified organic and fair trade teas to its numerous wholesale customers. Silver Tips educates its customers individually and through its Web site.Â
"Drinking tea connects people to the earth in the most delicious of ways," said Eric Carlson, executive director of Carbonfund.org. "With this partnership, Silver Tips and Eco-Prima Teas further their commitment to making their products not just delicious but eco-friendly. We’re thrilled to welcome them onboard."
