Plastic-Free Organic Infusions: A Healthy and Responsible Choice

Lovers of organic infusions are often driven by values of health and nature conservation. However, an essential question arises: are tea bags plastic-free? On the 7-bio blog, we delve into this topic to help you consume more sustainably.

Why do some tea bags contain plastic?

Plastic is sometimes used in tea bags to ensure durability or water resistance. Even paper bags may include a thin layer of polypropylene (PP) to seal the edges. Transparent pyramid bags, on the other hand, are often made of nylon or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which are non-biodegradable materials.

What are the risks of plastic in infusions?

When plastic-containing tea bags are immersed in hot water, they may release tiny particles known as microplastics. These residues are concerning for both health and the environment, as they are difficult to degrade.

Plastic-free alternatives

  • Unbleached paper bags: Made from natural fibers, these are biodegradable and compostable.
  • Heat-sealed bags with bioplastics: Some brands use corn-starch-based bioplastics as a more eco-friendly alternative.
  • Loose leaf tea: The most eco-friendly option. Using a tea strainer or infuser eliminates waste entirely.

How to choose plastic-free infusions?

When purchasing organic infusions, check the packaging for labels such as “plastic-free,” “biodegradable,” or “compostable.” For instance, Pukka teas use bags stitched with organic cotton and no plastic. Their paper consists of over 99% natural fibers, with less than 1% resin to reinforce the fibers. However, it is always good to double-check specific mentions on the packaging.

7-bio commitments

At 7-bio, we carefully select products that respect your values and health. By highlighting plastic-free organic infusions, we provide ethical and sustainable alternatives to enhance your relaxation moments.

Choosing organic plastic-free infusions means acting for your well-being while protecting the planet. Make a simple yet impactful choice by supporting committed brands!

Explore our selection of organic infusions on 7-bio.ch.

Difference Between Organic Wine and Biodynamic

The difference between organic wine and biodynamic wine primarily lies in the agricultural practices and underlying philosophical principles. Here’s an overview of the differences:

Organic Wine

Agricultural Practices:

  • Use of organic methods to cultivate the vines.
  • Prohibition of synthetic chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers).
  • Use of natural treatments to protect the vines (sulfur, copper, plant-based preparations).

Certification:

  • The wine must obtain organic certification from an accredited organization (e.g., the “AB” label in Europe or “USDA Organic” in the USA).

Vinification:

  • Reduction in the use of oenological additives, which must be organic.
  • Limitation on the amount of added sulfites.

Biodynamic Wine

  1. Agricultural Practices:
    • Use of all organic farming practices.
    • Application of biodynamic agricultural principles based on the theories of Rudolf Steiner.
    • Use of specific biodynamic preparations, such as horn manure (preparation 500) and horn silica (preparation 501).
    • Integration of lunar and cosmic cycles into vineyard work.
  2. Certification:
    • Certification by specific biodynamic organizations like Demeter or Biodyvin.
  3. Philosophy and Additional Practices:
    • A holistic approach where the farm is viewed as a living organism, with all elements (soil, plants, animals) interconnected.
    • Enhancing soil and plant vitality through specific biodynamic preparations.
    • Strict compost management and practices aimed at harmonizing natural forces.
  4. Vinification:
    • Adherence to the same principles as organic vinification, with increased attention to the wine’s vitality and energy.
    • Often, an even lower use of sulfites and other oenological additives.

Summary:

  • Organic Wine: Focuses on the prohibition of synthetic chemicals and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
  • Biodynamic Wine: Goes beyond organic practices by integrating esoteric and holistic principles, considering lunar and cosmic cycles, and using specific preparations to enhance soil and plant vitality.

Biodynamic wines are often perceived as even more natural and in harmony with nature, although biodynamics is sometimes criticized for its more esoteric aspects.

Find all our organic and dynamic organic wines online delivery.

Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of the human body, particularly the brain, nervous system and retina. The main types of omega-3 include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), found in vegetable oils such as linseed, rapeseed, walnut and soya, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines.

Omega-3 fatty acids offer numerous health benefits: they lower blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels in the blood and improve the health of the cardiovascular system. They also prevent age-related degenerative diseases such as macular degeneration and reduce the risk of depression and dementia (Anses). Recently, studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids improve the microbial diversity of the gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria that can prevent diseases such as diabetes and obesity (Doctissimo).

To reap these benefits, it is recommended to regularly consume omega-3-rich foods while diversifying your diet to minimise the risks from harmful substances (Anses).