Throughout the year, we will be doing a series about conscious consumerism. We even changed our navigation menu from “products with a purpose” to “conscious consumerism: companies we love” because we believe being a conscious consumer encompasses more areas of purchasing power than simply highlighting products. You can be more conscious about sustainable travel to living a more minimalist life. For the most part, however, we will highlight products from companies that deliberately believe in giving back to the communities they source from and believe in sustainability, environmental and economic awareness, or all three.

Today, in the first installment of our conscious consumerism series, I talk about three tea companies that give back. While a coffee girl at heart, I have been drinking more tea lately as a practice of slowing down and having a nice hot drink without all of the caffeine that comes with my many lattes a day.

Here are three tea brands I love and why they are perfect as a conscious consumer.

Traditional Medicinals: Not only are their teas delicious with all of their herbal blends, but Traditional Medicinals is also committed to sourcing only USDA-certified organic plants and herbs. Sourcing organic herbs, of course, fosters positive sustainability, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. Traditional Medicinals, a certified B-corp, also believes in fair trade and carbon offsetting. Its foundation also gives back to like-minded partners through volunteerism and donations. And, most importantly, Traditional Medicinals believes in women’s leadership as the company was co-founded by Rosemary Gladstar, the Godmother of Modern Herbalism, in 1974 along with then community activist, Drake Sadler, who now serves as the Chairman of the Board. It is reassuring to see that the original mission has been carried forward in a company you can genuinely feel good about supporting. I typically buy Traditional Medicinals from Whole Foods, but you can buy them almost anywhere.

Sugimoto Tea Company: If you are looking for really flavorful Japanese green tea, I highly recommend Sugimoto tea. A company at 80 years old and run by three generations, I love its yuzu matcha kukicha sachets that are full of green tea deliciousness. I have tried many other green teas, but I find Sugimoto teas have a deeper vegetal flavor profile. I like seeing and smelling the loose tea and stems in their compostable sachets. One day I hope to try Sugimoto Reserve ceremonial matcha mizuki, their highest quality green tea.

Sugimoto teas are USDA certified organic, using environmentally sustainable techniques, and also they also help its aging farmers earn a more financially stable future.

Equal Exchange: I am a huge fan of Equal Exchange; its company name says it all! I am a fan of their USDA certified organic products from their teas to their chocolates and coffees. My favorite teas are its organic black tea and the organic English breakfast tea. As a consumer, I love knowing that Equal Exchange is rooted in Fair Trade and working with small farmers who often remain powerless and impoverished in the global food system. I also appreciate Equal Exchange’s continued commitment to figuring out how to give more to farmers while still remaining an independent company. It is not an easy endeavor, especially given tariffs and the closure of USAID. I buy all of my Equal Exchange faves at my local co-op.