There was a recent story about a boy in New Delhi that was found chained and forced to work serving tea to customers. The owner of the tea stall claimed that the boy had broken into his home and stolen some personal property, and this was the only way to keep an eye on his estate and the boy. What I found really shocking was that the tea customers knew that he was in chains but no one protested or even questioned why.

This brings up a concern that happens all too often in tea growing regions all over the world. The neglect or abuse of workers. I am especially grateful to source our teas from suppliers that work hand in hand with estates to improve the lives of not only the estate owners, but also their workers. I think that there is a real price to pay for these so called ‘cheap teas’, and if by paying a few pennies more for a subtle and smooth Darjeeling or a malty and brisk Assam you are helping to improve the lives of those workers who helped bring that cup to you I want to be part of that movement.

There are many partnerships out there, some improve labour relations, help with environmental sustainability, fair trade, and other worthwhile causes. For example, our friends over at Birds and Beans serve up ‘bird friendly’ coffee and support the work of the Rainforest Alliance. If anyone has any causes they support or know of please share!