Each time we pour a bowl of Living Tea, we are entering into a relationship—with the plant, with the present moment, and with the Earth that nurtured this medicine. On Earth Day, we take time to deepen that relationship by honoring what remains after the last steeping: the leaves themselves.

Used tea leaves are little bundles of life, still rich with subtle energy and purpose. Rather than discarding them, we can extend their life in simple, earth-loving ways that root us more deeply in reciprocity and care.

Here are eleven of our favorite ways to reuse tea leaves—rituals that align with the rhythms of nature and the values of the Living Tea lifestyle.

For the Garden & Plants

1. Compost Booster
   Tea leaves are high in nitrogen and break down quickly, making them a beautiful addition to your compost pile. They feed the soil that will, in turn, feed future plants—a simple loop of life.

2. Fertilizer for Plants
   Cooled, used tea leaves can be sprinkled directly into garden beds or houseplants. They nourish the soil while retaining moisture, offering gentle support to your green companions.

3. Natural Pest Repellent
   Scatter damp or dried tea leaves around the base of plants to help deter pests like aphids and ants. The scent and texture create a natural boundary.

For the Home

4. Natural Deodorizer
   Dry your used leaves and place them in a breathable sachet (muslin or linen work beautifully) to absorb odors in your refrigerator, trash can, gym bag, or shoes. The earthy aroma is subtle and grounding.

5. Gentle Surface Cleaner
   Tea leaves are slightly abrasive and mildly antibacterial. Use them to scrub pots, pans, or countertops for a low-waste, plant-based clean—especially when you're mindfully avoiding harsh chemicals.

6. Wood Floor Shine
   Black tea, especially from a second or third steeping, can be re-brewed and used as a natural floor cleaner for hardwood surfaces. It gently lifts dirt and leaves a soft sheen behind.

7. Natural Dye
   Used tea leaves can be used to dye fabrics, paper, or even Easter eggs for a beautiful, earthy hue. The tannins in the tea offer a soft, natural color perfect for DIY projects.

For the Body

8. Bath or Foot Soak
   Add a handful of used leaves to warm water for a calming soak. Tea is naturally astringent and soothing to the skin—perfect for a ritual bath or a post-walk foot soak.

9. Soothing Eye Compress
   Cool down damp tea leaves and wrap them in a thin cloth. Rest them gently over closed eyes to reduce puffiness and inflammation. A beautiful practice after screen time or long travel.

10. Exfoliant
    Mix used tea leaves with honey or olive oil for a gentle, all-natural exfoliating scrub. The leaves help remove dead skin cells while nourishing the skin with the natural antioxidants found in tea.

11. Hair Rinse
    Brew a strong tea with your used leaves and cool it down. Use the tea as a final rinse for your hair after shampooing. The tannins can help to cleanse your scalp and add a natural shine to your hair, leaving it soft and refreshed.

A Practice of Zero Waste Tea Living

Reusing tea leaves is a simple, meaningful way to extend your practice beyond the bowl. It’s not just about sustainability—it’s about living in harmony with the Earth, remembering that even what seems spent still carries spirit.

And perhaps the most Earth-honoring practice of all?
Take your tea outdoors. On Earth Day, we love to sit for a long steep in nature—no devices, no agenda, just quiet communion with the wind, the birds, and the bowl.

Let nothing be wasted. Let everything be honored.

Do you have your own ritual for reusing tea leaves?
We’d love to hear it. Share with us on Instagram or send us an email.