Foreign Correspondent is revealing the troubling reality behind the “ethical” tea industry in Sri Lanka, a major source of tea found in Australian homes. The episode, titled “Sri Lanka: Bitter Brew,” questions the validity of ethical and sustainable claims made by popular tea brands.
Here’s the Lowdown: Reporter Naomi Selvaratnam investigates tea estates in Sri Lanka, examining the living and working conditions that have supposedly been approved by independent certification schemes. The report reveals a system that appears to be failing both the tea workers and consumers. The program airs tonight, Tuesday, March 4th, at 8:00 pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
What This Means Now: If you regularly drink tea, particularly brands that promote ethical sourcing from Sri Lanka, this report may challenge your assumptions. It raises serious questions about the accuracy of certifications and the true cost of your daily brew.
The Bigger Picture: Tea is a globally consumed beverage, second only to water. This investigation highlights the potential for exploitation within the supply chain, even when certifications are in place. It calls for greater transparency and accountability from tea brands and certification bodies, to ensure that “ethical” claims are backed by genuine improvements in workers’ lives.
