Sept. 16, 2008 - Freshly brewed tea is better for the environment than pre-packaged varieties (and it's healthier and cheaper, too), according to a new ad campaign launched by Salada, a leading brand of tea bags.

In its new "Unbottle Your Tea" campaign, Salada says that by switching to fresh-brewed tea, consumers can help divert from landfill some of the estimated 200 billion plastic bottles that are thrown away each year. The company is also telling consumers they can save nearly $1.25 and 60 calories per cup.

The new ad campaign supports the Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act, which would require all beverage containers to have a five-cent deposit. The bill is designed to increase the rate at which beverage containers are recycled and help reduce the production of new plastic bottles.

One sign the campaign may resonate with tea drinkers? The beverage industry is facing growing pressure from consumer groups to reduce packaging waste, prompting industry powerhouses Coke and Pepsi to explore ways to reduce the amount of plastic in their beverage bottles. Last June, the British Soft Drinks Association outlined its long-term strategies for reducing the industry's environmental impact from packaging waste.