Honest Tea Unveils Charitable Vending Machine, Tea Garden In MoCo

BETHESDA, MD — Honest Tea, the Bethesda-based beverage brand owned by Coca-Cola, wants to show people that their choices — no matter how seemingly small — can have a big impact.

That message is the central focus of the organic tea company's newest brand campaign titled "small decision. BIG impact."

Through the initiative, Honest Tea has installed a charitable and immersive vending machine outside its headquarters at Bethesda Row. Customers can buy a drink from the machine, learn about fair trade standards, and choose to donate to a number of causes.

"We're witnessing the rise of the citizen consumer," Honest Tea co-founder Seth Goldman said. "People today want to express the power they have to vote with their wallets by supporting brands they respect and trust, and that share their values. They also want to feel like they're making a difference, but don't always believe the many everyday choices they make actually count. This campaign reminds them that every time they choose to drink an Honest beverage, they're choosing to make an impact."

Honest Tea says all proceeds will be reinvested back to its partners at the Organic Farming Research Foundation and Fair Trade USA.

The vending machine will be outside Honest Tea's headquarters, located at 4827 Bethesda Ave., until the end of August.

People can also quench their thirst at the company's Mobile Tea Garden — a pop-up stand on Bethesda Lane that offers complimentary tea tastings. Some of the flavors being offered include peach, honey green tea, and ginger.

Behind the stand is a silver trailer packed with information about Honest Tea, its process of growing organic tea leaves, and how Fair Trade premiums benefit communities in need.