Did you know you can make tea with the power of the sun? Maybe it doesn’t take a whole lot of energy to boil water to brew tea, but even a tiny savings multiplied by a lot of people can make a huge difference. This fundraiser is fun, easy, and can get the community involved!

The first step is to find a source for inexpensive gallon glass jars. If you can get a local store or even a major distributor to donate ones with a spigot, you will really be able to maximize your profits! Also try for a donation of plenty of family size teabags, or the round teabags designed for use in iced tea makers.

A few packets of fruit flavored powdered drink mix such as raspberry and lemonade mixed with sugar can provide flavoring packets. Put a flavoring packet, half a dozen tea bags and an instruction card in each jar, and tie a cheerful ribbon around it. If the jars are undecorated, this can be a great time for the kids to break out non-toxic, waterproof paint and put cheerful summer designs on each one.

The instructions for making ‘sun tea’ are simple - fill the jar with tap or filtered water to two inches from the top (a fill-line can be put on the jar during decorating), place one round or two family size teabags in the jar, and let set in direct sunlight until tea is desired strength. Add flavoring and serve over ice!

This project can be run in conjunction with any other type of fundraiser - you can serve sun tea at a bake sale, potluck or auction and entice people to buy the kit, or you can print up your own brochure and work the neighborhood like a traditional fundraiser. The jars should sell for at least $12-$18, and sometimes you can sell two for a slight price break - they make great gifts!

Sun tea uses the renewable power of the sun to make a tasty beverage anyone can enjoy, and the flavoring possibilities are endless - so use your imagination and make this green fundraiser one of your most popular!