Zero Waste Alternative: Plastic Wrap
Day 2 of Plastic Free July and I want to give you tangible solutions to your daily battles with single-use plastics.
Today, we talk plastic wrap and some really amazing alternatives. We use plastic wrap for all sorts of things; leftovers, leftovers... and mainly leftovers. I seriously cannot think of any other ways we use plastic wrap... Oh, I made a fruit fly trap with plastic wrap one time. Seriously comment below if you think of any other uses for plastic wrap.
What's it made of?
Plastic wrap is made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Other products such as plastic shopping bags are made of the same material.
What can you use instead?
Glass Jars
Glass jars are an amazing alternative because they can be used time and time again. Another reason glass jars are a great alternative is because you can buy them second hand!! Wahoo!
A Dish Cloth
Seriously. Sometimes we overthink our storage systems... Most produce doesn't want to be deprived of oxygen and will do perfectly fine when wrapped up in a dish cloth.
Parchment or Soy Derived Wax Paper
A wax paper or soy alternative still produces waste so I do not recommend this one highly, but because the ingredients to make parchment or soy wax paper are so simple it is much easier to break down than plastic wrap.
Beeswax Reusable Wraps
This has been my go to choice. Beeswax wrap was created by an avid gardener and cook Sarah Kaeck as a reusable, sustainable alternative to plastic wrap. Thank you Sarah! These wraps can be washed and used again! Want some? I dare you not to order it online. Next time you are out shopping for groceries, check out the storage aisle and see if they have any. Or better yet? Make your own!
DIY Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax
A heat-proof container to melt the beeswax
Fabric cut to any size, like 8″ X 8″ or 12″ X 12″, in the thinnest, tightest weave material you can find (tightly woven muslin is ideal)
Tongs or chopsticks
Place enough beeswax in your heat-proof container so that, once melted, there will be about a half-inch of melted wax in the pan. Place the container over very low heat on the stovetop and allow it to slowly melt. Once it has all melted, carefully place a piece of fabric inside of the wax, making sure that it’s thoroughly coated. Then, lift it out and let the liquid wax drip off until the wax has cooled, typically just a minute or two. Once the wax has hardened, set it aside to cool completely, then re-dip the edges or any spots that were missed, if necessary.
To use it, cover or wrap your item, using the warmth of your hands to slightly soften the beeswax, and then press and seal the wrap into place. You can re-use it by washing with cold water (hot will melt the wax) and a small amount of dish soap. Let it dry completely before using.
PSA PSA PSA
If you are purchasing any of these items online (which I strongly encourage you not to do) please please please include a note in the shipping instructions "please use as little packaging as possible and no plastic packaging if possible. I assume responsibility for any damages my item may receive as a result of my preferred packaging"
Maybe less wordy and holier than thou... people don't like that.