Embrace Sustainability with These 5 Fantastic Cling Wrap Alternatives
Embrace Sustainability with These 5 Fantastic Cling Wrap Alternatives
Let’s be honest - plastic wrap isn’t all that great. Sure, it keeps your food fresher for longer, but it’s also a struggle to tear off evenly and always gets stuck to itself, leaving you wrestling with plastic in the name of storing your leftovers.
When I first met my husband he would wrap everything in foil, it was I was going on a treasure hunt every time I was looking in the fridge. ( We changed that bad habit pretty quickly)
Plastic is also pretty unkind to the environment. The average piece of plastic can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to break down, which means while it’s here, it contributes massively to waste pollution. Every year, 350 million metric tons of plastic waste ends up in overflowing landfills or sadly, in our oceans, unable to decompose. This takes massive toll on the environment, polluting our air, water, and soil, and threatening wildlife and ecosystems.
Now, while we totally get how hard it might be to live a plastic-free lifestyle, there are still some smaller changes you can make day-to-day that will actually make a huge positive impact on our planet! And, yep, you guessed it - reducing your use of plastic wrap is a great place to start.
Luckily, switching to a reusable plastic wrap alternative is very on-trend right now. There are a bunch of substitutes for plastic wrap available that will not only save you hassle but also help save the planet.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in to our top 5 favourite eco-friendly plastic wrap alternative.
Beeswax Covers:
Let's start with a natural wonder - beeswax covers! Beeswax food covers are fun, reusable wraps are made from organic cotton infused with, yep, beeswax. They're perfect for sealing dishes, bowls, and even half-eaten fruit or veggies.
Beeswax covers feature a breathable yet protective seal, which helps keep your food fresh for longer. They're also naturally antimicrobial, which means they help protect your food from developing any nasty bacterias you wouldn’t want to ingest. Plus, cleaning them is a breeze - just rinse with cool water and mild soap, and they're ready to go!
Beeswax food covers are a great reusable plastic wrap alternative as they work in the same way as cling wrap. If you can wrap it in plastic, you can wrap it in beeswax covers.
Reusable Containers
When it comes to food storage, reusable containers are a tried-and-tested plastic wrap alternative. They're not only versatile but also endlessly reusable, making them a great choice if you’re looking for something you won’t have to replace very often.
Reusable containers come in a seemingly endless variety of sizes and shapes, meaning you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your leftovers or meal prep. They’re also a great alternative to plastic wrap for freezing things like cake or cookies.
Reusable containers are super easy to use. Just pop on the lid, and your food will stay nice and fresh. We also love opening up the fridge to see all that organised, satisfying stacking - but maybe that’s just us!
Covering Food with a Plate
Sometimes, the easiest solutions are the most effective. Say hello to the plate-on-plate trick!
When you need to cover a plate or a bowl, grab another plate that's slightly larger and use it as a lid. It's simple, it's quick, and it's already in your kitchen!
This method is perfect cling wrap alternative for leftovers or when you're marinating ingredients. It's a no-fuss option that saves you money and eliminates the need for single-use plastic wrap.
Reusable Sandwich Bags
For those who love packed lunches or are always on the go, reusable sandwich bags are your eco-friendly answer to cling wrap alternatives.
Made from washable materials like silicone or fabric, these bags are durable and come in a variety of cool designs. They're ideal for storing sandwiches, fruits, veggies, or even small snacks.
Once you’ve used them, simply chuck them in the dishwasher or rinse them out by hand.
Bid farewell to wrapping sandwiches in plastic wrap and say hello to convenience and caring for the planet!
Not Covering Things At All
Sometimes, the best alternative to plastic wrap is... well, no wrap at all! Before reaching for any covering, ask yourself, "Does this really need to be covered?"
Often, certain foods, like whole fruits or vegetables, are perfectly fine without a wrapper. By skipping the unnecessary coverings, you’ll be reducing plastic waste and saving money.
To ‘Wrap’ Up…
Well, there you have it - five fabulous alternatives to plastic wrap that will transform your kitchen into an eco-friendly haven.
Take your pick of beeswax covers, reusable containers, plate-on-plate magic, or reusable sandwich bags, and make your kitchen a more sustainable and convenient place.
A cleaver trick the FGI family loves, place a sticker or (Oz harvest use me up tape) to remember whats under that plate or hidden in the Tupperware this way it will end up on the plate (or in your belly) not the bin!
