Ditch the Plastic! 10 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastic Wrap That Actually Work
- Valinda
- Mar 24, 2023
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 1
It's no secret that plastic is wreaking havoc on our environment, but do you know just how bad it is? We produce a staggering 300 million tons of plastic waste each year, with half of it being single-use. That's not all - since the 1950s, we've produced 8.3 billion tons of plastic, and 60% of it has ended up in landfills or the environment. The worst part? It takes hundreds of years for many common plastic items to decompose. But fear not, there's still hope. By implementing small changes, we can make a big difference for the health of our planet.
One easy switch you can make is ditching plastic wrap for a more eco-friendly alternative. Sure, plastic wrap is convenient, but it is also very harmful to our planet. Making the switch to a green alternative requires minimal effort and can save you money in the long run, since most of the alternatives listed below are reusable. Plus, they're easy to use and only require a quick wipe or laundering. Once you've made the switch, it'll become second nature to reach for the reusable option instead of the single-use plastic. So go ahead, make a change, and feel good knowing you're doing your part to create a more sustainable future for our planet.
What is wrong with plastic food wraps
Health
Did you know that the plastic wrap you use to preserve your food may be doing more harm than good? Chemicals found in plastic wrap can seep into your food, especially if it's high in fat like meat and cheese. Even worse, the transfer of these chemicals increases with heat - meaning you should never use plastic wrap in the microwave. It's concerning to think that something as simple as wrapping up your leftovers could have health implications. But the good news is that there are alternative, safer options out there. So why not make the switch to an eco-friendly, non-toxic food wrap that will keep both you and the planet healthy?
Environment
It's no secret that plastic wrap is taking a toll on our environment. For starters, plastic is not biodegradable - meaning every piece of plastic wrap you've ever used is still out there somewhere, sitting in a landfill or polluting the environment. And let's not forget about the pollution created during plastic production. But perhaps the most alarming aspect of plastic wrap is how much we use - and throw away - every day. Single-use items like plastic wrap add up quickly in landfills, where they'll sit for centuries before eventually decomposing. We need to take action to reduce our reliance on plastic wrap and other disposable products. By making the switch to reusable options, we can make a positive impact on the health of our planet and future generations.
10 Eco Alternatives to Plastic Food Wraps
There are several eco-friendly alternatives to plastic cling film that you can use to wrap and store food. Here are some amazing eco-friendly options.
Beeswax wraps
Did you know that in ancient times, beeswax was used by the Egyptians to preserve food? Fast forward to the 1900s and this inspired the use of beeswax-infused cloths for food storage. Now, a century later, Khala Cloths is revolutionizing these historic wraps with their plant-based Vegan Reusable Food Wraps. The best part? They're vegan! Made with a moldable cotton-hemp fabric infused with consciously-sourced soy wax, jojoba and coconut oil, and tree resin, these wraps are the perfect way to keep your food fresh for days. And when they have done their job, simply toss them in the compost pile because they're 100% compostable!
Bowl covers
Looking for a sustainable alternative to beeswax wraps? Look no further than reusable bowl covers! Made from PUL fabric, these mixer covers are the perfect replacement for cling film. Not only are they vegan and washable, but they'll also help you reduce your carbon footprint in the kitchen. Plus, they make an amazing gift for your zero waste mom or eco-conscious friends who care about the planet. So why not ditch the single-use plastic and embrace the eco-friendly lifestyle with a reusable bowl cover?
Silicone food covers
We all hate the feeling of opening up a can of something, only to realize we won't use it all at once. But fear not, because this with their silicone can cover will help you out. This little gadget is made from 100% BPA-free silicone and fits perfectly on top of most cans, keeping your food fresher for longer. It works by sealing in moisture and locking out any unwanted smells, so you can say goodbye to the icky smell of stale canned goods. Plus, when you're done, cleaning is a breeze - it won't retain any flavors from previous uses. Perfect for dog food and all kinds of canned goods, this cover is a must-have for anyone looking to reduce food waste and keep their pantry items fresher for longer.
Silicon bags
Introducing the Stasher Bag - the versatile, endlessly reusable, and plastic-free solution to storing your favorite snacks and household items. Made of 100% pure platinum silicone, these bags are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and free from harmful chemicals like BPA and BPS. By using Stasher Bags, you'll be keeping thousands of single-use baggies out of our landfills and oceans. Plus, they feature a pinch-loc seal that keeps your food fresh and prevents leaks, making them perfect for storing anything from a healthy-sized sandwich to loose items in your kitchen drawer. You can even use them to keep your personal care items organized while traveling. With Stasher Bags, you'll never have to worry about wasteful single-use plastics again. So why not make the switch to a more sustainable, eco-friendly option that's better for you and the planet?
Reusable bags
Attention ladies on the go! Say goodbye to single-use plastic bags and hello to this reusable lunch bag. With the capacity to fit up to 6 sandwiches, this bag is perfect for those long road trips or busy workdays. Plus, it's beeswax-free and a breeze to wash, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional sandwich bags. But wait, there's more! This versatile bag is also waterproof, making it an ideal solution for carrying snacks for the kiddos or toiletries like makeup. And for all the cloth diapering moms out there, this bag is the perfect size for storing cloth pads and wipes when traveling. Say hello to your new favorite travel companion!
Reusable containers
Say goodbye to plastic and hello to the ocean-friendly solution with this reusable snack box. This nifty little stainless steel container is perfect for packing snacks on the go, and it's leak-proof, non-breakable, and dishwasher-safe. The easy-grip silicone lid makes it a breeze for little hands to open. With its seaweed-inspired design, this container is not only functional, but it also reminds us of the beauty of the ocean we're trying to protect. Say goodbye to the hassle and waste of single-use plastics, and opt for a reusable container to effortlessly make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying your snacks on the go.
Aluminum foil
While aluminum foil may not be the most environmentally friendly option out there, it's still a better choice than plastic since it's recyclable. To reduce your impact even further, seek out recycled aluminum foil.
Glass Containers
Are you looking for a safe and versatile food storage option? Look no further than glass containers! Not only are they non-toxic, but they're also incredibly easy to clean and can be used in the microwave or oven. That's right - no more worrying about harmful chemicals leaching into your food or transferring from plastic meals. With glass containers, you can store, heat up, and serve your food with peace of mind. Plus, they're durable and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. The best part? You likely already have plenty of them waiting to be used.
Dish towels & Dinner plates
Let's take a step back in time before the days of plastic wrap. Back then, food was stored in a simple yet effective way - dishes with plates on top, and wrapped in dishtowels. It's a practice that has withstood the test of time, and for good reason. Not only is it an eco-friendly way to store food, but it also adds a charming rustic touch to your kitchen. So why not bring this traditional practice back to life by keeping a set of large cloths on hand for all your food-related needs? Whether you're storing leftovers or wrapping up a homemade loaf of bread, these versatile cloths will get the job done in style.
Paper
Do you cringe at the thought of using plastic cling film to wrap up your food? Well, good news - there's a simple, eco-friendly solution: paper! Opt for unbleached or recycled paper and wrap your food tightly to keep it fresh. This is a much safer and more sustainable option compared to plastic. Plus, you can even get creative and decorate the paper with stamps or drawings for a fun, personalized touch. So next time you're reaching for the plastic cling film, think twice and try out the paper method instead. Your food and the planet will thank you!
In conclusion, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap are becoming more widely available, and using them is essential to strive for a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s time to replace conventional plastic wrap with one of the many sustainable options that exist today and help sustain the planet we call home for future generations. With sustainable alternatives ranging from recycled beeswax and silicone to cloths and films made from plant-based materials, anybody can find the most suitable choice for their needs. Let's work together to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
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