It’s no surprise at this point that plastic is bad for humans and for the environment – and this includes plastic wrap, otherwise known as cling film. With so many plastic wrap alternatives on the market today, it’s simple to swap out the conventional type for something more eco-friendly.
Why choose a plastic wrap alternative?
Plastic wrap is a single use plastic which contributes to the global microplastic problem. Consider this: every minute, enough plastic to fill a truck enters the ocean. Then, that same plastic kills wildlife. It eventually breaks down into microplastic, which humans ingest – up to 74,000 particles each year. You can read more insane plastic facts here.
On top of that, cling film is hard to recycle, as only certain recycling plants will accept it. More concerningly, using plastics to contain or cover your food as you microwave them is damaging to your health. Heat can cause the chemicals in plastic to leak into your food. Cancer and fertility issues have been linked to these chemicals.
Plastic Wrap Alternatives
Plastic wrap alternatives range from totally free – things that you already have lying around – to products you can buy. To start, let’s talk about the free options:
Cover food with plates – When you’re in a pinch, covering a bowl or plate with a larger plate works just fine. You’ll want to make sure that the plate is bigger than the opening of your container and can lay flat across it for minimal air exposure. This can be a bit precarious, so be sure to give anyone you live with a heads up so nothing gets knocked over in the fridge.
Use food containers – Put leftovers in meal prep containers. I love these glass containers that come with a bamboo top, rather than a plastic lid. Of course, any food storage containers you already have will work as well!
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Use Jars – Try putting leftovers or meal prep into mason jars, like these. Alternatively, you can get resourceful and use jars you’ve gotten from your groceries. For example, the next time you finish a jar of pasta sauce, clean that jar out and save it to be used as food storage.
Silicone lids – These stretchy silicone lids come in a 12 pack, so they’re bound to fit any size container you’ve got. Plus, they’re BPA free and are safe to go in the dishwasher, freezer, and microwave!
Cotton bowl covers – These covers are circular and have an elastic rim to keep them fitted onto your dishes. The downside is that these only work with bowls. However, they are microwave safe!
Bee’s Wax Wraps – This list wouldn’t be complete without bee’s wax wraps. If you’ve never used it before, this wrap works very similarly to cling film, but it’s reusable and biodegradable. You can fold it to create a packet for loose snacks or mould it to fit any container. When you’re done, use cold water to wash so as not to melt the wax.
Un-Plastic wrap – Made from starchy plants and an oil-based binding, this plastic wrap alternative works just like cling film. You can put it in the fridge or freezer but avoid the microwave and oven.
Stasher bags – These sandwich bag alternatives get an honourable mention. These silicone lids can be reused over and over. Plus, they come in various sizes so they fit whatever you’ve got!
I hope you feel armed with the information you need to make the switch to a plastic wrap alternative. Leave me a message below and let me know what you’ll try first!
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