Welcome to Less Waste Wednesdays, where I give you the run down of the latest changes our family has made on our journey to becoming ‘zero waste’ (or at least as close to as possible). Today I’m going to talk about Beeswax Wraps, because, well, they’re awesome.
I went cold turkey from “Clingwrap” about three months ago. You know, it’s that plastic wrap you use to keep your food fresh, by tearing some off and wrapping your leftovers in it.
I love to buy in bulk and the last time I purchased plastic film to use to cover veggies in our fridge crisper, or over the top of last night leftovers, I bought the ‘CATERING’ size. Which basically is about 500 metres of plastic film (that might be a slight exaggeration, but regardless, there was a freaking lot of it on the roll).
So, when that roll, finally rolled off of the inner cardboard tubing, I decided it was time to let go of using plastic to cover items in our fridge and see what other alternatives there were that I could use.
Enter – Bees Wax Wraps
I’m converted, and I’m a FAN.
Bees Wax Wraps are pretty much exactly what the title suggests, they are a ‘wrap’ you use to wrap food you want to keep fresh. They are made from a natural fabric, generally cotton, that has been dipped in beeswax to make them more air tight, but still pliable. The ones we use in our kitchen came from another mum friend of mine, who makes these as her side hustle. Check out her Etsy page, her goods are literally ‘the goods’ 😊
Below is a bit more detail as to what “Bees Wax Wraps” are:
Beeswax Wraps
• Are an alternative to plastic wraps, are re-usable, natural, last 6-12 months when looked after properly and can be used in the same way as you would plastic.
• The heat from your hands melts the wax enough to mould it and stick it together or to another surface. It quickly hardens afterward and maintains that shape.
• You cannot microwave them, they are not dishwasher safe and they cannot be used on raw meat.
• They are naturally anti-bacterial due to the beeswax, coconut oil and pine gum resin.
• To clean, hand wash with cold water and gentle soap. Hang to dry.
• Wraps can easily be refreshed by placing them on baking paper and putting them in direct sunlight for half an hour up to 1 hour.
• When they have come to the end of their life they can be composted or retouched with wax.
What other alternatives are you finding to use in your kitchen to cut down plastic waste? I’d love to hear about it, mention it in the comments below, or drop me a line on my Facebook or Instagram @TambellaArts
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