Plastic Wrap

We love plastic wrap!  Besides the very real struggle of getting it to tear off the roll and not instantly crumple in on itself, plastic wrap is ridiculously useful. It’s cheap, portable, disposable, nearly impenetrable by both oxygen and water, and keeps leftovers fresh longer.

But, there's no way around it. Plastic wrap is murder on the environment and plastic food containers are murder on your health.

Plastic wrap is chock full of chemicals and toxins that are endocrine disruptors that have been banned from children’s toys.  These toxins also latch onto fatty foods and foods that are microwaved with it.

Not to mention that it is nearly impossible to recycle.  Never, never put plastic wrap in your recycling bin.

Plastic food containers, while not necessarily single-use, are simply not made to be used more than a few times, especially once they stain and smell, and they are really harmful to your health.   Labeling something as microwave safe, only means it is not expected to melt in the microwave. Freezer safe only implies that the plastic is not expected to break when frozen.

If you change only one habit this month, it should be this one.  Stop using plastic wrap and stop storing your food in plastic containers.

Alternatives…

1. A plate

The humble plate can sit atop a bowl of salad, veggies, fruit or greens.

2. Plastic lids

Unfortunately, we’re back to the plastic but you already have it, so use it up. Yogurt lids, baking-powder caps and the like fit snugly on top of glasses, cups and smaller bowls.

3. Beeswax Wrap

A natural, sustainable alternative to plastic wrap that clings to itself with the warmth of your hands.

4. Bowl covers

Washable and beautiful.  My favorite.

5. Jars

You don't even need to buy any.  Pickle jars, sauce jars, jelly jars.  They may not be pretty, but they work great.

6. Glass and stainless steel containers

Glass and stainless steel isolate smelly stuff and are more healthful against your food than plastic.