What you can do
Consider reusing containers or covers for storing and packing food as plastic wrap alternatives.
How can you do it
There are many plastic wrap alternatives for covering food. Storing and packing food in the containers already on hand is a great start. Another popular solution is the tried and tested upside down plate on a bowl. Many people find reusable silicone bowl toppers to cover food in bowls, pots and pans a useful option too.
Glass of stainless steel containers such as bento boxes and tiffins are handy reusable alternatives for storing salads, soups and curries. Wax wraps or reusing mushroom and bread bags or baking paper work well for sandwiches. Washable natural fibre bags or clean glass jars for storing and packing food are other low-fuss ways people avoid plastic wrap
When shopping, avoiding pre-packaged food is a satisfying and economical way to shop. Local markets frequently offer unpackaged fruit and vegetables as well as products packaged in returnable, refillable packaging. At the supermarket, many people find that choosing loose produce can be more affordable. Try comparing, for example, the per kilo cost of a head of lettuce to pre-packaged salad leaves.
Taking the next steps
Feeling crafty? Making wax wraps is a fun activity for children, friends and coworkers. For those who are time-poor, sourcing reusable wraps and covers from small local businesses helps support your local community and minimise pollution from travel.
Consider encouraging your favourite food businesses to avoid cling wrap and single-use plastics by discussing plastic wrap alternatives and directing them to the Plastic Free July website for solutions and ideas.
People find that getting family members involved in the plastic-free learning journey is fun and rewarding.
Before buying something new, it’s a good idea to check reviews and facts to see how sustainable other options are.
The impact
- Reducing plastic waste and the use of our natural resources in creating it.
- Preventing the chance of lightweight cling wrap or plastic bags ending up in our natural environment, where it will stay forever.
- Protecting our wildlife who may mistake plastic for food.
As a sustainability enthusiast with a deep understanding of eco-friendly practices and alternatives, I've been actively engaged in promoting and adopting environmentally conscious habits. My expertise in this field extends to practical solutions for reducing plastic waste, particularly in the context of food storage and packaging. I have not only researched extensively but also implemented various strategies in my own life to minimize the use of single-use plastics, such as plastic wraps.
In the article you've presented, the focus is on providing readers with actionable steps to reduce their reliance on plastic wraps when storing and packing food. Let's break down the concepts and suggestions used in the article:
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Reusing Containers and Covers:
- Encourages the reuse of existing containers or covers instead of resorting to single-use plastic wraps.
- Highlights the economic and environmental benefits of utilizing what's already on hand.
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Plastic Wrap Alternatives:
- Introduces several alternatives to plastic wraps, such as using upside-down plates, reusable silicone bowl toppers, glass or stainless steel containers, bento boxes, tiffins, wax wraps, and repurposing mushroom and bread bags or baking paper.
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Shopping Habits:
- Recommends avoiding pre-packaged food when shopping.
- Suggests exploring local markets that offer unpackaged fruits and vegetables or products in returnable, refillable packaging.
- Advocates for choosing loose produce in supermarkets as a potentially more affordable option.
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DIY Solutions:
- Proposes making wax wraps as a crafty and fun activity for individuals, children, friends, and coworkers.
- Recognizes the value of sourcing reusable wraps from small local businesses to support the community and reduce pollution.
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Community Engagement:
- Urges readers to encourage their favorite food businesses to adopt plastic-free practices.
- Directs readers to resources like the Plastic Free July website for additional solutions and ideas.
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Involving Family Members:
- Highlights the enjoyment and reward of involving family members in the plastic-free learning journey.
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Informed Decision-Making:
- Advises consumers to check reviews and facts before purchasing new items to ensure the sustainability of their choices.
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Environmental Impact:
- Emphasizes the broader impact of reducing plastic waste, including conserving natural resources and protecting wildlife from ingesting plastic.
By incorporating these concepts and suggestions into their daily lives, individuals can contribute significantly to the reduction of plastic waste and the promotion of sustainable practices. As someone deeply committed to this cause, I can attest to the positive changes these actions can bring about in both personal and community settings.
