3 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastic Wrap

lekue suction lid

Learn about three satisfying alternatives to plastic wrap and, if you're ready, take a pledge to free yourself from clingy wrap!

Many people are looking to reduce the use of plastic in the kitchen, especially disposable/single-use plastic products. Switching out plastic tupperware-style to glass and stainless steel containers is a bit more straightforward, but swapping out plastic wrap? It's true, this one seems tricky; replacing the oh-so-easy cling wrap (this is made with LPDE plastic, a low density polyethylene) with a viable alternative that is both safe and sustainable seems like a stretch (pun intended). Luckily, we've found some safe, reusable and easy to clean solutions that keep your food covered and fresh.

1. Bee's Wrap

Made from organic cotton muslin, beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin - the combination of ingredients and the infused fabric create a malleable food wrap that can be used again and again. The simple warmth of your hands (+ a little forming) naturally creates a seal and as the beeswax cools, the material stiffens and holds the seal intact.

Bee's Wrap is recommended for cheese, vegetables, baked goods, bread, etc. (but not recommended for meats).

It's simple and easy to care for bee's wrap. Wash the wrap in cool water with a mild dish soap and allow to air dry before folding into squares and storing in a drawer (like you would with your kitchen towels) or if you prefer, roll and store vertically in a container of choice. One thing that you want to keep in mind is to avoid subjecting to heat! 

Another natural perk: beeswax and jojoba oil have antibacterial qualities that help to keep food fresh and keep the wrap functional again and again. Choose what size best fits your needs: either one large bread sheet (17"x23") or set of 3 (small (7"x8"), medium (10"x11") and large (13"x14") wraps).

2. Silicone stretch-top lids 

Made from platinum silicone by Lekue, the stretch top creates a vacuum seal to preserve food and prolong freshness. Great for storing a half a piece of fruit, or covering a mason jar, open can of pet food, or any bowl that needs a cover. It's amazing how many times you'll find the need to cover something quickly with this versatile stretch top. And the silicone doesn't retain flavors or odors so the next piece of food in line isn't a combination of the last. The silicone top also maintains its stretch and can withstand temperatures to safely go from freezer to microwave.

3. Silicone suction lids:

Available in 4 practical sizes, the clear silicone lid is ideal for covering bowls kept in the fridge or left out on the counter and useful in keeping bugs at bay while dining outdoors. The suction is really impressive -- you can actually carry the bowl by the lid's handle (although you probabaly shouldn't just in case) because the suction is so strong. It's also the perfect cover for heating bowls in the microwave as a splatter screen and to cover pots after cooking to retain heat.