If you're an eco-minded individual, then you probably despise plastic wrap as much as I do. The use it once and toss it out idea makes me cringe just thinking about it. And don't even get me started on phthalates. Coming up with a better solution to wrap a chicken curry sandwich for lunch or half a cut lemon, I discovered the beauty of beeswax paper. Ditching the single-use plastic and going the reusable alternative route, beeswax paper is a simple solution for the home cook.
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If you're new to the beeswax paper concept, you're probably wondering why you should make the transition? Since humans began mass producing plastic in the 1950s, we have created over 9.1 billion tons of the stuff. Of that monstrous quantity, National Geographic reported that 79 percent winds up in the landfill. While that's not all plastic wrap, a 2017 statistic showed that 6.1 billion Americans used 10 or more rolls within a six month period. Considering it takes 400 years for plastic to breakdown, we wind up with a whole lot of useless plastic on our hands.
Beeswax paper is one solution to eliminating the need for plastic. It can wrap up your food, keep it fresh, and it's simple to make at home. Grab some parchment paper, an organic cotton sheet, a cheese grader, and of course beeswax, and let's get started on this quick DIY project.
Placing a square of parchment paper down first, lay the cotton sheet on top. Next, cover it in graded beeswax and drops of jojoba oil. Lay another sheet of parchment paper down, then smooth it over with an iron. This will melt the wax and adhere it to the cotton sheet. That's it! You're ready to wrap. When you're done using, simply wash it in soap and cold water, air dry, then store until you need it again.
If you don't have time to make your own reusable food wrap, because face it we're all busy, then you can purchase beeswax paper from companies like Bee's Wrap or Abeego. In fact, our writer and baking specialist food blogger of Chef and Dog Cara Geerstema swears by Abeego. This natural alternative food storage paper is made from beeswax, tree resin, organic jojoba oil, hemp, and organic cotton. Using the warmth of you hand, press the beeswax paper around your food or bowl and store the food accordingly.
Whether you make your own or purchase beeswax wrap paper, this plastic-free solution can help you cut down your use on Saran wrap, plastic bags with zip-tops, and plastic sandwich wrap. And that right there is one more step that gears your kitchen towards zero waste.
