Discover the best plastic wrap alternatives including bowl covers, beeswax wraps, silicone food bags, reusable food storage containers & more, to help you move toward zero waste in the kitchen.
Let’s talk about plastic wrap today, shall we? If you’re like most people, you probably have a bright yellow box of plastic wrap in your kitchen drawer. It’s one of those kitchen staples that’s always there for you – and when you start to run low it immediately goes on the shopping list so you won’t ever be caught without it.
What if the next time the plastic wrap container got low, you just never replaced it? Is it possible to live without plastic wrap? You’ll be surprised how easy it is to skip the plastic wrap and other single-use plastics once you discover the many reusable alternatives to plastic wrap!
If you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap and disposable plastic bags, I’ve got you covered with reusable alternatives like beeswax wraps, bowl covers, silicone bags and more!
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Why Cling Wrap Alternatives are Important
Plastic cling wrap hasn’t always been in our kitchen drawers. It was invented in the 1940’s by a chemical company (red flag #1) and was originally made with toxic PVC plastic or polyvinyl chloride (red flag #2). Plastic wrap is now made primarily of LDPE (low-density polyethylene) which is deemed safe by the FDA but safety concerns about plastic wrap still exist (red flag #3).
Here are some good reasons to ditch the plastic wrap and ziplock bags:
Health Concerns of Plastic Wrap
Environmental Impact of Plastic Wrap
- Plastic is not biodegradable
- Plastic production creates pollution
- Single-use items create plastic waste that ends up in landfills (reusable is always better than disposable!)
Full disclosure: I am not a zero-plastic eco-hero. My kitchen drawer usually contains one of those ubiquitous yellow boxes of Saran wrap, it just doesn’t get used very often. I focus on how to reduce waste at home but I am far from perfect! Avoiding plastic wrap as much as possible is just one way I try to be a conscious consumer.
Eco-Friendly Plastic Wrap Alternatives
It’s odd how we feel like we can’t live without plastic wrap since people survived without it for ages before it was invented.
Check out this big list of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap – I bet there’s one or two plastic wrap substitutes here that will work for you! Let me know your favs in the comments!
1.) Beeswax Wraps
If you are looking for a reusable plastic wrap alternative, beeswax food wraps are a great solution! Beeswax infused cotton creates a pliable cloth that can be molded around food and over bowls. The warmth of your hands softens the beeswax and helps it “stick” but without leaving behind any unwanted residues.
Wash beeswax wraps in cold water to use over and over again. Beeswax wraps are biodegradable, so you can toss them in the compost or organics recycling at the end of their useful life. Beeswax wraps can be purchased as flat sheets or as sandwich wraps with a tie closure. Vegan options are also available. I’ve even got a tutorial for DIY to make your own beeswax wraps if you are so inclined.
Check out some of the best beeswax wraps:
2.) Reusable Bowl Covers
Bowl covers are another super easy substitute for plastic wrap. Reusable cloth bowl covers come in colorful prints with stretchy elastic edges that slide easily over bowls of all shapes and sizes. I love my reusable bowl covers from Etsy because they are made with food-safe laminated cotton that is easy to wash, but you can find fabric bowl covers made with untreated cotton if you prefer.
Reusable bowl covers are perfect for covering food in the refrigerator for short periods of time, and for taking to a potluck or picnic as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap. My husband uses bowl covers to cover bread dough while it is rising.
Check out some of the best reusable bowl covers:
RELATED: Reusable Kitchen Products to Save Money & the Planet
3.) Silicone Food Bags
Reusable silicone food bags are self-sealing, air-tight bags made from durable silicone. Silicone is a rubber-like material (different from plastic) and food grade silicone is considered safe for food storage. Silicone bags can be used in the freezer, fridge or cupboard and are a great way to store food – including both dry or wet food. They are dishwasher safe too – a major bonus!
I use silicone food bags instead of disposable plastic bags for storing everything from cheese, to fruit and veggies, to snacks and more. Since they are translucent, you can see what’s in the bag and you can use a dry-erase marker to label contents if you want. Beware of knock-off brands made of thin silicone material and that do not seal properly. Stasher Bags are high-quality silicone bags that I recommend highly!
Check out some of the best silicone food bags:
4.) Silicone Bowl Covers & Lids
Silicone food covers and lids are affordable alternatives to plastic wrap that can be used over and over again. Food-grade silicone is dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe. Silicone bowl covers and silicone tops can be stretched tightly over bowls and food items. Silicone lids come in many different sizes and create a tight seal and suction on top of bowls. They are a great alternative to plastic wrap in the microwave. I recommend buying a set of silicone covers in a variety of sizes so you can skip the plastic wrap as often as possible.
Check out some of the best silicone bowl covers:
Related: Plastic-free food shopping tips
5.) Reusable Sandwich Wraps
Instead of grabbing yet another plastic baggie, switch to a reusable sandwich wrap made from washable cotton or beeswax infused fabric. Unlike those single-use plastic bags, reusable wraps can be used over and over again. Bonus: reusable food wraps double as a placemat for school lunch or other lunches on-the-go!
Check out some of the best reusable sandwich wraps:
6.) Reusable Food Storage Containers
Pop leftovers into food storage containers with lids and there will be no need for plastic wrap. Reusable containers made from glass or stainless steel are durable, food safe and dishwasher safe. You can also use glass jars, mason jars or any other glass containers that you have on hand. Durable, reusable plastic containers with recycle code #5 are a type of safer plastic that you can use in a pinch as well. Remember, reusable lunch containers can also double as food storage containers for leftovers and are a great way to reduce food waste.
Check out some of the best reusable food storage containers:
RELATED: Why Buy Natural, Non-Toxic Products
7.) Reusable Cloth Bags
Reusable bags are great for storing food and come in all shapes and sizes – from the classic reusable snack bags to cloth produce bags to large food storage bags made from food-safe ripstop nylon.
Check out some of the best reusable cloth bags:
RELATED: How to Use Less Plastic in Your Home & Life
8.) Dishtowels & Dinner Plates
Long before the invention of plastic wrap, food was stored in dishes (a bowl with a plate on top) and wrapped in dishtowels. I keep a set of large flour-sack cloths in my kitchen for all sorts of food-related purposes.
Check out some of the best dishtowels, tea towels and cloths:
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What are your favorite alternatives to plastic wrap? Let me know in the comments!
P.S. Ready to tackle your bathroom next? Zero waste bathroom swaps!
