Clingfilm is an environmental headache. Not only is it one of the few soft plastics that is still impossible to recycle at kerbside or supermarket bag bins, but making it pollutes the environment, and the ‘nurdles’ end up in our oceans, where they are eaten by marine creatures, as they look like fish food.
This set of reusable silicone lids fit different-sized bowls and cans and jars, or even use to snugly seal over half-cut fruits like melons and onions, to keep them fresh.
Also known as ‘plastic wrap’, clingfilm is still used extensively in the catering industry to wrap open jugs of juice and milk, and half-eaten food. It’s used once, then thrown away. And since PVC was replaced with another type of plastic, it doesn’t even stick that well.
As clingfilm is so lightweight, it easily blows away outside and then breaks into microplastics, which last for hundreds of years. Many are also concerns over the health risks of plastics leaching into food, especially if microwaving food wrapped in clingfilm.
Mason Jars and Containers
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Use a plate to cover food. Or choose glass jars or other reusable containers. Mason jars have airtight lids, so are good to preserve fresh food and are also easy to clean.
Silicone Food Covers
These are the easiest swap, as silicone (made from sand and oil but food-grade and easy to recycle) looks and acts the same as plastic, and is also dishwasher-safe and lasts for years). Silicone can create airtight seals, so is a great alternative to plastic wrap.
This set of reusable silicone lids is idea to replace plastic wrap on empty jars and cans. Silicone does use fossil fuels (with sand) but it’s food-safe, lasts years, easy to recycle and doesn’t break down into millions of microplastics. A one-time purchase, they can cover different-sized bowls and cans and jars, or even use to snugly seal over half-cut fruits like melons and onions, to keep them fresh.
Incredibly versatile, silicone moulds to the shape and size you need, to avoid mess and spills, but without the disposable plastic clingfilm. One set should fit all items. Freezer-and-microwave safe, they are also dishwasher-safe on the top shelf. Sold in plastic-free packaging with a 1-year guarantee. A tree is planted for each order.
This set of silicone food wrap covers is sold in a set of 3 different sizes, these stretch over bowls and plates, use the bumpy side face down, then gently and evenly pull it over the food you wish to protect. Make sure the cover is dry, to seal properly. Silicone is also heat-resistant so you can also these dishwasher-safe covers as baking papers.
This reusable silicone freezer bag can be used also to store sandwiches. One bag lasts years and has an airtight and leakproof seal, to ensure food stays fresh, and the pouch can also stand up, so won’t leak liquid fillings.
You can multi-purpose this bag to reduce bread waste (just freeze your loaf and pop extra slices in the bag, then take out a slice to toast. Dishwasher-safe (remove the slider if you put in microwave). Remove odours or stains by soaking in a little baking soda and white vinegar.
If you prefer disposable, you can buy compostable freezer bags (only industrial composting so just bin, don’t put them in your compost bin: they won’t break down).
Cotton and Linen Bowl Covers
Helen Round Reusable Bowl Covers (also in blue stripe design) are made to fit different-sized bowls and offer a stylish and practical way to keep food covered, without clingfilm or aluminium foil. Made by local artisans in linen (flax), these are machine-washable to use again and again. Use them in the fridge where (unlike plastic wrap) they still let your food breathe. These can just be wiped clean. Or launder with a microplastic catcher (due to the elasticated hem).
Cloth Food Wraps
New vegan food wraps are free from beeswax, and tend to use pine wax to keep food fresh. These are good to wrap bread and cheese and sandwiches, so ideal for food that you take to work or on a picnic. You can use them again and again. Pine wax is flammable, so keep away from ignitions or naked flames.
FreshPaper (impregnated with organic spices)
Freshglow is an amazing US invention, inspired by the founder’s Indian grandmother, who would use organic spices to keep food fresh. These papers (for fruits, vegetables, bread & cheese) are impregnated with special blends of spices, and can keep food fresher for longer. The food wraps are not vegan, as they contain beeswax.
Eco Ideas for Small Sandwich Shops
If You Care makes greaseproof sandwich bags (also good for nuts, crisps and baguettes) and unbleached unwaxed paper (free from chlorine in cardboard packs – the latter is pre-cut and also be used to warm up pizza).
Cafes, restaurants and hotels may wish to invest in Agreena, a reusable silicone alternative to clingfilm (that also replaces foil) to wash and use again. Sold on a roll, silicone does contain fossil fuels (mixed with sand) but lasts for years and at end of life, is easily recycle. It also withstands high temperatures, and stretches over glass bowls to keep prepped foods in the fridge.
