Plastic wrap is pervasive in our society. Simply by asking, I found out that my neighborhood dry cleaner goes through around 50 (400 ft) rolls of saran wrap each week. That’s an insane amount of plastic going to landfill from just one location!
Until 2008, plastic wrap was made using PVC (yikes!). But due to growing concern on behalf of the consumer, plastic wrap in the U.S. is now made from polyethylene.
However, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) polyethylene has higher oxygen permeability, so it doesn’t preserve food as long as it used to. So why are we still using it when we have safer, more effective, REUSABLE options?
Tin foil is also pretty pervasive — but at least that’s relatively recyclable (albeit, a finite resource). But this is plastic-free July so I’ll try not to go on tangents.
Luckily, plastic wrap (or saran wrap) is one of the easiest zero waste swap outs. Why? Because some gem invented bees wax wrap.
Beeswax wrap works on virtually anything you’d wrap plastic wrap in. Even better, you can make it at home!
Here are two wax wrap tutorials:
Of course, if you’re vegan, here’s an alternative:
And if you’re not feeling crafty… or perhaps obtaining the materials to make your own would produce more waste than buying pre-made beeswax wrap, here are some brands I have used and recommend**
Bee’s Wrap – Assorted Set of 3 
Bee’s Wrap – Assorted Set of 3 – Certified B Corporation – No Synthetic Wax or Chemicals – Holds for Up to a Year – Sustainable and Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps with Jojoba Oil – 3 Sizes (S, M, L)
KYNDLY Beeswax Food Wrap
KYNDLY Beeswax Food Wrap, 4 Pack Eco-Friendly Reusable Wrappers. 100% Organic Cotton, Non Toxic, All Natural Food Grade Storage. Sustainable, Compostable and Biodegradable. 2xS 1xM 1xL (VINTAGE)
(VEGAN) Vonuva Reusable Food Wrap
Vonuva Reusable Food Wrap – Handmade in the USA – Plant-Powered, Plastic Free Food Storage – Vegan, Eco Friendly and Zero Waste – Cruelty Free Alternative to Beeswax Wrap – Assorted 4 Pack
Zero Waste California 