Beware of beeswax wraps

You may have seen and heard a lot about beeswax food wrap being a safe and eco-friendly alternative to cling film. While it is certainly a plastic-free option, unfortunately it is not so good for the environment due to being made from a bee-derived product, which only serves to harm bee populations (and therefore, the environment) in the long haul.

For more information about beeswax and other bee-derived products, I recommend this article on honey by Your Daily Vegan. It is one of the most comprehensive articles ever written on why honey is not a vegan food, as well as why all beekeeping and bee products are harmful to the environment. I really recommend that you give it a read and, if you haven’t already, omit any and all bee products from your lifestyle.

6. Silicone reusable food bags

Another way we might use single-use plastic in the kitchen is through resealable food bags. These bags are really useful for storing and freezing leftover food, veggies, stocks, sauces and herbs, but their lack of robustness means they can’t be re-used very often and they also can’t be recycled. Like carrier bags, they are another form of plastic bag that sits in landfill for years on end.

If you like using these bags, consider purchasing silicone reusable bags*. Not only do they provide the same benefits (such as resealable tops and airtight freshness), they can be used again and again, helping to lower your waste and save you money.

Bear in mind that even these silicone food bags cannot be recycled and so will end up in landfill eventually. So if you can store your food another way, that’s great; if a bag is necessary, these ones will still help to reduce plastic waste.

7. Sustainable food storage

I think all of us probably have (or have had) a cupboard that’s been taken over by Tupperware.

At one time, Tupperware boxes were THE ultimate way to store, preserve and transport food. However, what we’ve now realised is that those little plastic boxes…well, they may not actually be the safest and they certainly ain’t the easiest things to get rid of when you’re done with them.

Make the change

Obviously I’m not suggesting that you go and throw out all of your current Tupperwares or other plastic food storage. But it might help to know of some other safer, more sustainable options so that we can all make better choices the next time we come to buy food containers.

Also, while it’s fun to buy new things, remember that you may already have something that fits the bill, such as a re-usable jar or container from a store-bought food item. Always look at what you already have first.

Glass jars – Glass jars are a neat way to store gravies, sauces, soups or even take lunches with you on the go. Though you can absolutely purchase glass jars designed for the purpose*, look out for empty jars from foods you bought that can be washed out and reused.

– Glass jars are a neat way to store gravies, sauces, soups or even take lunches with you on the go. Though you can absolutely purchase glass jars designed for the purpose*, look out for empty jars from foods you bought that can be washed out and reused. Glass containers – Glass food containers help to keep food fresh, whether in the fridge or on the move, and are also reckoned to be the safest of all materials. Check out this set of Vonchef glass food containers* which are airtight, waterproof, dishwasher-safe and BPA-free.

– Glass food containers help to keep food fresh, whether in the fridge or on the move, and are also reckoned to be the safest of all materials. Check out this set of Vonchef glass food containers* which are airtight, waterproof, dishwasher-safe and BPA-free. Stainless steel containers – Stainless steel comes in a close second to glass regarding food safety. Check out this two-tier tiffin box* for curries and stews, or these gorgeous metal bento boxes by A Slice Of Green.

8. Silicone baking mats