Healthy Alternatives to Plastic Wrap

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We all know that single-use plastic is one of the greatest threats to our earth and the environment. But on the other hand, we do need something to help us keep our food fresh, and plastic wrap has always been a life-saver. To save you the trouble and the moral dilemma, we have found a middle-ground for you! There are so many wonderful healthy alternatives to plastic wrap that provide you with a sustainable option to keep eatables fresh. They can also bring you closer to a zero-waste lifestyle! You will be surprised at how easy it can be to skip the plastic wrap and make more eco-friendly choices. Changing your plastic-use habits can be as easy as 1-2-3. We have 5 different substitutes for plastic wrap all ready for you to pick from! Before we start let’s dive a bit deeper into the world of single-use plastic.

Are Plastic Wraps Toxic?

Did you know that out of 6.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste, 79% of it ends up in the landfills? It is even estimated that by 2050 we may see more plastic than fish in the ocean!

Plastic has proven hazardous to our environment in so many ways and there is even research to prove it. Chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol-A are used in plastics which can affect the hormones in our body like estrogen and testosterone. This can lead to cancer, problems with our reproductive systems, and many adverse health problems.

Plastic wrap has been such a staple of our everyday life that it is hard to imagine it being dangerous. But research and studies have shown that most cling wraps are made from polyvinyl chlorides (PVC) which release a toxin that is known to cause developmental and reproductive issues. Plastic wrap is also not recyclable and takes up to 1000 years to degrade. This is why reusable alternatives are such a boon!

Health Concerns Of Plastic Wraps

Plastic wraps were originally invented by a chemical company in 1940. That itself should give us an idea about the kind of chemicals it might contain. Many cling wraps contain PVC which is toxic to our health and wellbeing. These chemicals don’t just remain on the wrap, they can even leach into our food. The chemicals are shown to transfer even more with foods like meats and cheese. If you store your plastic-wrapped food outside just know that heat can cause the chemicals to transfer faster to our eatables. 

Many cling wraps also contain a chemical called di(2-Ethylhexyl)adipateor or DEHA. In the 1990s, studies showed that DEHA could cause tumors in the liver of mice! If that isn’t enough to make you shudder just to see what it does to the environment.

Environmental Concerns of Plastic Wraps

The environmental impact of plastic wraps is huge! Due to its non-biodegradable nature, it can stay on our planet and pollute it for 1000 years. These single-use plastics pile up in our landfills while only a tiny percentage can be recycled or incinerated. Lastly, our oceans are so full of plastic waste that can destroy their natural biodiversity.

All of these are reasons why we need plastic substitutesmore than ever! To help you on your sustainable journey we have created a guide with some eco-friendly and non-toxic options. Take a look at this list of the 5 Healthiest Alternatives To Plastic Wrap.

Beeswax Food Wraps 

These amazing beeswax food wraps by Etee are here to take you on a new eco-friendly journey. They are made with healthy materials like organic cotton, beeswax, and non-toxic dyes. In one pack you will find 3 wraps: small, medium, and large size to help you protect and conserve any kind of food. It forms a breathable seal that keeps eatables fresh for longer.

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Each wrap can withstand heavy use and last for at least a year! It also makes washing easy and you can use regular soap to clean it thoroughly. To activate the wraps you can roll them into a ball for a minute. The combination of heat from your skin and motion will help them stick to surfaces a lot better. The ribbed edges of the wraps also prevent fraying. This makes it a very handy substitute for plastic wrap!

Pros

• One pack comes with 3 differently sized wraps that are reusable and bio-degradable
• Provides a protective and breathable seal
• They are made with organic cotton fabric that is infused with beeswax
• You can get almost 120-150 uses from a single sheet
• It is very easy to clean the wraps
• The color of the wraps is made with non-toxic dye

Cons

• Itmight leave a slight waxy residue on your hands when you use it.

Silicone Stretch Lids 

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Have you ever had to hunt through your house to find the perfect lid to fit a container? Well, you do not have to worry about that anymore. With the Green Kitchen silicone stretch lids, searching for perfect covers is a distant problem. There are 12 eco-friendly lids in this set each in varying sizes to fit all of your needs. They are a useful alternative to plastic wrap since you can place them in the microwave, dishwasher, and even the freezer. So take your pick and start on your environmentally-friendly journey today!

Pros

• They are made with high-quality eco-friendly silicone
• It can be used on vessels of any size and stretches quite easily
• You can place it in the dishwasher, microwave, and even the freezer
• Despite being circular you can stretch them to fit odd surfaces too

Cons

• The surface you use it on has to be completely dry or else it will slip off

Fabric Bowl Covers 

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Fabric covers work well when you are in a hurry and looking to keep your leftover food fresh. These Earth Bunny eco-friendly options come in 3 wonderful sizes. They can be used on all kinds of surfaces which can save you the worry of choosing covers, lids, or using plastic wrap. Since it is soft, stretchy, and durable it can last long without tearing. You can store your food for short periods and keep it fresh and ready for your next meal. 

Pros

• These wonderful cloths come in small, medium, and large sizes
• It is an easy and stylish substitute for plastic wraps
• You can wash it very easily
• Extremely breathable which helps with bread or items that are being fermented

Cons

• It isn’t as airtight as other eco-friendly options 

Glass Food Storage Containers 

The Finedine store has come up with these innovative plastic wrap substitutes. This set contains 24 pieces of eco-friendly material that keep your food fresh and ready to eat. The product is made with glass that can withstand heavy use. It does not react to rapidly changing temperatures which protects it from being warped or shattered. 

Last update on 2025-01-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The newly innovated hinged BPA-free locking mechanisms make storage much easier than before. You can also rest easy knowing that the product is leak-free. When you are not using them, you don’t even have to worry about storage! The containers are stackable and fit into each other for added convenience.

Pros

• This set comes with 24 pieces that can fulfill all your food storage needs
• Each of the lids and containers is of varying sizes so that you can fit any kind of eatable
• It is made with glass that can tolerate rapid temperature changes without warping or cracking
• It doesn’t get stained or cause any smells
• It is easy to store these containers since they are stackable

Cons

• The lids of these containers cannot be placed in a microwave or dishwasher

Wax Paper Sheets 

Wax paper sheets are a lifesaver when you want to wrap something up quickly or take it with you on the go. The Fit Meal Prep Store wax sheets come in a set of 1000. They are stored in an easy-to-use dispenser box. So once you take one out the next one is already ready to be used.

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No matter what the food item is these wax sheets can wrap it up. They are a useful alternative to cling wrap and super easy to use. Since they cannot be reused it is a great relief that the wax sheets are recyclable! Not only are they great for the planet, but they make packaging and storing look awesome as well! 

Pros

• There are 1000 sheets in this dispenser box to be used whenever you need
• They are pre-cut and easy to fold
• You can place them in the microwave
• The wax paper sheets are recyclable

Cons

• The wax sheets cannot be reused once wrapped.

Open Questions About Plastic Wraps and their Alternatives

What are the dangers of using plastic wraps?

The phthalates and BPA in the plastics might affect our hormones, cause health problems like infertility, obesity, breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, and even diabetes.

Is there BPA in plastic wrap?

Some plastic and cling wraps contain low levels of phthalates and BPA. This is why healthy plastic wrap substitutes are in such demand now!

What bad chemicals are in plastic?

Chemicals like PVC which is polyvinyl can be found in plastic. It can harm our health and the environment.

What are some plastics that are safe to use as food storage containers?

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), and PP (Polypropylene) are some plastics that are safer than most.

Single-use plastics aren’t great for the environment or your health. Now that you know that you can be ready to make the eco-friendly choice! Each of these substitute plastic alternatives will help you get closer to sustainable living. Let’s take you a bit closer to an eco-friendly life with this list of the best reusable sandwich bags. Keeping your sandwiches fresh and ready to eat has never been simpler! With each of these choices, you are saving the planet and yourself one step at a time. You can even detoxify your kitchen with these Non-toxic cooking utensils. You will find a lot of information here to help you decide and make the best choice. Just remember that a healthier and happier home leads to a healthier and happier you!