The Problem with Plastic
Let’s discuss the issue with plastic before exploring the benefits of using beeswax wrappers. Plastic is undeniably convenient and embedded in our daily lives. It keeps our foods dry, fresh, and clean, and it’s a staple in most kitchens worldwide. Unfortunately, half of the 300 million tons of plastic produced each year is used only once.
Single-use plastic is prevalent in packaging, storage bags, straws, shopping bags, and many other items. Most of this plastic ends up in our oceans, and plastic that makes its way to landfills can take anywhere from 500 to 1,000 years to decompose. Additionally, chemicals like BPA, found in 93 percent of people over age six and in food and beverage can linings, are a significant health concern.
What can we do to reduce plastic waste? Some might suggest recycling, but most recycling facilities can only process PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) or HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). Much of the plastic used in food packaging doesn’t fit into these categories.
The most effective way to reduce plastic use is to stop using it altogether. One sustainable alternative is creating your own reusable beeswax food wraps to replace plastic cling wrap.
DIY Beeswax Food Wraps
In my book, Do-It-Yourself Garden Projects and Crafts, I present several DIY projects for an eco-friendly home. I’m happy to share one of my favorites, beeswax wrappers, with you today.
This is a straightforward and customizable project. If you can source beeswax locally from a beekeeper, even better, but it’s also available online. For this project, I used Pure Beeswax White Pellets.
Supplies:
– 100% cotton fabric
– Beeswax pellets
– Pinking shears
– Aluminum cookie sheet
– Empty tin can
– Small saucepan
– Paintbrush (an inexpensive one that won’t be reused for other projects)
Step 1:
Cut the cotton fabric to your desired size and trim the edges with pinking shears to prevent fraying.
Step 2:
Place the beeswax pellets in the tin can, starting with about a cup. Put the can in a saucepan with approximately three inches of water up its side. Heat the water until the beeswax melts.
Step 3:
Use the paintbrush to apply a generous layer of wax onto the fabric. The wax will begin to harden as it cools—this is normal. Only coat one side. Place the next piece of fabric on top of the first and repeat until all the fabric pieces are covered in wax.
Step 4:
Once the fabric pieces are coated, place them in a 225 F oven until the wax melts evenly and soaks through the fabrics. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and use tongs to lift the sheet. Wave the fabric in the air to cool it enough to touch, then hang it to set.
Step 5:
Once the beeswax wraps have cooled, they’re ready to use. They may feel very tacky initially but will mellow out quickly. The final product should have a good grip without being super sticky. After each use, rinse them under warm water and wash with mild soap. Hang the wraps to dry before the next use.
Get More DIYs Like This
For more nature-inspired home and garden DIYs, check out my book: Do-It-Yourself Garden Projects and Crafts available on Amazon.
