The wraps are self-adhesive, stick to the rims of bowls and plates, and stick to themselves when folded over a food item. You just need to use the warmth of your hands to wrap it around a piece of food or over a bowl. In a few seconds, it will hold its seal.
When you are done with it, just wash it always with COLD water and mild soap. Leave it to dry, and it will be ready to be used again!
Plastic wraps are a one-time use product, but beeswax can be used multiple times. Beeswax wraps are washable and won’t hold onto the flavor or aroma of the previously wrapped food product. Some users may notice a slight honey or beeswax scent on the wraps, but the wraps won’t make the food taste different.
How long does beeswax wrap last?
A beeswax wrap will typically last through one year of regular use. When it has reached the end of its life, use it as a fire starter for a fireplace or toss it onto the compost pile.
Beeswax wraps are biodegradable and will quickly decompose. All the ingredients used in making the wraps are natural and come from the earth, so they will quickly decompose and return to the earth in your organic waste.
How do you rejuvenate beeswax wraps?
You can also refresh it to continue its use. Open the wrap and spread some beeswax pellets on top. Pop it in a low-temperature oven. After a few minutes, the new wax melt on the wrap. Wait for it to cool, and it will be like a new one again!
Pros and cons of beeswax wraps
PROS
- It’s made from natural ingredients you can feel good about
- It’s reusable for at least one year. Even more, if you refresh them with new wax.
- It’s compostable. It will not generate more waste.
- It’s the perfect alternative to plastic wrap for cheese. Did you know that air-tight containers are the worst for cheese? The ammonia emitted by cheese can quickly be reabsorbed by the cheese if it’s not allowed to escape. If you don’t keep cheese paper on hand, beeswax wrap is a fabulous reusable alternative.
CONS
- It’s not ideal for wrapping things like raw meat (because you cannot wash it with hot water).
- It’s not as pliable as plastic wrap.
- It is more expensive than plastic wrap. But if you count that you can reuse it many times and it will not pollute the environment either during its production or after its disposal, it’s worth it!
- It can stain with colors from some foods like tomato sauce and curcuma.
How does plastic wrap affect the environment?
If you are still using plastic wrap, never put it in your recycling bin. It cannot be recycled because it is a complex plastic made with chemicals that are difficult to remove during recycling. It is commonly made out of PVC. In marine environments, plastic wrap contributes to a larger plastic pollution crisis. Unlike other plastics, scientists are finding that PVC does a great job of picking up bacteria and metals. Those contaminated pieces of microplastic then harm the fish that mistake them for food and can die after they have eaten it. When it ends up in landfills or incinerators, PVC can release a highly toxic chemical called dioxin, says the World Health Organization.
To decrease our plastic waste, a reusable product is always a better choice. The reusable wraps will save you money, reduce your plastic and food waste. Give the beeswax wraps a try for yourself!