Ok folks, quick story: I work with a woman who constantly tells me that people need to do more for the environment, but simultaneously refuses to change her own habits. She has literally told me, “It’s up to people of your generation to raise their children to live more sustainably.” Every day she brings to work orange slices wrapped in Saran Wrap. Now, it is huge that a) she is mostly vegetarian, and b) she brings her own food, but still, there are so many basic zero-waste food storage solutions that could help her easily reduce her environmental impact!

The point of my story is that there are many simple ways for each of us to make sustainable swaps in our everyday habits. So, for our October 2×12 Reduction Challenge, we are highlighting two basic zero-waste food storage solutions that are direct replacements for plastic. Because of these two solutions we haven’t used plastic wrap or a new plastic baggy in almost a year!

Stasher Bags

First up: Stasher bags. These are reusable and sealable silicone sandwich baggies. They are great for bringing lunch foods to work. I use them for peanutbutter sandwiches, trail mix, and . . . cough cough . . . fruit slices. You can freeze them and put moderately liquidy things in them without worrying about leakage. I wash them out with (bar) soap and warm water after each use, leave them open to dry overnight, and then reuse!

Prior to purchasing a set of these, I had been reusing plastic Ziploc baggies (leftover from a less enlightened time in our lives). Reusing plastic baggies totally works – at least for a while. After a fair number of uses the bags do tend to tear, especially near the Ziploc seam, and I do have a nebulous concern about cheap plastic like that breaking down and leeching chemicals into my food. Thus, the swap to Stasher Bags.

Beeswax Wraps

Our second basic zero-waste food storage solution for this month is Beeswax Wraps. These are essentially reusable Saran Wraps. Instead of plastic, these wraps are a woven material, usually cotton fabric, impregnated with beeswax. The beeswax serves two functions. First, it makes the wraps moldable. Expert zero-waters will mold the wraps into shape, and then hold them momentarily, allowing the warmth of their hands to soften the beeswax and help it stick to itself or a container. Second, the beeswax makes the wraps waterproof and allows them to hold liquid, much like normal plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

These wraps are definitely becoming mainstream. You can find them in all sorts of places with fun colors and patterns. Some brands have much more tack than others, so if your first experience with them isn’t as delightful as you’d like, try another brand! Our favorite so far is Bee’s Wrap (certified B-corp!). Bonus points for finding a brand that is made from recycled fabric! Or, double bonus points, recycle an old t-shirt and make your own!

Good, Better, Best,

Mike