Make Your Own Reusable Food Wrap

I’ve been bit by the zero waste bug! One area where my family has been focusing on waste reduction is in the kitchen. We’ve made the switch to reusable produce bags, and avoid a lot of packaging by taking our own containers to the local bulk store. Still, there are times when a bit of plastic wrap would come in handy. But with a bit of beeswax and cotton fabric we’re ditching the plastic wrap habit.

By: Janet Oswald

Here’s what you need:

• Thin cotton fabric. I repurposed an old tablecloth that a little one had used for scissor practice.
• Pinking shears
• Beeswax
• Grater
• Baking sheet, and something to protect it (silicon mat, parchment paper, aluminum foil).
• Silicon pastry brush, spatula, or some other tool suitable for spreading hot wax.
• Oven

Cost: I paid about $4 for a puck of beeswax at a local health food shop, and had everything else on hand.

Time: 20 minutes

Here’s how:

1. Cut the fabric to the desired size using the pinking shears. Think of what you’re likely to be using it for. E.g. Circles to cover bowls, trace out your fave casserole dish, etc.
2. Grate the beeswax. I used about 2 tablespoons for an 8”x10” piece of cloth. The amount you need will vary depending the weight of the fabric.
3. Place the fabric on the baking sheet and sprinkle the wax evenly on top. Start with less than you think you need! You can always add more.
4. Pop the fabric into a 350°F oven and watch as the wax melts. The fabric should look wet, but not have “puddles” of wax. If there is any pooling use your brush to spread it around. If there are any dry patches, sprinkle on a bit more wax and pop the fabric back in the oven.
5. When the fabric is evenly coated let it cool for a few minutes and it is ready for use.
6. Store rolled up, and wash gently in cold water when needed. Use soap sparingly. If you get cracking, pop it in the oven to redistribute the wax.