A great alternative to plastic wrap is beeswax wraps. You can use your beeswax wraps over most food items, as an alternative to plastic wrap, with the exception of raw meat.

What you’ll need

  • Pieces of 100% cotton fabric with a reasonably tight weave – (avoid red fabric as it leaches colour into the wax)
  • Honey beeswax – this can be bought from local beekeepers or a good craft store.

Step 1: Cut fabric into desired sizes for your ‘wrap’ needs.

Here’s a guide:

  • small wraps for fruit and snacks: 19x20cm
  • medium wraps for sandwiches or to cover bowls: (28x29cm)
  • large wraps to cover plates: (34x33cm)

Step 2: Get your beeswax ready

  • Use the knife to cut off workable pieces of beeswax.
  • Grate your beeswax to make one cup (about 100grams).
  • Place grated wax in your old saucepan and heat gradually over a low heat, to melt the wax.

Do not overheat the wax.

When melted, turn off the heat source. The wax is now ready to use. If it starts to solidify while you’re applying, reheat it gently again.

Read more: 15 of the best lunch boxes and drink bottles

Step 3: Apply the beeswax

Place your pieces of fabric on a protected surface like your linoleum off-cut or metal tray. With your paintbrush, lightly paint wax from the saucepan onto the fabric. Leave about 1cm from the edge as, when ironed, the wax will spread. Too much makes a mess and wastes wax.

Step 4: Ironing time

Infuse your cloth with the beeswax by running a hot iron over the fabric to melt and spread the wax. Do one side, then turn the fabric piece over and iron again – making sure there’s an even coating of wax.

Step 5: Cool and crunch

Pick up the corners of your ironed fabric and lightly flap to cool.
Once cool, lightly scrunch.

Step 6: Ready to wrap

Your wrap is now ready to try out.
Get your bowl and fit your wrap over the top of it.
Use warm hands to gently press your wrap to the bowl.
It should cling snuggly.

To clean your wraps, gently wipe them with a damp clean cloth. Air dry and store in a kitchen drawer.

Don’t use the wraps in microwaves. With proper care and depending on the amount of use, the wraps can last up to two years. When you’re finished with them, put them in your compost of Green Bin.

How to Care for Your Beeswax Wraps

Avoid any heat such as hot water, microwaves, or ovens that will cause the beeswax can melt, ruining your wraps.

No plastic, no waste.