What Can I Use Instead of Plastic Wrap? 5 Environmentally Friendly Plastic Alternatives
- Lauren Rice
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Written by the Plastic Detox Team
Plastic wrap is a staple in most kitchens but its convenience comes at a cost to our environment and our health. Thankfully, there are several plastic alternatives available that offer a safer and more sustainable option for food storage. Here are what we found to be the 5 most environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic wrap.
5 Alternatives for Plastic Wrap
1. Beeswax Wrap
Beeswax wraps are considered one of the most eco-friendly alternatives to plastic wrap. These wraps are extremely versatile, they can be used to cover food directly or used to cover bowls, plates and other containers to keep food fresh.
What makes these a great plastic-free option for food storage you may ask. They are washable, reusable, biodegradable, compostable, and made from natural material.
They also come in a variety of sizes to fit your specific needs. The small size is great for a halved fruit or veggie, the medium size is great for cheese or as a lid to a small to medium size container, and the large is great for bigger containers. The biggest plus: zero plastic pollution. The biggest downside, they can leave a residue after use, but this will come off with soap and water.
2. Fabric Food Covers
Fabric covers offer a sustainable and versatile alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. Fabric covers come in premade sizes that are easy to use on most containers as they are made with a stretching bottom. Fabric covers are washable and can be used repeatedly. The downside is that do no create an air tight seal because they are made of breathable fabric.
3. Plates
Yep, it’s really as it sounds. For half used fruits or veggies just place it cut side down on a plate. For leftovers simply take an additional plate and place it upside down over the other plate. Don’t knock it until you try it.
We love this option because it’s free, no purchase necessary. Repurposing things you already have will always be the most environmentally friendly alternative. Downside: it's not an airtight solution which can create an opportunity for airborne bacteria to come in contact with your food.
4. Stainless Steel Storage Containers
Stainless steel storage is a great option for meal prep, food storage, and leftovers. Most well known for being tough and dishwasher safe. These are great for use in the fridge, freezer, pantry, and can even be used for cooking in the oven (but not in the microwave). Not sure about it not being see-through? No problem, you can quickly label these directly on the container with a dry-erase marker. The biggest plus: lightweight and easy to clean. The downside: it’s not made for storing liquids.
We love this stainless steel option which comes with a large and small container that can be used separately or together. It is made with top quality food-grade stainless steel, and will never give off a metallic taste or absorb food odor.
Get them here:
Large Box: 7 x 5.2 x 2.5
Small Box: 4.75 x 2.5 x 1.5
5. Glass Jars
Glass jars offer a cost-effective option for food storage, as chances are you already have some lying around in your fridge or pantry waiting to be repurposed. They're not only affordable but also endlessly recyclable and versatile beyond just storing leftovers. The best part? No need to buy anything new, and you can keep repurposing them for various uses.
What is the healthiest food storage option?
Glass and stainless steel containers are among the healthiest food storage options because they are non-toxic, BPA-free and do no leach chemicals into food. They are long lasting, easy to clean, and environmentally friendly.
What’s the problem with plastic wrap?
Plastic wrap is a single-use plastic product that is made synthetically (meaning man-made through chemical processes). This is a problem for our environment because any man-made materials, like plastic wrap, are not biodegradable. Being non-biodegradable is what makes plastic products, like plastic wrap, so harmful to our environment.
Additional reading: Reduce Plastic Waste One Alternative at a Time
Is plastic wrap recyclable?
Technically, plastic wrap can be recycled at special drop-off locations along with similar plastics, like plastic bags, but it is not accepted in most curbside bins. The recycling rate for plastic film products like cling wrap is less than 7%.
Additional reading: Recycling plastic
Making the switch from plastic wrap to more sustainable options doesn't have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be simple and affordable. From beeswax wraps to repurposed jars, every small change you make can help reduce waste (and plastic pollution).
Ready to take the next step? Check out our selection of sustainable kitchen and food storage products designed to make ditching plastic easier than ever.
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