In recent years, as a society we have really started to appreciate just how much damage we are doing to the world that we live in.
As human beings, we live for convenience, and this has led to most Western countries living consumerist lifestyles.
Consumerism has had a huge negative impact on the world that we live in, and a lot of people have realized that it really is time to make a change.
There are lots of ways that people have made changes to improve the health of the environment, from introducing carpools to reducing the amount of plastic that we use in day to day life, there are lots of ways that we can help.
Another way that people have made small changes to help the environment is by switching sandwich bags and plastic wrap for eco-friendly alternatives.
One of the most popular eco-friendly alternatives for plastic wrap is Beeswax wrap. This alternative can be used multiple times, making it much better for the environment than regular plastic wrap.
But, a lot of people find using Beeswax wrap rather difficult, and this is mainly because it is so different from classic plastic wrap.
In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at what Beeswax wraps are, how they work, and how to use them. So keep on reading to find out more.
What is a Beeswax Wrap?
First things first, let’s quickly establish exactly what a Beeswax wrap is. Like we have said, a beeswax wrap is something that was designed as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap.
Food wrap is very widely used in day to day life. From covering leftovers to putting them in the fridge, to wrapping sandwiches to take to work, plastic wrap is one of the most commonly used kitchen items. But it is actually pretty bad for the environment.
Plastic wrap is, as its name suggests, made using plastic, and as we all know, plastic is not good for the environment.
When you add the additional factor that plastic wrap can only be used once, you can quickly understand why eco-friendly alternatives had to be designed.
The most successful alternative being the beeswax wrap.
Beeswax wraps are created using coated fabric. The fabric is usually cotton, and it is infused with a number of different materials.
These materials include coconut oil, jojoba oil, rosin, and food-grade beeswax. The coating on the fabric makes it tacky and moldable, allowing you to wrap it around food items or containers.
It is essentially the same as plastic wrap, but it has one key difference, and that is that beeswax wrap is reusable.
While a roll of plastic wrap will allow you one use out of every piece of wrap that you cut off of it, beeswax wrap will actually last for up to a year.
This is assuming that you care for it properly and use it regularly. But what a lot of people struggle with is how to use beeswax wrap, so let’s take a look at how to do this.
How to Use Beeswax Wrap?
Using beeswax wrap can often be very intimidating. Especially when it is your first time using it. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how to use beeswax wrap with this quick step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Using your Beeswax Wrap for the First Time
When you open your beeswax wrap for the first time, take it out of the packet and scrunch it up. Repeat this a couple of times to ensure that it is malleable, and then you are good to go.
To begin with, we would recommend using the beeswax wrap to wrap fruit or sandwiches, as this will ensure it continues to be made more malleable as you use it.
To wrap your fruit/sandwiches, the process is simple. Once your beeswax wrap has been scrunched up a couple of times it will become manageable, and you will be able to use it just like regular plastic wrap.
Alternatively, if you want to cover a container or bowl, you will need to warm up the beeswax wrap. Do this by rubbing your hands over the material for a few seconds.
Once you have done this, you should then cover the bowl/container with the beeswax wrap, and then use your hands and fingers to adhere the wrap to the container/bowl.
Step 2: Use your Beeswax Wrap Regularly
In order for your beeswax wrap to work in the way that it is supposed to, it will need to be used regularly. If possible, every single day. Some of the best ways to use your beeswax wrap every day is to use it to wrap up fruit or vegetables.
These are things that you might snack on every single day, so you are more likely to use the beeswax wrap if you use it with this purpose. Alternatively, if you always use a packed lunch for work, you could simply use your beeswax wrap to cover this container.
Step 3: Wash your Beeswax Wrap
After every use, your beeswax wrap will need to be washed. This is what a lot of people find to be quite intimidating, but it is actually very easy.
To wash your beeswax wrap, you should always use cold water (a temperature of -20 degrees or fewer) and an eco-friendly soap or dishwashing liquid. Never use hot water as this will damage your beeswax wrap, and shorten its life. Once washed, simply wipe the beeswax wrap dry.
Step 4: Keep on Using It
Like we said earlier, beeswax wrap has a lifetime of around 1 year or 100+ uses. You might find that the adhering quality of your beeswax will wear over time, but this is an easy fix. Simply refer back to step 1 to get your beeswax wrap working like new once more.
Summary
In short, a lot of people find the idea of using beeswax wrap to be quite intimidating, but as you can see there is no need to worry. Once you get started, using beeswax wrap is actually really easy, and it is a lot better for the environment than regular plastic wrap.
