That's right - when the current roll is gone, bye bye to the plastic wrap. But then I get to thinking...what am I going to cover my food with when I microwave?
I've been using recycled aluminum foil now for a few weeks, and yes, it is thinner than the regular stuff. I recycle it after I am done with it, and I do try to wash it and reuse it, but, being thinner, it often doesn't hold up. It fails pretty badly when you unwrap something (like a loaf of bread), and then re-wrap it. Once or twice of this and the foil is tearing and soon you have mouldy bread.
I made some sturdy drawstring bags last night to take to the bulk food store, and to use as produce bags (as opposed to those thin plastic bags often provided in the produce section.) When I get my bulk items home, I can put them into plastic containers (which I already own), and wash/reuse the bags.
But seriously, the foil isn't what I'm used to, and what am I going to use in the microwave? Honestly, the microwave is the only place I use plastic wrap. One website suggests wax paper. Ok. That could work. I suppose parchment paper would also work.
Man, I'm doing a lot of whining today. Here is an excellent article regarding alternatives to conventional food wraps. It appears that cellophane is the only smart alternative.
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Maybe you'd like to look into purchasing a microwave splatter cover. Many of them are made of plastic, unfortunately, but my family has been using ours for over twelve years.
I've heard some people have found recycled foil that isn't as thin but the brand easily available to me is, I've gotten use to it. I gave up plastic wrap too, I don't use my microwave all that much but have always used wax paper or another plate as a cover. The wax paper I bought says it is ubleached, will not contaminate ground water, landfill safe, and non-toxic when incinerated. I didn't know wax paper had that many issues. It is Natural Value brand.
what about a paper towel? or, cut up an old cotton t-shirt (that way you can re-use it and save trees!)
I'm glad to hear you won't be using plastic wrap in the microwave anymore since it isn't meant for that purpose and leaches icky stuff into your food (very scientific description I know). I don't cover my food and just occasionally wipe out the microwave. It is an easy surface to clean. If you really need a cover you could use a plate or something reusable and that you would be washing anyway.
I just use a plate. Works fine.
I just use a dish towel when I reheat foods in the microwave. When I remember. Otherwise, I use nothing and just clean the microwave more often.
For fridge storage, this is a perfect excuse to start using beautiful vintage pyrex refrigerator dishes!
I have a very fine nylon net that I bought at the dollar store years ago that I use in the microwave, I can just wash it with the dishes. If you can find something like mosquito netting, very fine netting, it will work.
I use wax paper to cover my food. I heard that plastic film is absolutely the wrong thing to use as it drips dioxins(I might have my chemicals wrong) into your food.
For the fridge, I use jars and glass containers. I am using very little plastic anymore for food. My challenge for yesterday was to stop buying any plastic that cannot be recycled. I know why we call them challenges - we have to challenge ourselves to find a new way of doing something. It's always possible to find the alternative and then we can't figure out why we didn't do it sooner.
For the microwave, you've already gotten all of my suggestions.
I use an inverted plate on top of a bowl in the microwave. And we just storage containers for pretty much everything else.
Make stop using your microwave one of your challenges.
Done!
I don't have one and I don't miss it at all.
Q - I go back and forth on the microwave issue. Given the energy savings compared to an oven, particularly if you are cooking for only one or two, the microwave is going to use, hands-down, far less energy.
And, for the most part that's going to be more environmentally friendly, unless you have solar panels or some such thing generating your electricity.
LOL Penguin I have been enjoying your day by day experiences. Try using wax paper, or I have found that covering something with a plate works too. And there is parchment paper - on the roll- a bit pricey but works!
I got rid of my microwave about 2 years ago and I use a toaster oven. Cooks much nicer and it's electric so it uses very little power.
For liquids I use a small saucepan, heats as fast as a micro.
Otherwise, a small plate would work to cover stuff. Never use plastic for any reheating in a microwave.
You're doing a great job on your blog, Penguin. I commend you for taking on such an undertaking, and for being so transparent. You're much bolder than I!
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