Cling film, or Saran wrap, has been around for a while. Since 1933 in fact! A certain Ralph Wiley, a lab worker, discovered a film that had developed inside one particular test tube that would not wipe off. Though it wasn’t yet recognisable as the cling film we know of today. The first use case was to protect fighter planes and it resembled a much darker and greasy substance!
Over 80 years later and, after a bit of a facelift, Saran wrap is one of the most popular kitchen products that’s used globally around the world. It is estimated that more than 1.2 billion metres of single-use cling film is used by British households every year - enough to go around the circumference of the earth 30 times over!
Photo of first ever commercial cling film product to market from Australian Food Timeline
As you might already have guessed, cling film is hard to be recycled so ends up in landfills and our oceans poisoning the marine life when mistaken for food.
Silicone Stretch Lids
Silicone lids are designed to stretch tightly over bowls, cans and jars. They are great for storing leftovers of differing shapes and sizes. In the market? Shop Silicone Lids.
Beeswax Wraps
If you’re looking for reusable cling film then beeswax wraps are another great alternative. It’s a pliable cloth that can be folded and moulded over anything you want to cover. Though it has limitations in its vegan credentials due to the fact it’s produced using bees.
Silicone Zip Bags
Easy to use, silicone zip bags can be used for storing everything from fruits and vegetables to snacks and more. They are tear-resistant and waterproof which makes them perfect for storing both dry and wet food too. Plus, they are dishwasher safe! I put in months of research into our own zip bags to make sure they matched up to the highest standards. So you can feel safe in your purchase.
Old Containers
Don’t throw it away! Before you toss out any old containers, consider repurposing them for food storage. Storage containers made from glass or stainless steel are durable and food safe.
Reusable Cloth Bags
Have you ever thought of all that cling film used to wrap veggies and fruits in supermarkets? Reusable cloth bags are perfect for picking your own loose fresh fruit and veg and avoiding polluting more of the environment. They come in all shapes and sizes and are made from a breathable fabric which will keep your food fresh. In the market? Shop Cotton Bag.
With so many alternatives available, it’s far easier to make that switch and reduce your environmental impact. Do you have any other cling film alternatives in mind? Drop them in the comments below!