Ditch Plastic Wrap and Baggies with these Lightweight, Packable, Reusable Alternatives

Switching out disposable plastic for glass jars and metal containers is a great step towards creating less waste, but it’s hard to beat the lightness and packability of plastic bags and wrap, especially when it comes to adventuring. Thankfully, companies are creating genius products that are safer, smarter, and more economic than disposable, petroleum based plastic. Here’s a roundup of our favorites, just in time for the holidays.

Endlessly Reusable, Sealable Silicone Bags

Photo courtesy of stasher.com

There are a variety of silicone food storage options on the market, with varying qualities of silicone and functionality.  These babies from Stasher are 100% platinum silicone and can be sealed, dishwashed, microwaved, frozen, PUT IN THE OVEN OR BOILED, shoved into backpacks, folded up when empty, and used over and over and over again. Pack chili for the trail and drop the whole thing in boiling water for a hot meal with just one lightweight container and zero waste. Silicone is made from silica (sand) and oxygen, which means they’re also non-toxic and won’t release phthalates into your food. Ergonomics are dope.

Beeswax Wraps

Photo courtesy of mindyourbeeswraps.com

Yet another use for the magical properties of beeswax. Use instead of foil or plastic wrap to cover up dishes of leftovers or instead of zip-loc bags to bring snacks and sandwiches of all kinds on your adventures. These last for about a year, are naturally anti-bacterial, and can be composted or cut into strips to use as firestarters (what!) or ties when they start to wear out. Bee’s Wrap, based in Vermont, and Mind Your Own Bee’s Wraps, based in Ontario, both use high standards of materials and craftmanship. There are also tons of Etsy vendors and DIY instructional videos out there if you have your own hives or wax supply. Symbiosis is dope.

Vegan Waxed-Cotton Wraps

A vegan solution to beeswax wraps, using candelilla or soy wax. Less pliable but good for people who are opposed to any use of animal products or anyone allergic to honey or pollen. I’ve seen these from Etsy vendors and even from Trader Joe’s. Vegans are dope.