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Plastic-Free July Challenge #17: Ditch the cling wrap šŸ

Updated: Jul 22, 2020


Beeswax food wrap by Goldilocks

Beeswax food wrap by Goldilocks

Instead of single-use plastic cling wrap, keep your food fresh with beeswax food wraps instead. These wraps are reusable AND biodegradable.


The average family uses 24 ROLLS of plastic wrap per year, which all ends up in the trash - two boxes of plastic wrap, ranging from three to five dollars each, per month adds up to around nearly $90 per year. Stop throwing your money away, literally! In one year close to a jaw-dropping 300 million tonnes of plastic products are produced. And despite everyone being more conscientious these days, only 1 ā€“ 2% of plastic produced is actually recycled. Plastic does not breakdown very easily. In fact, it takes 50 ā€“ 80 years for one plastic bag to decompose and a milk jug can take up to 500 years.


Plastic is made up of chemicals, and there has long been concern surrounding the leaching of these chemicals into the natural environment, and transference of them into our food and drink. Like other non-recyclables, plastic food wrap ends up on landfill at best, and as litter on land and in the sea at worst. On landfill it will sit and possibly leach its chemicals for years, not degrading, and elsewhere it will do the same, whilst also being a risk to wildlife or fish who may get caught up in it or eat it.


Replacing cling film in the kitchen is easier than you might think. Here are some simple ideas on how to do it:

  • Use reusable containers with lids instead of covering plates and bowls with cling film to refrigerate food

  • Place sandwiches in lunchboxes instead of wrapping with cling film

  • Pour unused liquids into containers with lids instead of covering a pouring spout with cling film

  • Use ceramic or glass containers to reheat food in ovens or microwaves, and cover with a plate if required

  • Use a cake tin for storing cakes, muffins, biscuits, etc.




What if I lack space in my fridge?


The best alternative? Switch to beeswax wraps šŸ. Goldilocks provide an all natural, eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap. As reusable food wrap, you can use them to store fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and leftovers. At the end of the product life, you can just chuck them into the compost bin!






What can I do if I have an unfinished roll of cling wrap?


Try to avoid using it unless absolutely necessary. You may still need it at times, but try to preserve that roll as much as possible - you will save the environment, along with your wallet in the long run.


As counter intuitive as it may seem, cling wrap can be used in some applications to reduce waste - if you reuse the same piece for that purpose. For example, it can be effective to help give extra sealing power to containers holding leftover paint or varnish. This means you waste less paint. This is also useful for sealing small bottles of toiletries when you travel (or you can use non-liquid toiletries instead - e.g. bars or powder).


You can find many ideas on the internet on innovative uses for cling wrap, but be mindful that some of the ideas provided have more sustainable alternatives.


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Today we will run our third giveaway draw - courtesy of Goldilocks!


Based in Victoria, BC, each reusable beeswax is made individually by hand, held to the highest of quality standards!


"The key is to make small changes that can be maintained long term and to add in new habits over time." - Amy Hall, Founder


Goldilocks wraps giveaway
Goldilocks wraps giveaway

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Todayā€™s Challenge:

  • Make a small change in your life and switch to beeswax wrap! Share a picture of your beeswax wrap or purchase of the product!

  • Be sure to tag @onepieceaday1 and @goldilockswraps in your photo, and use the hashtag #OPADPlasticFreeJuly to earn 1 ENTRY!


How can I win prizes?


Step1: Follow @goldilockswraps and @onepieceaday1

Step 2: Tag a friend! (optional)

Step 3: Share a photo (to your story OR your feed) of you completing today's challenge for 1 ENTRY, tag @onepieceaday1 & @goldilockswraps and use the hashtag #OPADPlasticFreeJuly.

Step 4: Log your refusal on the OnePieceADay app!


NOTE: Your entry today will be counted towards BOTH the 24-hour giveaway today, AND into the draw for the grand zero-waste prize pack at the end of the month (that is 2x the entry!)


Each day is a new opportunity to increase your chances. Be sure to stick around for more chances to win!


Questions? Drop them below!


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Tomorrow sign the global petition to END Plastic Pollution šŸŒŽ


Plastic pollution in the water

Petitions are only the beginning of a campaign. A strong petition helps fuel a fight that requires actual leadership, strategy, organization, funding and ongoing efforts from people who care enough to enter the fray after they add their name and hit ā€œenterā€ on the computer.


They can send a signal of public opinion to a decision maker. They tell the media there is enough public attention to do a story. They build a list of people who are interested in an issue. They can spur additional action and raise money.


Join us tomorrow in taking the pledge!


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