Like paper towels, it is easy to pull out a roll of saran wrap and wrap away. But the life of a piece of saran wrap or foil is very short—pretty much once and then into the garbage. That generates a whole lot of waste for the environment. Here are some ways to reduce the amount of garbage and save money.
1) Use plastic storage containers
Go out and invest in a good and sturdy set of storage containers with lids in all different sizes. The ones that can fit into each other are great if you have limited shelf space. Just put any leftovers or unused food in the container with the lid and store it in the fridge. It is more airtight and keeps it fresher than plastic wrap would. Make sure that the plastic is reusable (#7 plastic is made to be reused) and is microwave and dishwasher safe. This way you don’t have to worry about disfiguring them in the microwave, or eating any BPA.
2) Put lids over plates
If you don’t have containers or feel like scraping your leftovers into Tupperware, then put directly over the plate. As long as it sits nicely over the plate without any empty spaces, its good enough (unless we’re dealing with real stinky dishes). Try your pot lids, which often work well since they have a rim anyway. If you don’t have any lids around, invert another plate the same size and put it right over.
3) Buy nonstick ovenware
Instead of lining everything you put into the oven with foil, use nonstick baking sheets. Food caked on it often comes off very easily. But not all nonstick pans are made of the same quality. A coat of nonstick spray usually does the trick for those poorer quality pans.
Thanks for these helpful tips! I have to admit… I am guilty when it comes to wasting plastic wrap, foil and especially paper towels.
Keep these entries coming… love reading them during these long work hours haha.
Oh btw, you should check out my friend’s blog. She’s all about being green. I think you would find it interesting to read. And I will tell her the same too.
http://www.swyyne.com/