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Food Storage

Simple plastic free solutions for storing and packing food are often readily available at home or in the workplace such as reusable containers and toppers as plastic wrap alternatives.

What you can do

Consider reusing containers or covers for storing and packing food as plastic wrap alternatives.

How can you do it

There are many plastic wrap alternatives for covering food. Storing and packing food in the containers already on hand is a great start. Another popular solution is the tried and tested upside down plate on a bowl. Many people find reusable silicone bowl toppers to cover food in bowls, pots and pans a useful option too.

Glass of stainless steel containers such as bento boxes and tiffins are handy reusable alternatives for storing salads, soups and curries. Wax wraps or reusing mushroom and bread bags or baking paper work well for sandwiches. Washable natural fibre bags or clean glass jars for storing and packing food are other low-fuss ways people avoid plastic wrap

When shopping, avoiding pre-packaged food is a satisfying and economical way to shop. Local markets frequently offer unpackaged fruit and vegetables as well as products packaged in returnable, refillable packaging. At the supermarket, many people find that choosing loose produce can be more affordable. Try comparing, for example, the per kilo cost of a head of lettuce to pre-packaged salad leaves. 

Taking the next steps

Feeling crafty? Making wax wraps is a fun activity for children, friends and coworkers. For those who are time-poor, sourcing reusable wraps and covers from small local businesses helps support your local community and minimise pollution from travel.

Consider encouraging your favourite food businesses to avoid cling wrap and single-use plastics by discussing plastic wrap alternatives and directing them to the Plastic Free July website for solutions and ideas.

People find that getting family members involved in the plastic-free learning journey is fun and rewarding. 

Before buying something new, it’s a good idea to check reviews and facts to see how sustainable other options are.

The impact

  • Reducing plastic waste and the use of our natural resources in creating it.
  • Preventing the chance of lightweight cling wrap or plastic bags ending up in our natural environment, where it will stay forever.
  • Protecting our wildlife who may mistake plastic for food.

More ideas

What others do

Glass of lemonade, bunch of straws and a plastic juice bottle

To find plastic free ideas, take the Plastic Free July challenge

Reusable carry bag, keep cups and bamboo cutlery
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