Go Green in the Kitchen with These Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Wrap

With an estimated eight million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean every year, reducing single-use plastic products such as straws, plastic bags, and plastic wrap is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to do your part to save the planet. Each year, Americans buy enough plastic wrap to cover the entire state of Texas, according to National Geographic. While plastic wrap is an inexpensive and simple way to keep food fresh, there are plenty of other products that get the job done and are more sustainable and longer-lasting. Reduce your use of plastic wrap with these eco-friendly swaps.

Jessica Sipe/Bee's Wrap

Related: Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Lunch Boxes and Food Prep Containers

Beeswax Wrap

The product that most closely resembles plastic wrap minus the harmful environmental impact is beeswax wrap. Bee's Wrap ($18 for three, crateandbarrel.com), one of the most popular brands, makes their durable food wraps by infusing organic cotton with beeswax, jojoba oil, and tree resin. They're stiff at first, but become more pliable as you use them.

Glass Storage Containers

With an airtight seal, durable glass material, and the ability to be used over and over again, containers like the OXO Snap 30-Piece Glass/Plastic Storage Set ($99.99, crateandbarrel.com) are an easy and eco-friendly way to keep food fresh. Instead of covering a bowl of cut fruit or leftovers with plastic wrap, just transfer the food to one of these containers and store it in the refrigerator or on your countertop. They're dishwasher and microwave safe and will last for years.

Reusable Bags

If you need to wrap a smaller amount of food, like a few cookies or some cut vegetables, place them in a reusable snack bag, such as those from Stasher ($11.95 for one sandwich bag, williams-sonoma.com), instead of pulling out that roll of plastic wrap. They're lightweight and easy to wash—plus, they transport seamlessly when you're on-the-go. We're also a fan of LunchSkins Reusable Zippered Bags ($10.97 for two, amazon.com), which come in a variety of fun designs and colors.

Silicone Food Savers

If you only used half an avocado or lemon, you probably cover the other half in plastic wrap to prevent browning. Instead, try Food Huggers ($12.95 for five, amazon.com), which act as a reusable cover for fruits and vegetables, as well as open cans and jars.