Plastic: that’s a wrap!
Posted by Evan Leeson on Wednesday, August 4th, 2010Tags for this Article: environment, kitchen, plastic wrap, sustainability
If you are like me you are increasingly conscious of the unsustainable and polluting use of plastic wrap in the cooking process. I use it for both mise en place and left-overs, and for other food prep techniques as well such as forming, tenderizing, marinating, etc. This past Sunday I was wandering around the Government Street Market in Victoria with my daughter and came across a stall with an ingenious product intended to replace much of the plastic wrap now used in the kitchen.
The stall was staffed by the inventor of the product, Toni Desrosiers. She gave me a thorough demonstration of how the product works. Abeego is made from a hemp/cotton fabric coated with beeswax and plant extracts. It has a very nice feel and a light scent of honey. The fabric forms easily into various shapes and clings to the tops of dishes due to the slight stickiness of the coating. It is to be washed in cold soapy water and re-used. Toni claims the product will last up to a year if treated properly.
I have yet to purchase any, but I intend to. It is a bit of an investment and represents a change in habits for sure. However, I think of it as going back to the way things should be and leaving behind the false convenience of a product that shouldn’t be used in any case.
Anyone else have tips on how to reduce the use of plastic in the kitchen? Any other products to share?
Posted on August 4th, 2010
Toni says:
Thank you so much for the wonderful review. I am so excited that Abeego is getting out in the world! The Abeego Flats are my favorite for in the kitchen food storage. They are the perfect companion for all the fresh, living food you enjoy and are especially great for cheese. It makes an excellent gift for fellow foodists!
Toni Desrosiers
Founder
Abeego Designs
Posted on August 18th, 2010
Shirley says:
Thanks for sharing!!
Posted on September 7th, 2010
Taina Uitto says:
Hi there,
I have loads of tips on my blog since I don’t use the p-word at all. In terms of the beeswax wrap, I am making my own this week. Check out the simple instructions here, or Google others too. http://www.pebpond.com/waxwrapping.html
They would make such good gifts- and oh the pretty fabrics you could use!!
Taina
Posted on September 27th, 2010
Andrew says:
The use of jars and/or (preferably glass) tupperware-type containers can limit your use of plastic wrap. I’ve had the same roll of plastic wrap for over 2 years – seems ok to me to use it in that kind of moderation.
Posted on October 8th, 2010
Christi says:
I love Abeego – finally something convenient and re-usable that is not plastic! I agree with using glass jars, etc but the abeego wraps take up much less room in the fridge and in storage.