alternatives to cling film

[OstrichRunning]

I'm trying to be greener and that has to mean no cling film - as far as I understand it, that stuff isn't recyclable and just sits around in landfill forever... so, can anyone share experiences of the beeswax (& other) alternatives around now? I use it mostly for wrapping kids' sandwiches and covering bowls of leftovers in fridge. Any recommendations?

Thanks lovely, wise, green mumsnetters.

I use silicone stretchy lids and tupperware for leftovers and lunchboxes for the kids.

I just use tupperware, old takeaway tubs or put a plate over a bowl.

Have bought two different brands of beeswax covers - I rate both of them. I particularly notice that sandwiches wrapped in them seem to be fresher, and less dry. We have a super large one we wrap bread in. Not had them very long so I can't comment on longevity, but so far am a fan.

tupperware type tubs. or pyrex containers with lid.
another plate if I need to cover leftovers for the next day.

I use Tupperware boxes for sandwhiches —and leftovers and plates on bowls in the fridge.

Really appreciate this thread....
I am hoping to make my current roll of clingfilm my last.
My dilemma is wrapping stuff to freeze. Any ideas on how to freeze slices of cake etc, or any other small portions, individually without them hopelessly sticking together?

You can wrap slices of cake in greaseproof paper to separate then put them in a tub.

Yes, for cake I just separate each slice with a bit of greaseproof paper and stack them in a box.

I can't actually remember the last time I bought clingfilm - it might have been before DS1 was born and he is 20! I use clip lock boxes, microwave splatter guards, Pyrex lidded bowls... there are lots of alternatives that have been around for years once you start thinking of things that are not a "wrap" type thing.

I save bread bags to use as freezer bags, small items can be separated by pieces of greaseproof paper. In the fridge I use lidded plastic boxes as you can still see the contents, I found that although you can wrap say an open pack of cheese in a beeswax wrap you can't see what's in there and it becomes invisible, with someone opening a new pack instead. However I use beeswax wraps regularly for my packed lunches, for sandwiches, slices of bread for toasting, individual cakes etc, mine are about a year old now and coming to the end of their lives. Use tupperware for salads, leftovers etc for lunches. I have used virtually no sandwich bags, foil or clingfilm this year.

I use beeswax wraps. We have these

They are fab for: on top of bowls jugs etc, wrapping parmesan and keeping it soft for grating, wrapping food wraps.

DD does not rate the ones we have for sandwiches as she found they stuck to the sandwich. @WobblyLondoner can i ask what brand you use?

Anyone tried them in the freezer?

We have some washable plastic covers to cover bowls etc in the fridge. MIL gave them to us and we call them shower caps (because they look like that)....but not sure what the actual name for them is. I'm guessing they came from Lakeland because 96% of our presents come from there

I read that beeswax wraps have to be retreated and it's a pain. Can anyone comment on how true that is?

I'm still not over the disappointment of bacofoil discontinuing their biodegradable clingflim, and I need an alternative before I run out.

What brands of the silicone covers would people recommend? I have some Ikea ones but find them too small and fiddly.

www.lakeland.co.uk/72518/Covermate-12-Assorted-Elasticated-Food-Covers-–-S-M-L-and-XL

Thanks everyone, I cannot justify ever buying another roll of the stuff again after all those tips! My problem with tupperware for sandwiches is that I find the sandwich can come apart if not wrapped. Will use greaseproof paper in freezer to separate things from now on. Am going to give beeswax wraps a shot too... And the stretchy silicone lids ... I suppose it's about developing new habits - am cringing to think how much cling film there is in my carbon footprint at least I've been too skint to get on a plane in ages

We use Tupperware containers and also the bees wax wraps. They keep sandwiches really fresh.

I have a very flat sandwhich box which is thin enough to keep sandwhiches from falling apart. If I need to wrap anything, I use aluminium foil, and reuse and recycle in the ali bin, or bread bags, or paper bags, although I am trying to stop buying bread in paper bags.

Quantum, I read that too and it does look like a bit of a faff alright ... I think I'll invest in one and see how it goes. Will report back in a month or so!

Afraid I can't remember what brands we have - bought them in a couple of different deli shops (@VolcanionSteamArtillery).

On treating, it does sound like an almighty pain and can't imagine I'll try that. But they can then be recycled as fabric I think?

The other thing we do is use flour bags and anything similar to wrap stuff in (this is what I used before to wrap sarnies etc in).

Beeswax wraps need re waxing. Which is so much of a pain that people will just bin them and buy new, thus defeating the object. They pick up dirt in the drawer too.

I haven't had to re-wax my wraps, I have gently warmed them in the oven from time to time to refresh them, other than that just wash gently with soap and cold water and leave on the dish rack to dry. They are compostable when finished with.

I don’t get on with my Silicon stretchy covers. They are just a pain. For sloppy things I use kilner jars (beautiful and freeze/fridge/microwave). For other things on a plate with an upturned bowl, in a casserole dish with a lid, or in a bowl with a plate on top. I’ve bought one roll of cling film in 24 months and used it once for a family of 6.

Re freezing - grease proof paper also isn’t great for environment. Can you freeze separately on a baking tray and then tip into a bag or container - that’s what I do for pretty much everything!

Also - people hate this advice but it is honestly fine! I freeze lots of stuff in glass jars - have never had a breakage - just don’t fill up too much!

I keep mine in the fridge . I dont have any problem with them picking up muck.

@WobblyLondoner thank you no worries.

I keep my beeswax wraps folded in a paper bag in the drawer - they don't get mucky.
For sandwiches, I don't trust the kids to return wax wraps ,so I've found a box of slightly waxed brown paper bags (in Waitrose). They are a bit pricey for paper bags, but I reuse as many times as possible then use them to line the compost caddy. They keep sandwiches fresh and together!

The one thing I'm struggling with is keeping salad and veg fresh in the fridge without plastic. If they are not in bags they last a much shorter time. I've seen those washable silicone pouches, but am not sure its an environmental benefit. The best I can do is wash and reuse bags I already have.

Salad can be kept in a sealed box with a damp cloth, or if still whole then cut the bottom of the lettuce/celery/whatever and stand it in water like cut flowers.

“Normal” waxed brown paper is not made from beeswax and I would avoid.