” In the house of the wise are stores of choice food”
Proverbs 21:20
Clingfilm protects food and destroys the environment.
“In America, it’s called Saran wrap. Swap the “r” for a “t”, and that pretty much sums up its impact on the environment.
Clingy by name and by nature, clingfilm can take hundreds of years to decompose. And when it does eventually break down, it turns into microplastics, which leach harmful chemicals into our groundwater, our oceans, and endangers the world’s wildlife. “ (the modern milkman)
When you look at almost any food magazine you will see “wrap in clingfilm” but the problem is that it is almost impossible to recycle. It contains a plastic called PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
So what are our options?
The best is to just store your food in a container with a lid, such a Tupperware or ice cream container.
Alternatively you can put a plate on top of your bowl (high tech, right?). Instead of using clingfilm for sandwiches and other items, use wax paper which is bio-degradable.
Next time you need a new dish for roasting, buy one with a lid!
There are some other products on the market but they are not cheap, such as compostable cling film. And then there are mor eco friendly products like beeswax wraps which are re-usable. ( Bit pricey but these make a nice present for someone’s birthday as they are often quite pretty)
Does clingfilm leach into food?
Most plastic items leach a tiny amount of chemicals but the problem with clingfilm is that is actually touching the food, which can be a problem in particular if the food is still hot.
Studies suggest that “most plastic items release a tiny amount of chemicals into the beverages or food they contain.” This is known as ‘leaching.’ Just like plastic bottles and takeaway containers, this happens with clingfilm, too. One study from the University of Arizona claims that plasticisers in clingfilm can be released from the material “with time, use, and under certain conditions.”
What about foil?
It is better than plastic, but the problem it uses an awful lot of energy to produce – so creating a huge amount of water pollution and greenhouse gases.
What about silicon covers?
Silicone isn’t the most environmentally friendly material on the market. Producing silicone uses hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, which isn’t sustainable. It’s difficult to recycle, and most facilities won’t accept it. With that said, silicone is a suitable alternative to plastic — it’s just not the best. But re-usable silicon covers are way preferable to single use clingfilm.
And finally – try to buy less! Supermarkets have normalised bulk buying and plastic packaging. Avoid food waste and plastic waste by buying only what you need.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Clingfilm