Cutting down on single-use plastics can feel overwhelming, but some swaps are surprisingly simple. A few years ago, I decided to stop buying plastic wrap for food storage. Once I found practical alternatives, I realised I didn’t miss it at all — and my leftovers stayed just as fresh.
Invest in reusable containers
A small collection of glass containers with sturdy lids can replace rolls of cling film entirely. Pyrex-style dishes are great for larger portions, while Mason jars or repurposed pickle and pasta sauce jars are perfect for soups, sauces, and small snacks.
If you’ve opened a can of coconut milk or tomato paste and don’t want to waste the rest, transfer it into a jar using a funnel. For freezing smaller amounts, you can cover the original can with foil, secure it with a rubber band, and pop it into the freezer. To use, just thaw it in a bowl of warm water.
Use what you already have
You don’t always need to decant leftovers into containers. Covering a dish with an inverted plate works well for most items in the fridge. For foods that won’t dry out easily, a clean tea towel can be enough — or pair the towel with a plate for extra protection.
Rethink your plastic bags
Heavy-duty zip-top bags can be washed with hot, soapy water, dried, and reused for months. They’re ideal for items that don’t fit in containers or need to be sealed tightly. I’ve been reusing the same large bags for nearly two years.
A simple rubber band can secure a bag over a bowl of slow-rising bread dough to keep it from forming a dry crust. And if you’re transporting something like a quiche, slip the dish into a clean grocery bag and tie it closed.
Store small items smartly
For odds and ends like cheese, extra garlic cloves, or half a melon, transparent glass ramekins or containers with lids make it easy to see what’s inside — which means you’re less likely to forget about them. For large produce halves, I simply place them cut-side down on a plate in the fridge as a visual reminder to use them quickly.
A small change that adds up
Giving up plastic wrap won’t solve the plastic pollution crisis on its own, especially when bigger culprits like disposable wipes and water bottles exist. But it’s one of those low-effort changes that’s easy to stick with — and once you’ve built the habit, you’ll wonder why you ever needed it in the first place.
Key alternatives: glass containers, Mason jars, reusable zip-top bags, inverted plates, tea towels, and repurposed grocery bags. These simple swaps save money, reduce waste, and help keep your kitchen a little greener.
