DIY Bees wax 'cling film' - And how to clean them

For a plastic-free lunch. Originally published on our founder Céline's blog. 

You’re in the mountains so you need a packed-lunch. A sandwich is easiest to make and you want to wrap it up in something lightweight. Your lunchbox is a little bulky and excessively heavy. What do you wrap it in ? Cling Film ? Foil ? NO ! Here is a better option: a bees wax wrap — water-resistant & zero-waste !

Many people have asked me how to make them, so I’m sharing my recipe below. Also, I share how to clean beeswax wraps, because you want to make sure you clean them the right way so that they'll last longer.

I hiked up 1000 vertical meters in altitude with skins under my skis (aka ski touring/backcountry) . It’s time for lunch ! 

So I pull out my sexy pink ‘bees wax wrap’ that kept my bread in good shape and my veggies nice and crunchy 

Bees wax wraps are awesome to bring along on a variety of expeditions. After you eat your food, it's easy to throw the lightweight wrap back in your bag until you get home. Just make sure you know how to clean your beeswax wrap properly so they last many more expeditions!

Above: Lencois Marences National Park, Brazil . In search of secret lagoons in the desert …

RECIPE 
MATERIALS 

✺ Beeswax block (or pellets). Since beeswax has a variety of applications ( used to make creams, ointments, lip balm…) I suggest you buy 1lb, although you only need 0.5 oz of wax per wrap . 

You should get your beeswax at a local farmer's market, natural health food store or apiary ! 

✺ Metal cheese grater 

✺ 100% cotton fabric- old shirts are perfectly good ! Cut into desired size 

✺ Old metal cookie tray (that will be used for this purpose only) OR silicone baking sheet (preferred). 

✺ Paintbrush (use a new brush, medium size that will only be used for making bees wraps)

✺ A clothesline & pegs 

✺ Newspaper

Note: Check your local thrift store for these items first ! 

DIRECTIONS

Set up some newspaper on your work space 

HOW TO CLEAN BEESWAX WRAPS

⚘ If you want to reuse your metal cheese grater for cooking then you can place it in the oven for about 30 seconds to one minute until the wax drips down onto your cooking sheet. Take it out and use a scrap piece of fabric to wipe it down . I used the same technique to clean my cookie tray / silicone sheet

⚘ Only wash your bees wax wrap with cold water and mild, organic soap otherwise the wax will melt off ! 

⚘ Hang your bees wax wraps up to dry 

⚘ Don’t use the bees wax wrap for salmon or tuna sandwiches or else the smell will linger. For those— I use upcycled paper bags or my metal lunchbox 

SIDE NOTES

⚘ If you have excess wax on your tray just put a new piece of fabric on there to soak up the wax 

⚘ Wraps will last a few months depending on usage, then you’ll notice the wax start to disappear 

⚘ You can sew on a button and some pretty string onto your wrap once it’s made (see image below)

Make different sizes for different items. Bees wraps are awesome to store bread, half cut avocados, lemons, cheese … They aren’t so good for covering bowls unless you use a rubber band:

Bees wax wraps are best used to wrap up sandwiches and half-consumed fruits or veggies. Now that you know how to clean beeswax wraps, you understand why they are better suited for particular things. You are ready for your zero waste voyage!

Enjoy ! 

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