Plastic Wrap? Don't Encase your Food in Chemicals!

Plastic is everywhere these days. I was wrapping up some leftovers one day and realized I was using "plastic" wrap. Hmmmm, I wondered if plastic wrap was just as bad as the plastic containers, cups, plates, etc containing and releasing the chemical BPA? The short answer is YES.

Most commerical plastic wraps use a plasticizer to make the plastic more flexble. The chemical BPA is used in these plasticizers. So knowing what I've read and understand about BPA, I decided to find another alternative.

I found two good ones.

First, an old standby that you probably already have in your kitchen that you use for baking. Wax or parchment paper. I use it to wrap up sandwiches for the kids. It reminds me of a real deli sandwich wrapped in wax paper. It works to wrap almost everything. You just have to master the art of folding.

Second, a Clear Plastic Wrap made by company called Natural Value. Natural Value also makes a good wax paper too. But if you really desire plastic wrap to put over a bowl or container this may be a good alternative to the supermarket brands you buy. It is plasticizer-free and PVC free. It is also Kosher. It can be found at your local Whole Foods or online at Westside Organics By the way, I've tried it and it works great. I use it only when absolutely necessary like to put over a glass serving bowl when saving leftovers. It's about the same price as the commerically-available brands.

Personally, I like the wax or parchment paper option especially one made from unbleached fibers and non-toxic (See brands If You Care and Natural Value. It feels a bit more luxurious to wrap your food in wax or parchment paper. And it's easy for my kids to open up at school (no ziplocs to worry about or undoing the plastic wrap).

Try a healthier and environmentally-friendly option when wrapping your foods. Your foods don't need anymore chemicals and additives. Unless you are eating organic, you are getting enough preservatives, dyes, chemically engineered additives already!