Go Green With Wax Paper Instead Of Plastic Wrap

It occurred to me about a year ago that using wax paper is probably a better idea than using plastic wrap. Wax paper use to be the go to wrapping in the kitchen. When I was a youngster that was what they used. There were no zip lock bags, there were no regular fold over flap sandwich bags. It was wax paper or nothing. Actually some conservative, frugal, types would pack sandwiches right into the old, empty bread bag itself. In fact I remember many women who washed the bread bags out for reuse.

Looking back just a few decades, people were generally more conservative than the throw away culture we have become. It was the way of life to NOT BE WASTEFUL. "Waste Not, Want Not", was more than just an old saying. It was how most people lived. Today we live in a throw away society that has recently found an awakening to the devastation that our wastefulness is causing. More people are taking pride in discovering ways to help the Earth, going green is cool and the state of our environment has become a mainstream concern. There is much we can learn from the wax paper generation.

I have rediscovered using the wax paper and actually like it better than alternative materials most often used in the kitchen. For sandwiches and other things that can be placed inside a sandwich bag, I like the wax paper because it can also be used in the microwave. Pop my sandwich out of the fridge, no need to remove it from the paper and, straight in to the microwave. Try putting a baggie in the microwave, not a pleasant experience. less to say anything about the chemicals that are released when that plastic starts melting.

The paper can be cut off to match the need. I do not have to buy snack bags, sandwich bags, quart size and gallon size. One paper fits almost all. It just depends on how much you tear off.

Now lets talk about the freezer. paper is a good insulator against frost. I have been using the waxed paper between layers of meat such as steaks, hamburgers that are pre-made and when I do my pre-breading. Like my example for freezing Morel Mushrooms. The wax paper works fine. I wrap up whatever I have in the wax paper and then reuse the plastic grocery store bags or regular plastic containers with lids. I am very pleased with the way the wax paper performs and I feel good about cutting out the plastic products.

Paper towel can often be replaced in certain situations in today's kitchen. Use waxed paper to stop that splatter in the microwave. It works perfect. Sometimes I use a paper towel in place of a plate. A quick sandwich and a handful of chips. A square of waxed paper will serve as a place mat to eat from. Don't have to use a paper plate, foam plate, paper towel or dirty a dish that will have to be washed. I am sure this is the conservative way to go.

Go green in the kitchen the old fashioned way and rediscover using wax paper.