Back in September 2017 I posted this pic with the question "Does anyone know their purpose...?" Mum was the only one who came close with her comment: "Not a clue apart from wraps for sandwiches."
As kitchen towels were disappointing in their effectiveness for keeping freshly baked bread fresh for long, I have made various size wraps and have ensured that there is at least one large enough to adequately enclose my homemade bread / cakes from my bread machine.
After 37 years of marriage (on 1st November) I have plenty of "spare" buttons so I have sewn a button on two opposite ends, and wrapped some string (which is easily replaceable as, and when, it becomes tatty) around them. That ensures that the wrap won't open and holds as close a seal as possible.
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| Cotton fabric and grated bees wax - sourced locally. |
What is depicted in that photo (above) is some cotton fabric, and some locally sourced grated wax (shown here in a single use plastic bag 😞. You see how insidiously it creeps into the home...?)
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| Different sized pieces of fabric |
The wax is, with the assistance of a cool iron, melted onto the fabric.
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| A piece of waxed wrap easily covers freshly baked goods from my bread machine |
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| The addition of some spare buttons allows me to secure the wrap round my loaves |
After 37 years of marriage (on 1st November) I have plenty of "spare" buttons so I have sewn a button on two opposite ends, and wrapped some string (which is easily replaceable as, and when, it becomes tatty) around them. That ensures that the wrap won't open and holds as close a seal as possible.
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| I have, over a year, purchased a number of different sized sealable containers in which to store leftovers in the fridge. These are just some of them... |
I'm one happy little puppy. Having sucessfully ditched single use plastic cling-wrap and bags for my lidded glass containers, I now have the means to cover freshly made sandwhiches, bowls of left overs, freshly baked goods and even half avocado's, lemons, etc. with an hygienic, sealed warp.
Cleaning is simple - merely wash in cool water, or wipe with a damp cloth.
My next mission? Eliminating aluminium foil from this house... (Christmas roasts, garlic bread, etc.)
Ooh, well done me for being nearly close. I do so hate throwing things away and chucking away plastic in any shape or form worries me as it will not decay and return to the earth for a very long time. Well done you for doing something about it.
ReplyDeletexx
Seems like a good thing to try. We try not to waste much here, either.
ReplyDeleteMum - Truth be told you got it spot on ;) Did you mean "waxed" wraps for sandwiches?? Yeah, though we have a recycling depot near enough, there are some plastics which don't qualify...
ReplyDeleteHarry - Single use anything only makes the manufactures wealthy. What it does for this planet is only negative.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary, I think I'll need to have a think in my home :)
ReplyDeleteShirley - Thank you :D Glad to have inspired you... ;)
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. Have a look at Bea Johnson's website Zero waste home. Also Colleen Black has started a FB group Zero waste South Africa. Lots of tips and tricks. Eleanor
ReplyDeleteEleanor - Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the suggestions - I know of Bea Johnston and also already belong to Zero Waste South Africa on FB ;) One is NEVER too old to learn...
I love that idea!!! So is the wax melted onto both sides? I'm going to have to google that. Thank you for this and yes, I "hear you" in my head all the time at the store. Keep inspiring! Even a ripple can eventually create a wave.
ReplyDelete1st Man - No need to add wax to both sides as it is absorbed by the cotton fabric as the wax melts.
ReplyDeleteOi - don't like the thought that I'm in your head - except, of course, if it's helping to save this planet... ;)
Good idea. Thanks. We have replaced the plastic bags at stores by using cloth bags we take with us. This will be great in the refrigerator.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome Marlin. Well done on ditching plastic shopping bags. These work a treat ;)
ReplyDeleteI am right there with you in hating plastic! I find jars work well for most leftovers except breads and baked goods. I have re-used, and re-used, and re-used my ancient plastic zip-bags to the point where I finally need something new and don't want to buy those again! I've seen the waxed cloth wraps and love your addition of buttons. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteLeigh - I re-use glass jars also, but find that the lids aren't as long lasting - especially when they come into contact with anything acidic like vinegar.
ReplyDeleteThe buttons - after 37 years of marriage I have PLENTY of spare buttons :D
I never thought of putting buttons on them! Thank you for this idea! I have so many buttons saved from my mother and my husbands mother and grandmother that I will never use all of them in my lifetime.
ReplyDeleteRocky Springs Farm - Ditto. Yeah, the buttons work a treat and certainly help to keep the wax wrap firmly closed.
ReplyDeleteDani if you add powdered pine resin to the wax and melt it onto the fabric in an oven on low heat, the wraps are a little more clingy.
ReplyDeleteJane Allan - Welcome - and thank you for taling the time to leave a comment.
ReplyDeletePowdered pine resin sounds interesting. Where does one get it?
P.S. Care to share your blog? ;)