Plastic Free July is a global yearly challenge encouraging people to give up single-use plastic during the month of July.

For a simple switch this Plastic Free July, consider beeswax wrap in place of cling wrap. DIY a beeswax wrap and use to wrap sandwiches and rolls, cover plates and bowls, leftovers and more.

DIY reusable beeswax strips

Ingredients

• Cotton fabric cut to desired size (this recipe makes enough to approx. cover four 25x25cm pieces)
• 50g beeswax
• 25g gum rosin (pine resin) Note: Gum rosin is available in a powdered form or in chunks. They are both the same. The powdered form will just dissolve faster.
• 2 Tbsp jojoba oil

You will also need a mason jar, saucepan, spoon to stir, oven, oven tray, baking or parchment paper, a basting brush (keep this brush for this purpose only), clothes hanger and pegs.

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 150^oC.
2. Place the beeswax, rosin and jojoba oil into a mason jar and set the jar into a saucepan filled with about 6cm of water. Place the saucepan onto the stove, turn to medium heat and melt the contents of the jar, stirring occasionally. Resin takes longer to melt than beeswax, so it’s best to have the heat on medium to high heat initially to speed up the process. The water in the saucepan should be simmering.
3. Lay baking or parchment paper over the oven tray and place your fabric flat on top.
4. Once the beeswax mixture has completely melted, use a spoon and drizzle the mixture evenly over the fabric.
5. Place the tray into the pre-heated oven for about 2 minutes to reheat. This is necessary for ease of spreading in the next step.
6. Carefully pull the oven tray out and use your basting brush to spread the mixture quite thick and evenly over the fabric. Don’t forget the edges and corners. Pop it back into the oven for a minute to ‘melt out’ and any uneven bumps or clumps.
7. Remove from oven and hang up with pegs on a hanger to let set and dry. You will end up with a fantastic reusable food wrap with excellent gripping power.

How to use

• To store, fold neatly and keep in a cool dry place such as a kitchen drawer.
• To clean, wipe down after use with a damp cloth and allow to air dry.
• To wash, use a mild natural detergent in cool water. Pat dry with a clean tea towel and air dry. Avoid warm and hot water as it will melt the wax. Not suitable for the dishwasher or washing machine.
• Do not heat or microwave.
• Do not use with raw meat.
• Keep out of direct sunlight.

Project and image courtesy of Biome | biome.com.au

For more:

• Goulburn Wetlands: A transformed space for the community
• Plants of Goulburn Wetlands
• Art attack
• Beware the ‘dirty dozen’
• Winter gardening jobs