Many of us are trying to cut back on plastic by looking for substitutes for plastic wrap to cover food that is stored in the fridge. If you have a look in your local op shop or antique shop, you'll probably find china lids that used to sit on top of old serving pots. Usually, you can buy them for a couple of dollars. They make excellent covers for modern bowls and can be used over and over again. Or just look in your saucepan cupboard. You might find a saucepan lid just the right size for your bowl of leftover potato salad or fresh strawberries. If the seal isn't quite right, cover the top of the bowl with a square of moist cloth or a piece of baking paper and then place the lid on it. Most food will store well in the fridge for a couple of days using this method.
Thanks Rhonda that's great advice. Trying hard to stop using plastic wrap, struggling a bit so any help is greatly appreciated. Regards Nichole
ReplyDeleteI love how your china lid makes the bowl of left-overs look so fancy. I must admit to placing plates on top of my bowls in the fridge, no where near as pretty and sometimes a bit difficult to remove. I hope you're having a lovely week. I'm just about ready to snuggle up with my little sickie on the couch to read her a chapter of her book. xxx
ReplyDeleteI use plates to cover bowls.
ReplyDeleteSpud.
Great idea Rhonda, I hadn't thought of checking Op shops for lids! I usually use a simple plate or saucer turning it upside down if necessary to find the best fit.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like good idea; and in fact, I have tried this due to need. If I lose a lid, I sometimes have to substitute something in similar size. I never really thought about just using it regularly for the same thing. Glass, ceramic, or BPA free plastic is much better than some of the choices still around. And recycling is always better than throwing out!
ReplyDeleteIn my desire to cut back plastic, I stumbled upon the "old fashioned" idea of simply popping a plate on a hot meal to help keep it warm for my husband when he comes home late. When I grew up things were always covered in glad wrap. Every time I do it, I smile at the simple, free solution. Also puzzled as to how this ever stopped being the norm?
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Of course, what a good idea! I'm not sure why I had never thought of that. Thanks Rhonda.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea! Not sure why I never thought of it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSuch a good idea I will be on the look out for some pretty lids. I remember my mum covering food with plates before we had cling wrap!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rhonda.
That's a great idea Rhonda. I also use bread and butter plates. I'm trying to live a plastic free, zero waste lifestyle and am finding it relatively easy to replace plastic. Great tips like yours help spread the word.
ReplyDeleteI have not used plastic cling wrap in 30odd years. If I need to cover some thing I will use a washed plastic bag that previously held fruit or veg. I can usually find one the right size.
ReplyDeleteMy neighbours must laugh when they see my washing line nicely hung with plastic bags.
Claire in Melbourne
I'm just picturing your clothesline Claire - makes me smile.
DeleteThat just reminded me how my Nan used to wash cling wrap. When you walked into her kitchen there was cling wrap hanging over taps drip drying.
Kylie
I was always somewhat facinated by my English grandmother's habit of covering bowls with plates and wrapping my Grandfather's packed lunches with greaseproof paper. I don't think I ever saw her use glad wrap. There is also the option of buying or making your own bees wax cloths that mold to cover containers and food.
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea as usual Rhonda. I have some "best" serving dishes with covers that really hardly ever get used - just for special occasions and company.
ReplyDeleteI already use pan lids or even just plates on top of bowls for in the fridge or the microwave so no plastic wrap or paper towels required.
I have used canning jars and commercial product jars (if they have a good lid) of all sizes to store every thing in pantry, fridge and freezer (leave head space in freezer jars) for decades and they are great. This allows me to see everything quickly and to fit a lot more in small spaces. Many commercial products used to have a rim size that was compatible with canning jar lids for a solid air seal on these jars (not for canning of course) but the manufacturers have all changed the size of the rim. I think it is a conspiracy to force us to buy canning jar lids. Some commercial lids maintain the aroma of the product - soaking in baking soda does help but not always.
SunnyMidnight
I love this idea!!! I am about to go through my cupboards and was going to toss all the mismatched stuff, now I can see if I can re purpose any lids I find down there to use like this. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI do this, too. Sometimes I also use a bowl turned upside down on top of a plate. I don't buy plastic wrap anymore.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great tip, especially when you can use such pretty lids like the one in your photo xx
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great tip Rhonda, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Rhonda for helping me think outside the box when walking through a thrift store. There is one across the street from work and now I have a new quest when I visit it. I too am trying to not use plastic wrap and wrap sandwiches with waxed paper like my mother used to and have used plates to cover bowls in the refrigerator.
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog since I was given your wonderful "Down to Earth" as a gift. You have some wonderful ideas.
Thanks for sharing.
Easy and handy.everyone has a plate or lid. I work at thrift store and have always a lot of kids and single plates.
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever idea! I'll be looking closer at single lids at estate sales from now on.
ReplyDeleteI started doing what my mom and auntie used to do - cover a plate with a bowl or cover a bowl with a plate. If I want a better seal, I can fit many of my bowls inside a gallon-size ziplock bag. Then I wash and reuse the ziplock. SJ in Vancouver BC Canada
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ReplyDeleteGreat idea .
l hadn't thought of doing that but we are trying to cut down on plastic in this house so excellent idea