We use aluminium foil so regularly, but did you know there is an eco-friendly alternative to aluminium foil?
Aluminium foil has become such a staple in our kitchens, but is there an eco-friendly alternative to aluminium foil?
Head to the kitchen right now and I’m sure you’ll probably have some aluminium foil in your kitchen drawer right now!
It’s convenient, affordable and easily accessible, but is aluminium foil the best option?
Did you know that aluminium foil is made out of properties that are harmful to both our well-being as well as the environment?
As handy as it is, it’s definitely not the most sustainable choice and there are definitely more eco-friendly alternatives to aluminium foil that’s equally as affordable, convenient and easily accessible.
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Summary of the best substitutes for aluminium foil:
Is Aluminium Foil Eco-friendly?
Before we dive into the million-dollar question, we need to first understand how aluminium foil first came about and how it is now an essential item in every household.
Aluminium foil first made an appearance in households in 1920, when it was used in food packaging because of its ability to deflect light, heat and prevent moisture from penetrating through.
This made it a great choice for food storage and food use.
It very quickly created a convenience that households naturally embraced. Now, we use it for everything from food prep to storing leftover food, we grill our fish and vegetables on it at a cookout, and we use it to wrap food for our children to bring to school.
Little did we know, the usage of a single-use aluminium foil isn’t the most eco-friendly and healthy option for the body and the environment.
Here is why:
It’s Harmful To Our Health
Aluminium foil can be harmful to our health as we’re exposing our body to levels of aluminium that are higher than the 1mg/kg body weight/day standards established by the World Health Organisation.
When using aluminium foil to store or grill food, aluminium tends to leach into food and although it’s considered safe, Healthline reports that high levels of aluminium might increase the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease.
Bad For The Environment
Did you know that by just manufacturing a ton of aluminium needs an equivalent of a total of 1,400 gallons of gasoline?
And when it’s disposed and discarded, aluminium takes 500 years to decompose, as an LA Times report states.
Putting these stats in view really changes your perspective in looking at a single-use aluminium foil and how much harm it’s doing to our environment.
Is There A Green Alternative To Aluminium Foil?
An astounding yes!
Here are some eco friendly alternatives to aluminium foil :
1. Beeswax Food Wraps
An eco-friendly alternative to ziplock bags is beeswax food wraps!
They are made out of cotton infused with food-grade beeswax and jojoba oils, which makes it perfect for keeping your food (or your children’s lunch!) fresh for longer.
It’s 100% compostable, fuss-free and it replaces the usage of plastic lunch boxes, containers and clingfilm in your kitchen.
Plus, you get to pick from an array of beautiful food wraps to spice up your fridge!
Quick tip: Food Wraps usually last approximately 6 months or longer with proper care. Do remember to wash the food wraps only with cold water. Use mild soap and hang to dry.
Our picks:
- Beeswax Cloth Food Wraps by Bee’s Wrap. Made of organic cotton and sustainably harvested beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin, Bee’s Wrap fabric and printing are 100% eco-friendly!
2. Fabric Bowl Covers
If you’ve kept leftovers in the fridge before, you’ve most probably wrapped cling film over that bowl of leftover pasta.
Fabric covers work as an excellent eco-friendly alternative to cling film.
Fabric bowl covers are made to fit tightly around the circumference of your bowl, depending on the size and it’s ideal for leftovers, meat marination or even proofing your bread!
You will get these covers prepared using different fabrics; thus, ensure you follow separate care directions.
Some fabric covers contain coverings that are not appropriate for usage within a dryer. However, these frequently require little more than a wash in advance; they are set for use once more.
Quick tip: Before reusing your fabric cover, make sure to rinse it properly with soap and dry it in advance. This is to ensure your food doesn’t go bad due to the bacteria formed from your fabric cover.
Our picks:
- Wegreeco Reusable Bowl Covers, these bowl covers are washable, made of 100% cotton and stretches from 5”-9”.
- Reusable Waterproof Eco Friendly Bowl Covers by Oh! The patterns on these are both classic and cute at the same time.
Definitely a kitchen must-have to reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic waste in your home and to keep your food fresh and full of flavour!
3. Glass Storage Containers
Remember the time when we all had our milk delivered to us in glass bottles?
It’s time to go back to the basics and ditch the plastic
If you’re used to using plastic containers to store snacks of leftover food, getting a glass storage container is one of the most eco-friendly alternatives to aluminium foil to that!
Many can even be used in microwaves!
They’re non-porous so you won’t have to worry about it having any impact on the quality of the food you’re eating or the taste.
They also give your kitchen and fridge a very classic look and feel!
Quick tip: Make it an art and craft activity with your children or friends to decorate your glass storage containers with glass markers.
Our picks:
- Rectangular Glass Food Storage Containers with Eco-Friendly Bamboo Lids by BOVADO. Every container comes with an eco-friendly, bamboo wood lid that forms an airtight seal.
Unlike plastic, this will last you a lifetime.
- Glass Containers with Bamboo Lids by Cuisinart, this 8-Piece glass containers come in travel size too, perfect for backpackers and day trip lovers to keep food fresh until ready to eat!
4. Paper Wraps
Paper wraps are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap.
Since it’s the more sustainable option and it’s biodegradable, it is perfect for short term food storage like wrapped sandwiches for a picnic or simple food prep for dinner.
Do make sure to seep water or moisture at bay when you use paper wraps, as it might seep through the paper and contaminate your food.
But other than that, paper wraps are great as you can also easily throw them in the recycling bin after use.
5. Silicone Lids
Have you heard of the magic of silicone lids?
Instead of using cling wrap to cover your leftovers for storage in the fridge, invest in some silicone lids instead!
They are stretchable, easy-to-clean and safe for food.
The great thing about using silicone lids is that you can use them on different containers and items such as plates, casseroles, bowls, cups and even pots!
It comes in different sizes, colours and keeps your food fresh longer too!
Quick Tip: Another great silicone product is a silicone baking mat, which is perfect to use for baking! It’s the perfect eco-friendly alternative to aluminium foil for all your baking needs, and it also comes in really pretty patterns too.
Our picks:
- 18 Pack Silicone Stretch Lids by Firstling, these are great if you have lots of containers and bowls of different sizes.
- Zulay Kitchen (2 Pack) Silicone Baking Mat Sheet Set. Flexible and stretchable, these silicone baking mats are economical and eco-friendly.
6. Grilling On A Skillet
There is also another great alternative to aluminium foil when it comes to grilling in an oven, and that’s durable cookware.
If you have that cookout coming up, invest in a good cast iron skillet where you can use to grill your fish, steak or veggies on.
Not only does it prevent aluminium elements from going into your food, but it also makes you look like a pro chef by bringing your cookware to the grill.
If you’re looking for something hardier to provide you with the burnt, smoky taste, try a wood grilling plank or a salt plate.
Quick tip: At a cookout and looking for an eco-friendlier way to grill your veggies? Instead of aluminium foil, grill the vege on the grill itself for that charred and smokey taste.
If you’re not for the smokiness, use a small stainless steel grill basket instead.
Our picks:
- Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (12-Inch) by Cuisinel Store, it comes with a heat-resistant holder and is perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Get ready for that cookout!
- Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 10-1/4-Inch Skillet with Iron Handle, the Le Creuset household brand has made its name for creating amazing cookware especially skillets and crockpots. Although a little steep in price, you definitely won’t go wrong with a Le Creuset!
7. Use A Plate To Cover Food
Sometimes, the best decisions are to use whatever you have already in your house – a plate!
Yup, you’ve heard that right – it’s definitely one of the most eco-friendly alternatives to aluminium foil!
To cover your leftover food to be put in your fridge, instead of cling wrap or aluminium foil, you can use a plate to cover it!
Most plates are either made out of porcelain or glass and its wide circumference is a perfect fit to nicely cover a bowl or a container.
A plate prevents moisture from escaping nor penetrating into your food, leaving your leftovers for tomorrow fresh from last night.
Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but you also don’t need to spend extra dollars on a silicone cover or a glass container!
8. Reusable Silicone Storage Bag
As an eco alternative to ziploc bags to store food, try a reusable silicone storage bag instead!
Yup, when it comes to food storage, silicone comes to the rescue again.
These reusable storage bags usually come in many different sizes and colours for you to choose from, and a lot of them are sold in bulks of an assortment of shapes.
You can use them to store food, or even pop it in the freezer to make frozen berries, these reusable silicone storage bags are toxin-free, fuss-free and can go in the microwave and dishwasher!
Our picks:
- Stasher Reusable Silicone Storage Bag by Stasher, the Stasher bags are dishwasher-safe, leak-proof and it comes in many fun colours too!
- Stand-up Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bag by Senday, in this set, you will get 3 big Freezer Safe Gallon Bags, 3 medium Leakproof Sandwich Bags and 3 small Thick Snack Bags, talk about a cool deal!
9. Banana Leaf
Last but definitely not the least, in many South-East Asian culture banana leaves have been used as a staple wrapper for food. Its wide leaves make it easy to wrap huge amounts of food into one simple packet.
You can use them to wrap poultry, fish, vegetables, sweet snacks or even meat, and have no worries about negative health effects because banana leaves are as natural as it gets!
Quick tip: Wrap your marinated poultry in banana leaf and pop it into the oven or on the grill, to end up with a fragrant dish altogether.
Switching To Eco-friendly Alternatives Yet?
Convinced yet?
It’s safe to say now that there are many eco-friendly alternative to aluminium foil and they are easily accessible, affordable and work just as good, or better, than having to use aluminium foil.
In today’s world, although it’s easy to just use plastic or tin foil as it’s readily available, it’s also important to strike that balance.
Sometimes, we just need to go back to the basics and find sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in our day-to-day activities.