Easy Homemade Beeswax Wraps

Plastic wrap who? Avocado-half wrapped in single-use foil what? For this “recipe,” you can upcycle old (but clean) dishcloths, go to the thrift store and pick out a linen tablecloth with a funky pattern to cut into squares or grab a stack of stylish eco-friendly dish towels. Whichever way you choose, making these easy (and dare we say stylish) beeswax wraps is a great way to cut down on the amount of single-use plastics you use.

Makes 2-3 12×12 inch wraps

Materials

• 100% organic cotton fabric
• .35 oz pine resin
• 1.25 oz beeswax pastilles
• 1 Tbsp organic jojoba oil
• Large popsicle stick
• Parchment paper
• 1-2 inch wide paint brush

Directions

1. Wash and dry fabric. Cut fabric into 12×12 inch squares.
2. Fill a saucepan with water and place pine resin, beeswax, and jojoba oil in a glass measuring cup and set in a saucepan. Fill the saucepan with water until the waterline reaches halfway up the measuring cup.
3. Heat the water at medium-high heat and meltdown ingredients, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 300° F.
5. Cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a piece of fabric over the parchment, back facing up. Brush the beeswax mixture lightly over the fabric.
6. Place the baking sheet in the oven for 2 minutes to re-melt the wax coating. Remove from the oven and brush the mixture over any dry spots. Try not to oversaturate with the wax mixture. You can even place the next piece of fabric on top of the first piece to soak up any extra coating mixture, however, you want to work quickly so the wax doesn’t solidify.
7. Hang completed wrap(s) to dry completely.
8. Repeat steps until you’re finished making your beeswax wraps.

Notes and Variations

• We’re in the “beesiness” of making the world a little less wasteful. So check out our list of Food Storage Products That Help Reduce Waste and our nifty grocery storage guide.