Instructions
Let's change our ways and learn how to save our planet from plastic!
First and foremost,
thank you
Thank you for participating in the Rethink Plastic Project.
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues we face. The rapid production of disposable plastic products is almost impossible to handle.
Plastic trash is so ubiquitous it is projected that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. And sadly, only 9% of the world’s plastic is recycled.
Our Goal: Raise awareness of the importance of taking care of our environment while actually doing it!
Instructions
We work to keep things as simple as possible. If you have any questions, please get in touch with your event coordinator or reach out to “Kai” (WeHero Super Dog) in the lower-right corner of this page.
Step 1: The great unboxing
You should have received your event experience containing everything you need. Check out our recycling resources in each state and how to make a change starting from the box! You should have received the following materials:
- 12x12in cotton square
- 3 tablespoons of beeswax pellets
- 2 parchment papers
- 1 paintbrush
- Clothes pin/Laundry clip
Step 2: Time to heat things up
Preheat the oven to 175°F or the lowest setting available. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the fabric on top. Evenly distribute the beeswax pellets all over the fabric. Make sure the pellets go all the way to the edges.
Note: You don’t need many pellets as the wax will spread as it melts. It’s better to start with less (2 Tbsp), then add more if required.
Step 3: Cover with another sheet of parchment paper
Step 4: Oven time!
Place in the oven for 10 minutes (or until the wax is melted). When the pellets have completely melted, take the tray out, remove the top parchment paper, and use a paintbrush to spread the wax evenly over the entire fabric. Using tongs or clips, remove the fabric from the baking sheet and hang it up to dry.
Note: These steps will need to be executed fairly quickly. The wax may start to harden if you work too slow, but you can always put them back in the oven to re-melt if needed and then continue.
Step 5: Finish Line
You’ve officially helped remove a single-use plastic item from your daily life! Once dry, the wrap is ready to use. You could also wash them once before use if you wish. See the use and care tips below.
Tips
Want to make more? You can use any thin cotton fabric to make beeswax wraps. Why not recycle an old pillowcase, fabric from a shirt or dress, or even vintage handkerchiefs?
Don’t add too much wax to your fabric; it may crack and peel off. If you add too much, just place another cotton square on top and iron over it. The other square will absorb the excess wax.
Care Instructions
- Roll or gently fold the wraps and store them in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Clean with cold water and mild soap. Leave to air dry. If you’ve only used them to store dry products, a rinse with water should be enough.
- Do not use them for hot food or raw meat.
- The wax coating will eventually wear off with use, folding, and washing. You can re-wax your wrap by following the instructions above.
- Worn-out beeswax wraps can be composted at the end of their useful life.
You've successfully completed your Rethink Plastic experience!
Nice work! Now what?
We’d love your thoughts!
Have 32 seconds? We always want to make these experiences better and would love your feedback.
Learn more
Visit the Plastic Oceans website to learn more about their mission and how you can continue supporting them.
Learn More
Recycling is hard so we made this resource list to make it easier!
We build our volunteer events to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Whether it is offsetting the carbon emissions of the shipping process, using recycled cardboard for the boxes, or relying on algae based dyes, we’ve made conscious steps to ensure we’re doing right for our world.
How we offset our carbon footprint
We have partnered with Cool Effect on The Mare Chicose landfill project in Mauritius to reduce methane emissions, generate electricity, create jobs, and promote sustainable development. Investing in the project helps reduce our carbon footprint and support global climate change mitigation.
Have questions about your experience?
We’re here to help!
Get in touch with us here or give us a call. Feel free to also chat with Kai and he’ll fetch a member of our team to help!
