There is a new environmentally friendly product I just heard about – Beeswax wrap. Do you know anything about it? ~A Reader

Dear Reader,

Beeswax wraps are a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap. They come in various sizes: small, medium and large, as well as a bread wrap that is 17” x 23”. These wraps can be used to wrap food such as cheese, sandwiches, snacks, or bread. However, they are not suitable for hot foods or meat. They can be placed on top of a bowl or jar, as you would plastic wrap. Using only the warmth of your hands, Beeswax wraps can be molded and shaped around food or the top of a bowl or container. Wash the wraps in warm or cool water, dry and reuse. Don’t use hot water as that would melt the wax. The Beeswax wraps are made with organic cotton, sustainably sourced beeswax and natural tree resin. They can be purchased locally at Bella’s in Lewisburg, located at 1017 Washington Street or online. Beeswax wraps really great new sustainable alternative to plastic!

Someone told me that cereal boxes could be recycled with office paper. This doesn’t seem to make sense. Are they correct? ~Recycler

Dear Recycler,

Yes, you were given correct information, even though it sounds a little strange. In a previous column we said to put these items in with cardboard. Actually, cereal and toothpaste boxes, candy and frozen dinner boxes (not waxed), shoe and tissue boxes and other similar type boxes should be recycled with office paper! All these boxes are all made of the recyclable material called paperboard; a material similar in shape and composition to paper, but generally thicker, stronger, and more rigid. Earth911.com stated that “paperboard items have one layer while corrugated cardboard has three layers –two flat pieces sandwiched around a middle wavy layer.” Actually, we use lots of paperboard products every day, ones that we all may have previously put in with cardboard or in the trash. It seems weird at first to put a cereal box in with office paper, but I know we will all soon adapt to this new way of thinking about paperboard boxes.

I received an email from Environmental America stating that “in just 30 short years, the plastics industry will generate as much greenhouse gas pollution as 615 coal-fired power plants. Nearly all plastic is made from fossil fuel sources. Not only do plastics pollute our land and water and kill wildlife, but even their production releases some of the worst greenhouse gases. It’s like pouring gas on the fire of our climate crisis.” ~Environmentalist

Dear Environmentalist,

Thanks for the timely information.  As individuals and as a community, we all need to do more to reduce our plastic footprint.  One of the best, and simplest, ways to do this is to avoid the use of single-use plastics, such plastic bags, straws and stirrers, disposable containers, disposable cups, plates and cutlery, whenever possible.