If we cared about our environment as much as we cared about our homes, cars and other material possessions then we would be leaving a legacy which will benefit our children and their children’s children. Let’s face it; ‘trash’ this planet of ours now and there will be no future to leave to our children or grandchildren.
Unbleached Baking Cups
So where do we begin? We begin by finding out whether the items we use, on a daily basis, pose no threat to our health and will break-down once thrown in landfill. This is where “If You Care” will steer you in the right direction. Most of the products, sourced from Sweden, are landfill safe products. All manufactured materials are made from renewable resources and one hundred percent unbleached paper products are biodegradable. The packaging material is made from recycled paper and the inks used for printing and graphics are vegetable based. I’m partial to aluminum foil but at least by recycling it, it does not end up in landfill.
Unbleached Parchment Paper
No greasing is necessary when using “If You Care” Parchment Paper and Baking Paper. This is because the paper has been coated on both sides with silicone; a non-organic natural product. Most parchment papers are coated with quilon. The low cost to produce quilon is seeing it being made in the making of parchment paper even though it is a toxic chemical containing chrome. When incinerated (burnt) it is even more toxic. However, what is yours and your family’s health worth? I’d rather pay a little more for silicone-coated parchment paper/baking paper and breathe a sigh of relief, knowing I’m doing my bit to protect my family and the environment.
Swedish wrappers/lunch bags are made from sustainable Scandinavian Spruce trees. If you would like to know more about these and other “If You Care” products, please visit Amazon.
Other Natural Alternatives for Baking and Wrapping Food
Bamboo Leaves: These are found in Asian shops. Mostly used to wrap and tie rice before cooking and steaming. Before using bamboo leaves, soak them in warm water to prevent them from cracking. If you cannot source bamboo leaves then lotus leaves are a good substitute.
Banana Leaves: The huge leaves of the banana plant from the tropics are used to line cooking pits and to wrap the food in them. In Hawaii, a lu’au (feast) is quite popular. Cooking food in this manner gives the food a nice anise fragrance and tastes divine. Boil the leaves before using them to keep them from cracking. Banana leaves can be found among the frozen food section in Asian, Hispanic, or specialty markets.
Corn Husks: Both fresh and dried, corn husks are used to wrap tamales before steaming them. Soak the husks in hot water for about 30 minutes to make them more flexible before using them. Banana leaves (for wrapping food) or hoja santa leaves (which imparts a root beer-like flavor) are great substitutes if corn husks cannot be sourced.
Are there any questions you would like to ask? Then please feel free to contact Erin who will be only too eco friendly to help you out!
Prevent Food from Spoiling
Smaller produce will last longer in the fridge if you store them in “If You Care” sandwich paper bags before putting them in the crisper. Change to fresh bags when the other is damp/wet.
