The Martlet

In 2008, the American municipal solid waste stream contained 30 million tons of plastic – about 12 per cent of the total solid waste. In 1960, less than one per cent of America’s solid waste was plastic.

We use plastic every day, in products, as packaging and to wrap and transport our food. However, most plastic is non-recyclable and goes straight to the landfill where it takes thousands of years to decompose.

Most people have started bringing reusable bags when they go grocery shopping and carrying personal water bottles instead of buying bottled water, but a new sustainable alternative will help you remove plastic from another area of your life — food storage.

Abeego is a product invented and produced in Victoria that replaces plastic wrap and baggies. It’s made of hemp, cotton, beesewax and plant extracts. So, not only is it durable and reusable, but it also smells awesome.

Abeego creator Toni Desrosiers said she knew there had to be an alternative to plastic wrap that could be created out of natural things, because people stored food before plastic wrap was invented.

She experimented with several substances, including straight beesewax, and researched food storage as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans.

And then, voila, Abeego was born.

Abeego is more durable than plastic wrap, and doesn’t have the annoying habit of clinging to itself. It is easily cleaned with cold, soapy water. If used to cover a bowl, it may maintain some creases after washing, but will still easily morph to cover another sized food product.

The wrap comes in several different forms. Abeego Wrap replaces things like Ziplock baggies, and accommodates items like sandwiches, or even salad. Abeego Snack is a smaller version of the Wrap, and carries things like trail mix, nuts, or cookies. The Flats come in three sizes, six-, nine- and 12-inch. Desrosiers says a larger Flat is in the works, as well as more flexibility in the sizes of flats available for purchase, instead of only a three-pack of six-, nine- and 12-inch.

So far, my Abeego Flats have proven themselves on sandwiches, pasta bowls, and various leftovers. The product’s durability and ease of use suggests good things for Abeego Wrap and Snack.

Abeego has been available for purchase for about one year, and Desrosiers says, so far, her Abeego products are still kicking.

One drawback is that Abeego is easily stained by pigment-rich foods like pasta sauce or berries, due to the fact it is made partly of fabrics. Food must also be cool before using Abeego, which can be problematic if you’re in a rush.

Over the past year, the product has spread to retailers across the country, and even in the USA. Lifestyles Market, where Desroisers worked, was her first retail supporter. Desrosiers said she has partnered specifically with local, independent, eco-conscious retailers to get her product to the public.

On the website, Abeego Wrap sells for $15, Snack for $11 and Flats (squares) for $15, directly. However, Desroisers encourages people to support local businesses and purchase their Abeego products from one of many eco-friendly Victoria shops that carries them. To find a retailer, visit Abeego.ca.