The next time you’re packing a lunch or storing leftovers, put down that plastic wrap and reach for the aluminum foil. They may come in similar boxes, but when it comes to environmental impact, these two kitchen staples are not created equal.
Plastic wrap is made from just that – plastic. It’s petroleum-based, non-recyclable and commonly contains the toxic chemical PVC, as well as softening agents that can leach into food. Still, unwitting Americans use enough plastic wrap every year to cover Texas!
Aluminum foil is no angel either. Making new foil from virgin materials involves mining ore and emitting greenhouse gases. But while plastic wrap piles up in landfills after a single use, aluminum foil is nearly 100 percent recyclable. Aluminum can be recycled over and over without degrading the quality, stretching its lifespan much farther than plastic wrap.
Making foil from recycled aluminum takes a whopping 95 percent less energy than making new aluminum foil, so make sure to pick up recycled foil wherever possible.
Check out TitanTV for a fun video about plastic wrap versus aluminum foil.
With a little washing, aluminum foil can be easily re-used at home or prepped for recycling. Some areas collect aluminum foil with other curbside recycling, but since the foil must be completely clean, it often takes a little more work to find somewhere that will take it. Try Earth911’s database to find aluminum foil recycling centers near you.
Recycling foil may take a little more legwork than recycling aluminum cans, but don’t give up -- according to Planet Green, “Americans toss out enough aluminum every three months to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.” What a waste! Especially considering this entirely recyclable material takes 400 years to break down in a landfill.
The next time you’re strolling through the kitchen aisle, make the greener choice and pass up the plastic wrap for recycled aluminum foil.
