Zero-waste cooking: four alternatives to parchment paper

When we strive for zero waste every day, we are constantly looking for new tips. Goals? Replace all non-reusable, non-compostable and non-recyclable accessories with more sustainable, more ecological and more economical alternatives. Example today with baking paper.

Photo: Shutterstock

Widely used in the kitchen (especially for baking), baking paper (also called baking paper) has a major disadvantage: it can only be used once. No sooner has he had a few cookies baked than he is immediately thrown in the trash, among the household waste, which cannot be recycled. Economically, we’ve seen better, and ecologically, let’s not talk about it. Fortunately, there are other solutions available to us and everyone can choose the one they prefer. A brief overview of ecological alternatives to parchment paper.

The dish buttered and sprinkled with flour

Photo: Shutterstock

Neither our grandparents nor their ancestors waited to find parchment paper in the supermarket to bake pastries. Their method? Combine fat with flour. And what worked in the past still works. To make it work, all you need to do is put butter or oil on the dish intended to hold the dish. Then we sprinkle this dish with a little flour. This creates a thin protective layer that prevents food from sticking.

silicone baking mat

Photo: Shutterstock

Rather than renew your stash of parchment paper indefinitely (and foolishly fill your trash), how about investing in a silicone baking mat once and for all? This non-stick cloth not only offers undeniable environmental and economic benefits (compared to parchment paper), but also has the advantage of being easy to use, especially as it can be cleaned with just a sponge. And here you do not need to add a drop of fat.

Plant-based alternatives

Photo: Shutterstock

Original, 100% natural and dietetic (no addition of fat required), plant-based alternatives are not lacking in interest. The idea? Simply replace the parchment paper with sheets. All you have to do is choose the edible leaves of your choice, rinse them with hot water, place them in your bowl or on your baking tray and then place your preparation on top. At your disposal: cabbage leaves, chard leaves, lettuce leaves or even banana leaves (more for desserts).

edible beeswax

This option (proposed by The women’s magazine) should delight lovers of sweet dishes such as pies, cakes or other cakes. The idea? Buy some beeswax (preferably organic) and use it to coat your dish.

Changing your habits to produce less waste is possible and not always complicated.

Leave a Comment