ladygish's Profile

You should avoid using plastic wrap on any pastry. The plasticizers that make plastic wrap soft and flexible WILL leach into foods. They are attracted to fats which is why pastry is at the top of the list of things to never wrap in it(this is also why you shouldn't use it for meat, cheese, etc.). If you must use plastic wrap, use the type made from low density polyethylene (LDPE) which is a little better.

dksbook- plastic wrap cannot be recycled. If it is put in with the recycling, you are most likely contaminating entire batches of plastic. If this happens the whole lot cannot be used.

bewarethebaobabs is right, true cellophane is completely biodegradable, however most is made with polypropylene. On the bad side, cellophane causes health problems in the people who manufacture it.

Parchment paper is usually bleached and coated with chemicals (i.e. Teflon or Quilon) so it can't be recycled.

Wax paper is coated with a non-stick resin made from formaldehyde or petroleum. There are unbleached, soy-based alternatives.

Bottom line, I think the people who recommend using glass or kitchen towels are probably right. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they are safe to use. They're also the cheapest option because you don't have to keep buying them for life! I've also recently come across the Abeego flats and am excited to try them. Glad to see someone has had a good experience with them!