My goal this month is to figure out how to reduce plastics from deli meat and cheeses. Going plastic-free with this challenge would be preferable, but I don’t know if that’s realistic. Because so far, the advice I’ve found for this topic hasn’t really been working.
I’ve read about people going to their local deli or butcher and being able to bring their own containers for the meats. Which is such a great way to reduce plastics from deli meat!
Unfortunately, I haven’t been having any luck with that strategy. Maybe it’s because the advice was from pre-2020, but the last few grocery stores I’ve talked to said bringing in your own container for meats went against their health regulations. So, now I need to rethink my options to reduce plastics from deli meat and cheeses.
Personal impact if I reduce plastics from deli meat and cheeses
Why focus on the deli meats and cheeses? I wanted to challenge myself by reducing the single-use plastics I throw away. In one week I go through about 2.5 packages between the deli meats and cheeses. That adds up to about 130 plastic packages in the garbage every year.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to find more variety for my lunches. Especially, more eco-friendly lunch options.
What are my options to reduce, reuse, and recycle for this challenge?
When you look at the Monthly Challenge Worksheet, you’ll see there’s a section for figuring out the reduce, reuse, recycle, and refuse/alternate options.
Reduce – I could minimize plastic with the deli meats by buying the larger packages, and the same with the cheeses.
Reuse – Reusable containers are only an option if I can find a grocer or butcher that allows them.
Recycle – The recycling option is out because my municipality doesn’t recycle deli meat or cheese packaging (be sure to contact your local recycling center to find out what is and isn’t recyclable in your area).
Refuse/replace – I think my best option to reduce single-use plastics will be to find alternatives for the deli meat. As for the cheeses, the reduced plastic option sounds feasible.
The deli meat and cheese analysis
To figure out alternatives we must first analyze the primary use for deli meats and what they contribute to daily life. For me, that primary use is sandwiches.
Sandwiches are by nature a portable, handheld food that doesn’t require any cooking, they’re quick and easy to assemble, and the fixings can last for about a week in the fridge. These will be the requirements I set for my deli meat alternative strategies.
Options to reduce plastics from deli meat and cheeses
Strategy for deli meats
The first deli meat alternatives that come to mind that meet those requirements are proteins that come in metal cans or glass jars. Metal and glass have the option of being recycled here, whereas the plastic meat and cheese packaging will go straight to the landfill. I don’t want to be relying too heavily on canned meat, so I will be exploring my freeze-dried meat and plant-protein options. Note – While freeze-dried food* comes in metal cans it is not the same as canned food. I will discuss this in more detail in another article.
Strategy for cheeses
As for cheeses, I will forego the pre-sliced and pre-shredded options and utilize the blocks of cheese instead. The block cheese still comes in plastic packaging but appears to use less packaging overall. I’m also going to see what I can find in the way of small wheels of cheese but first I have to learn more about their wax coating. Turns out, cheese wax is typically made from a paraffin base, so I’m not sure yet whether I should count that as plastic or not.
Stay tuned to see how this month goes to reduce plastics
Throughout this month I will be sharing some recipes, tips, and resources that help me with the challenge.
What’s your favorite non-deli meat sandwich? Share in the comments below! Also, please mention if you have been able to bring your own container to the deli department.
*Affiliate Disclosure – I include links for the products I mention and personally use throughout this website. Many of these product links are affiliate/referral links where Sustainable Pursuits llc may receive a small compensation for recommendations made in reference to the products or services on this website. This helps to support Sustainable Pursuits llc and my ability to share these experiences with you.
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