My goal this month is to figure out how to go plastic-free for deli meats and cheeses. Or at the very least reduce the amount of disposable plastic used. I’ve read about people going to the deli counter at their grocer or local butchers and being able to bring their own containers for the meats. Maybe it’s because the advice was from pre-2020 but the last few grocery stores I’ve talked to said it went against their health regulations for people to bring in their own containers. That’s what got me wondering, how does someone go plastic-free for deli meats and cheeses nowadays?
Why I chose this goal and what’s the impact?
Why focus on the deli meats and cheeses? I wanted to challenge myself by eliminating/reducing a single-use plastic packaging I throw away at least once a week. In reality, I go through about 2.5 packages a week – 1 meat, 1 sliced cheese, and 1/2 a package of shredded cheese. That’s 130 plastic packages in the garbage every year. Also, this challenge sounded interesting to me because I wanted to find more variety for my lunches.
What are my sustainable options?
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. I could minimize plastic with the deli meats by buying the larger packages, and the same with the cheeses. Reusable containers are only an option if I can find a grocer or butcher that allows them. 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). So I think my best option will be to find alternatives for the deli meat. As for the cheeses, the reduced plastic option sounds the most 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, is 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 alternatives.
The plan for plastic-free and/or reduced plastic
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.
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 (www.cheeseandyogurt.co.uk) so I’m not sure yet whether I should count that as plastic or not.
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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