Plastic-free July began as a grassroots movement in Western Australia in 2011. Today it is a global phenomenon. In 2019 we will see millions of people "choosing to refuse" and pledging to be more aware of their plastic use. 

Closer to home, in Ireland, we generate an average of 61kgs of plastic per person every year.  Single-use plastic includes items such as cling-film, plastic cups, food packaging and cosmetic packaging. Plastic pollution adversely affects wildlife, waterways and oceans. Wildlife and marine animals can be harmed either by mechanical effects, such as entanglement in plastic objects, problems related to ingestion of plastic waste or through exposure to chemicals within plastics. 

As such, here at Millbee we recognise how important it is to cut out single-use plastic. Our Beeswax Wraps are essential for ditching single-use plastic. We are consciously creating a product that limits waste. Through using our wraps not only can you create a plastic-free household but also do your bit to reduce plastic pollution in our landfills and eco-systems.

Our Beeswax Wraps show our passion for reducing plastic use and pollution.

On top of this, we have comprised four simple steps you can also take in order to reduce your plastic consumption. 

Water! What type of bottle?

There are many great alternatives to plastic bottles and plastic cups. Try to keep an eye out for stainless steel reusable bottles. Not only do they reduce plastic usage but also keep your water cool. Another increasingly popular alternative is the glass bottle. Many retailers also sell soft and protective covers for your bottles to keep them safe during travel and use. 

Top tip: If you ever lose your reusable bottle cap our small-sized Millbee Beeswax Wrap can be used as a temporary watertight cover for your bottle!

Takeaway Coffee. Doing it guilt-free!

Many Coffee shops offer a discount when you bring your own portable cup. Similar to bottles, reusable coffee cups can come in glass and steel forms.

Some cheaper versions come in more durable plastic or have plastic lined inside. These versions of reusable cups are less desirable as hot drinks can cause chemicals from the plastic to leak into your drink. 

Any brands from Themos to Keepcup provide super convenient replacements for single-use coffee cups. Plus, they ensure the safest method of carrying your hot drinks. 

Top Tip: Cutting out cow’s milk also adds to the reduction of plastic bottle use. Asking for Soy or Oat milk in your coffee not only adds a healthy sweetness to your coffee but also reduces waste. Alternatives to Cow’s milk are often packaged in recyclable packaging.

Plastic Straws vs. Alternative Straws. 

An easy step to participating in Plastic Free July is to cut our use of plastic straws. Plastic straws have been proven to be dangerous for marine wildlife, particularly turtles. Plastic straws are often mistakenly ingested or get stuck in marine mammals respiratory systems. 

Requesting no straw while at a coffee shop or the bar are simple but great ways to do your bit for the environment. Moreover completely cutting them out of your shopping list, parties or barbecues are also super effective. 

In most homeware stores you can now also buy portable metal straws that are convenient for anyone who loves to have a straw with their iced coffee or evening cocktail. 

Top Tip: During your summer parties, or winter get-togethers our Beeswax Wrap can keep your glasses safe and covered if you have to tend to the oven, socialise with guests or need a break from one to many gins! 

Getting the groceries.

Most supermarkets offer 'Bags for life' that are helpful in reducing the consumption of single-use plastic bags. However, did you know that most supermarkets are happy for you to take their cardboard boxes to transport your groceries home? If you see an empty cardboard box, it’s yours to take!

'Bags for life', cloth bags and cardboard boxes are super for transport, however, there is still a large amount of plastic used in the wrapping of our food and drink. When it comes to the bakery, fruit and veg sections try using our Beeswax wraps to separate and contain your loaf of bread, courgettes, avocados and tomatoes. 

Top tip: Without packaging, it is hard to avoid damage and blemishes on your fruit, such as apples, pears and peaches. Millbee Beeswax Wraps can be used to cover and protect these items during transport and storage at home.

Find out more about Plastic Free July here. 

We are delighted to announce that we have been nominated for The Irish Country Magazine​ Irish Made Awards 2019!

Not only are we focused on the importance of sustainability but also the importance of being a homegrown Irish company. We are proud to be nominated alongside some of Irelands best Irish design businesses and makers. 

This is a public vote so we need your vote to get through to the final!

Share and encourage your friends to vote.

To vote, scroll to category 2 (home category) and vote 'Millbee Studio' - 

https://irishcountrymagazine.ie/vote-irish-made-awards-2019/

I am delighted to have a stall at this years Sheridans Food Festival. The market takes place Sunday 26th May from 10-6pm at their Virginia Road Station Headquarters in Co. Meath. The festival highlights producers across Ireland that make up the diverse food culture of our island. Children are central to the Festival and there will be a series of workshops for the next generation of Irish food lovers. This year, food producer and author Olivia Goodwillie is running three Children’s workshops with themes focusing on wheat, dairy, and vegetables.  

New Bread Wrap

I will be selling Irish made beeswax food wraps and will be introducing a new large bread wrap - ideal for wrapping up and keeping fresh homemade bread! 

More details on what's happening at the festival here 

Looking forward to meeting everyone and stocking up on some delicious foods!

Welcome to my first blog post. Let me start by sharing a bit about myself. My name is Jennifer. I'm a mum to Jane (5 yrs) and Matthew (4 yrs) and I'm married to Joe. I'm a country girl, living in the midlands of Ireland which has a beautiful landscape and bogland scenery. So where did Millbee come from? It was a number of things. First, I was familiar with beeswax and all its great uses. I had been making beeswax candles and keeping bees. And second, I wanted to become more sustainable. As a mother, I’ve been growing increasingly aware of the impact our practices have on our kids’ futures. I’ve become more conscious of how much plastic we actually use and how we can change this.

Beeswax Wraps

I started to make and use beeswax food wraps for my family and soon after, my friends and relatives started asking me for them too! I made my first batch of beeswax food wraps and set up a stall at the local food market and sold out! Turns out there are lots of people who are sick of using clingfilm and want to become more sustainable. So for me, this is the beginning of a new business journey. I want to create a business that has a positive impact on our environment and one that is socially responsible. Big changes are needed which everyone needs to be on board with, and I want to do my part in our environment.