Instead of paper towels and cling wrap?

[Samm]

We're in the process of greening up our kitchen and right now that means reducing paper towels and cling wrap. My question is what do you use instead in the microwave? We use the paper towels to control splattering and the cling wrap if we're steaming veggies. TIA!!

[Peppermint Poppies]

I've been wondering the same thing. At the moment, I use paper towels and compost them.

[hollytheteacher]

You can buy one of those splatter shield things that fit over the plate...then you can re-wash and re-use. As for steaming veggies why not just do it on the stove?

[aprons_and_acorns]

We use corningware dishes with glass lids in the microwave. I think steaming veggies in the microwave uses less energy than on the stove, but I could be wrong about that.

[cristeen]

Cling wrap shouldn't be put in the microwave to begin with, as it emits nasty chemicals at high heat.

We don't actually use a microwave, but a dinner plate flipped upside down over the dish will prevent splatters. For steaming veg, get yourself a ceramic or glass dish with a ceramic or glass lid. But honestly, it's better for the veggies to be steamed on the stovetop. It's much more difficult to overcook them.

[TinyBabyBean]

We always use washcloths instead of paper towels. We also cook veggies on the stove as well. But, for microwave cooking the plate upside down trick works well.

[annethcz]

Another vote for corningware glass dishes with lids if you're using the microwave. But honestly, I usually just use the stove because it seems easier.

[dkapdblack]

I definitely vote for a flipped-over plate if you have to use a microwave.
However... microwaves kill like 95% of the vitamins and antioxidants in food. We got rid of ours last year and haven't missed it yet. Steaming on the stovetop is much nicer. I do understand how convenient the microwave is, though....

[robertandenith]

I use paper towels in the micro when heating stuff but I honestly try to avoid to use it or to cook in it. check this out http://www.execonn.com/sf/

When I use the micro I try to use glass instead of plastic to avoid leaching. sorry I went OT here

I like to buy Greenwise paper towels available at my supermarket. I don't feel so bad for over consumption!

Originally Posted by dkapdblack

We got rid of ours last year and haven't missed it yet.

YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!

[mama_ani]

We use cloths instead of paper towel and a plate or lid on/over whatever we're cooking in the microwave.

[tightwaderin]

I like to use wax paper. Anyone know of any problems with it?

[rmzbm]

Another vote for cloth towels.

[Ruthla]

Originally Posted by tightwaderin

I like to use wax paper. Anyone know of any problems with it?

Only that it's harder to find than plastic cling wrap, and it's still disposable.

[jeninejessica]

We use cloths for most things that need papertowel. I also have j-cloths for something if I know cleanup is going to be really bad, so that I don't use half a roll of paper towel. Then I'll try to rinse it, but if it doesn't... that's ok too.

[BananaBreadGirl]

I put veggies in a Corelleware cereal or serving dish, then cover with a right-side-up appropriate-sized plate (dessert or full size), and microwave. When it's time for the meal to start, someone gets to use the plate, so I'm not making extra dishes either!