Spaza Dish Covers are breathable covers for food that are reusable, machine washable and will adjust to cover different sizes and shapes of dishes.

Having never been a fan of plastic, Julia Schaffer was frustrated with the lack of alternatives available – especially in the kitchen. “We have limited power over the single use plastics found in mainstream grocery stores – but we have complete power over what we use in our homes, “says Julia.

Determined to come up with an alternative, she designed the dish covers that are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap.  She believes these work even better than plastic.

“We have been brainwashed into believing that plastic keeps food fresh.  As mother nature would have it, fresh is related to time and plastic can’t stop time by locking in freshness despite many successful advertising campaigns. A carrot is fresh when it is pulled from the ground. Every day after that it become less fresh.”

“Being breathable, dish covers eliminate condensation and through the process of evaporation, allow your food to cool quickly in the refrigerator”.

Originally all hand made by Julia, the covers are now all made by township women in troubled communities, on the outskirts of cape Town, South Africa, where Julia believes the guardianship of women is critical. Her unique arrangement with them allows these women to be at home to take care of and protect their families while still being able to earn an income.

The covers are all made from sustainably sourced cotton, and hand printed by Schaffer.

The range is distributed in Australia and New Zealand exclusively through Buxton Hanley. “As curators of sustainable lifestyle products, we seek out suppliers who are actively involved in giving back either to their communities or the environment and were thrilled to find a brand that does both.”

“Through creating a range that reduces the amount of plastic in circulation and providing employment to women who would otherwise not have any alternative Spaza is truly making the world a better place one dish cover at a time,” says Caryn Hanley, Commercial Director at Buxton Hanley.

The round covers can be purchased individually or as a set of 4 daily salad and serving sizes or a set of 3 mini sizes for snacks, leftovers and condiments. Square and Rectangular alternatives are also available for covering large casserole and serving dishes.

The range also includes dry goods bags, bread bags and tea towel all made the same way, using sustainably sourced cotton.