Waverley Primary School students abuzz over wraps made out of Whanganui beeswax

Waverley Primary School juniors with beeswax wraps that they made as an alternative to cling wrap for their food. Photo / Supplied

More than 100 Waverley Primary School students participated in two practical beeswax wrap-making sessions last week.

They did it as part of Bee Aware Month thanks to apiary business Comvita Kiwi Bee which has hives on Pauls Rd in Whanganui East.

Comvita provided the students with beeswax from the hives, baking paper, irons and graters to create the sustainable product.

Comvita communications advisor Emma Schuler said that they wanted to play their part in reducing single use plastics.

"Beeswax wraps are a great alternative to cling wrap for wrapping school lunches in," Schuler said.

"It's also an opportunity to teach to the kids about the amazing role bees play in our ecosystem and how they help preserve the natural environment around us."

Comvita will be providing the classes to more than 400 children across New Zealand throughout the month.

Other schools being visited are Kerikeri High School in Northland, Paengaroa School in Bay of Plenty, Meeanee School in Hawke's Bay and Dalefield School in the Wairarapa.

Organised by Apiculture New Zealand, Bee Aware Month aims to get New Zealanders thinking about honey bees and their contribution to biodiversity and the economy.

The Bee Aware Month theme in 2018 is bee health.

To make your own, you need: Beeswax, cotton fabric, baking paper, a grater, an iron, a pair of scissors and newspaper.

Cover your workspace in newspaper as to not make a mess.
Cut your cotton fabric to a size you like (A4 works well).
Grate enough beeswax to sprinkle over your fabric later.
Cut two pieces of baking paper (make sure they are both larger than your fabric).
Place one piece of baking paper on your workspace.
Place the bright side of your fabric face down on top of the baking paper.
Sprinkle grated beeswax over your fabric (like you're sprinkling cheese on a pizza).
Place the second piece of baking paper on top, covering the wax and fabric.
Iron the wrap gently, until the wax melts evenly under the baking paper.
While the wrap is still warm, carefully peel the baking paper off each side.
When the wrap has cooled, trim the edges to look tidy.