Cheesy Fire Starters
Who else loves cheese as much as we do? Since trying to reduce our single-use plastic we have been trying to find new ways to buy cheese. Often I can purchase some package free from our local deli and place them directly into our containers or wrapped in my beeswax wrap.
There are also many other things you can do with your wax, like sealing bottles and jars, make some epic medieval wax seals or even saving it if you want to coat your own hard cheese or pass it to someone that does.
The fire starter recipe (link in bio) is really easy to make and what I love most about it is that you are giving the cheese was as well as a toilet roll a second life. If you have a lot of lint from your dryer or vacuum cleaner you could save these as well and work them into your fire starters as well.
What you will need:
- Cheese wax
- Pot with water to serve as a double boiler
- Glass jar (I use the same one as I safe the cheese in and reuse it)
- Stirrer
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Paper (Newspaper, toilet roll paper or cardboard basically and paper that is preferably coming out of the recycling)
- Tea towel or oven mitts to handle the glass jar.
- Wooden chopping board
- Mug or glass
- Optional – lint from vacuum cleaner and dryer
Method:
- Cut all your cheese wax into small pieces (1-2cm x 1x 2cm). The smaller the pieces are, the quicker they will melt.
- You will now use the double boiler technique to melt the candles. Place a pot with water on the stove. (Make sure your glass jar can easily stand in the pot)
- Place wax in the glass jar. If you have a lot of wax, I would recommend only half at a time to speed up the process. Place the glass jar in your pot with water and heat it up on medium to high heat.
- Use your stirrer and gently start moving the wax around. It will slowly start to melt.
- While your wax is melting place your toilet rolls on a piece of paper on a wooden chopping board and have an empty mug or glass close by.
- Once the wax is fully melted, carefully remove it from the pot and pour it into the toilet roll. (If you are using your lint you can mix it in when the wax is melted and just give it another minute before pouring into your toilet roll). Place the mug or cup on top of the toilet roll to ensure the wax does not run out at the bottom.
- If you have more wax, you can repeat this till all the wax is melted.
- Leave the wax in the toilet rolls for a few hours till it is completely cooled and hardened. Cut the waxed filled toilet roll with a sharp knife into about 1-2cm thick disks.
- Your fire starters are now ready to use. You can prepare your fire and light one up and place it in your fire to get your fire going. Depending on the wax you used it should burn around 10-20 minutes.
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.