When planning to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle, common advice suggests eliminating plastic. In recent years, we have produced billions of tons of plastic. Currently, silicone products have become strong contenders against plastic alternatives. Silicon is long-lasting, durable, and more efficient than plastic.
However, there are several myths about silicone in the market and in the blog, we’ll resolve each one of them.
What is silicone?
Silicone is a synthetic polymer developed from silica, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. Silica, one of the primary raw materials is sourced from the sand, a non-renewable source but available in abundance in nature. But, does silicone help in making a green footprint on the environment? Will silicone products lead to a greener lifestyle?
Is silicone a sustainable material?
Silicon is the second most abundant element present in the Earth’s crust. It makes up 28% of the Earth’s crust, making the mining of silicon possible. In other words, we can say that silicone can be considered a sustainable material.
Is silicone eco-friendly?
Silicone is far more eco-friendly than plastic. Its manufacturing process and quality impose less strain on the environment compared to plastic.
Is silicone long-lasting and durable?
Silicone products are long-lasting and durable. From the date of purchase, they will retain their functionality for up to 10 years of proper use, unlike plastic products. Silicone products are highly resistant to temperature conditions, both hot and cold. They can be molded into different shapes and sizes for efficient use.
Do silicone products harm the environment?
Compared to plastic products, silicone does not break down into micromaterials that harm the environment. During disposal, silicone products do not produce any harmful chemicals, while plastic products emit harmful chemicals.
Are silicone materials safe for cooking?
Yes, silicone materials are more safe for cooking than plastic products. They are non-toxic and completely safe to handle your food. Its heat-resistant properties prevent burns while cooking. Silicone products have been giving tough competition to plastic ones in the cooking industry.
What silicone products are best for living a zero-waste lifestyle?
One of the best places to start a zero-waste lifestyle is the kitchen.
- Ice Cube Trays:
- Food Storage Containers:
- Cooking Utensils:
Getting ice cubes out of plastic is always a great hassle. There are chances where an ice cube can hit your face or the floor. On the other hand, getting ice cubes out of a silicone tray is always easy; firm in the freezer and flexible at room temperature.
Switching to silicone food containers provides a clean, organized, and long-lasting option. Plastic food containers don’t usually last that long and they might alter the nutritional consistency of the food.
Silicone utensils are resistant to extremely high temperatures during cooking, providing a perfect option that will last for many years. They do not suffer from torn edges and will be in the same structure even after years of use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how silicone affects the environment is a tricky task, but we need to separate facts from fiction. Silicone is a useful material and has a wide range of applications in numerous industries. Silicone production uses minimal fuels and is sustainable. Using silicone products will help you lead a greener and eco-friendly lifestyle.