The focus on finding an alternative of plastic that has no adverse effects on the environment has led people to various options, including silicone. Silicone has an advantage over most other plastic alternatives because it can replace plastic in all areas. What is Silicone? Silicone is a substance created from silicone, which is the second most abundant element found in the earth's crust. Other elements used in its manufacture include oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. It has a range of properties, including the ability to be in different states, which make it multifunctional. Silicone has low reactivity with chemicals, is resistant to the UV rays, and it is not conducive for the growth of bacteria, among other properties. Making of Silicone The silicone used in the manufacture of silicone is derived from silica, which is found in sand. The silica is heated along with carbon to produce silicon and then passed through hydrocarbons to create silicone. Therefore, silicone is a hybrid product which makes it non-biodegradable and even non-renewable. Silicone vs. Plastic Silicone is similar to plastic in two ways. It is made from non-renewable resources, and it is not biodegradable. However, it has the following advantages over plastic. Durability Silicone has far longer shelf-life compared to plastic because it does not crack, melt or damaged due to too much pressure or consistent use. With such a high level of durability, silicone items do not get thrown out or dumped out with the wastes frequently as plastics. This quality saves you money from constant replacing items and also reduces the amount of non-biodegradable waste thrown out. Impact on the Environment Silicon has a lesser negative impact on the environment compared to plastic. It does not breakdown quickly meaning even when thrown out; it will remain in its original size, which will not harm the ecosystems. It will not release chemicals into the rivers and soil, nor will it break into small pieces that will chock animal life. Impact on Human Health Plastic materials containing BPA and BPS have adverse effects on human health, and at times, plastic can react to heat and produce dangerous chemicals to human health. Silicone does not have such risks and has been approved safe for human use with no side effect observed. Benefits of using Silicone in the Kitchen In the kitchen, silicone comes with an array of befits thanks to its versatility and durable nature. Some of them include: It can be used at extreme temperatures- you can freeze and heat silicone at exceptionally and high temperatures respectively without damaging the container. Even the transition between heat and cold does not damage the items. Because it is safe for human health and it is heat-resistant, it is the perfect material for containers used in a microwave. Silicone also creates the perfect lids, which are airtight and with a good design can be used to cover any container the size of the top. The Silicone Food Bag One example of a silicone item you can use for a range of purposes at home is the multipurpose food storage bag. It is usually offered in a pack of six and can be used for storing all kinds of food. It can also be used for cooking, especially to sous vide or microwaving. The bags have an airtight seal preventing any leaks and are reusable for an extended period. Cleaning is easy since they come with an antibacterial cleaning tool. Their compact sizes and multi-functionality allow you to create extra space in your kitchen area since you will not need additional containers. _________________________________________________________________ About the Author Dr. Bibhudatta Mishra is a neuroscientist and has over 15 years of basic and applied research experience in the field of neuroscience. He has been associated with the world’s premier brain research institutes both in Germany and the USA and has published numerous high impact scientific journals. He is the founder and scientific consultant for Le Mirch and its sister company showGlamour. Connect to Dr. Mishra @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bibhudattamishra/ * * * Copyright: Le Mirch, LLC 2019 * * *
Silicone: The Ultimate Plastic Alternative ✅ About Silicone ✅ Making of Silicone ✅ Silicone vs. Plastic ✅ & the Ultimate Plastic Alternative Solution
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