In the last article, we discussed why silicone isn’t always the best alternative to plastic. Sure it leaches fewer chemicals, but it also never biodegrades and just becomes another item clogging up our landfills.
To give you an idea of what you can use instead of silicone products. We created this list for your sustainable life to go to the next level.
Let us know if we didn’t mention your favorite silicone replacement product, and we make sure to add it to the list.
Swaps for the Kitchen
The silicone spatula is my first silicone product that is unnecessary. There are beautiful wooden or bamboo ones and this stainless steel one that has a hollow handle, so you don’t get burned, what’s not to like?
It’s not always black and white when it comes to living plastic-free. Stasher bags pop up in every zero waste shop nowadays, and while they might come in quite handy and are the better alternative than Ziploc bags. I would still opt for a steel container, or if I bring a sandwich, I wrap it in beeswax wrap and in these cool-looking organic cotton bags from ecolunchbox. Easy peasy. But if you need to do a lot of freezing foods, then perhaps the stasher bags will work quite well for you.
Yikes, I wouldn’t want my brownies to be cooking in this stuff. Easy zero waste swap. A standard muffin tray.
Total no brainer. Standard mittens aren’t even made from natural fabrics anymore, but why have they made out of silicone?
Yeah, sure they are cute, and that’s what the advertisers count on. They don’t mention the fact that you might mix your tea with some chemicals. Just use the stainless steel ones, much healthier.
For your baby
We just had a baby girl, yay. I was shocked to see how much plastic there is in all the baby products. Be it the bottle or the pacifier. Luckily you can get them from natural rubber, like the one from natursutten. Definite zero waste swap. With the bottles, I am using the klean kanteen baby bottle or a glass bottle with latex nipple.
For the Lady
This is one where silicone comes in handy. The diva cup is a great alternative to pads. It is made from medical grade silicone and one of the few silicone products that get and approval from the zerowasteman. (actually his wife)
For the Bathroom
This thing is essentially just a massive toothbrush that will circle the earth for many millennia. The wooden version looks and feels much more luxurious.
For the Phone
While I actually prefer my phone without a case. I understand that a lot of people want to protect their phone. Luckily there is a company called Pela which makes great biodegradable phone cases for most phones out there. So definitely check this one out.
There you have our list of the most useless silicone products that you don’t need. Sure the diva cup is perhaps the best product out there that is zero waste and a much better alternative than tampons, but then I am not the expert when it comes to lady care products.
Good afternoon Hendrik,
You are quite right, these products are nearly all silly and unnecessary. There are so many good and natural products which can substitute all this nonsense. I suppose that companies break their heads trying to invent again a new product to boost their sales. Back to natural products that do not contaminate our environment. Thank you for keeping us informed.
Regards, Taetske