Some believe that Silicone is more environmentally friendly than plastic. It is made from silica, which is derived from sand, and manufacturing silicone does not involve mining for crude oil, which most plastics are made from. It is also more durable than plastic so it lasts longer. Silicone is recyclable but not biodegradable, however, it does not break down into micro-plastics either, which makes it ocean-friendly and less harmful than plastic.
One of the reasons why silicone is considered to be a good alternative to plastic is because it doesn’t contain the harmful chemicals we’ve become aware of that linger in plastic items, such as phthalates and BPA. Physically silicone has a better heat resistance and is considered to be non-toxic and safe for contact with food and drink. It is also considered a material of choice for essential oil-infused products, as glass and silicone are known not to react with essential oils.
Others argue that Silicone isn’t the most environmentally friendly material on the market, because producing silicone uses some types of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, which isn’t sustainable. It’s difficult to recycle, and most facilities won’t accept it. With that said, silicone is a suitable alternative to plastic — it’s just not the best.