The Truth About Silicone, Polymers, and “Non-Toxic” Living

Around here, we care deeply about material safety.

But we also understand the overwhelm that can come with trying to live a more intentional life. One article says stainless steel is the best. Another says it leaches nickel. One expert recommends silicone baby products, while another says silicone is “just plastic.”

At some point, it can start to feel like every material is bad.

So today, let’s talk about polymers, silicone, and what we actually mean when we say we try to choose “better” materials in our home.

First, what is a polymer?

A polymer is simply a material made up of long repeating molecular chains.

Some polymers are synthetic, like plastic or silicone. Others occur naturally. Even things like cellulose, natural rubber, and proteins are technically polymers.

But here’s the important part...

Not all polymers behave the same.

Lumping every polymer into one category is a little like saying all metals are the same. Stainless steel behaves differently than aluminum. Cast iron behaves differently than copper.

The same goes for polymers.

So… is silicone plastic?

Technically, silicone is a synthetic polymer. But chemically, it behaves very differently than many conventional plastics.

Many common plastics are carbon-based polymers. Some require additives and plasticizers to stay soft and flexible. Over time, especially under heat, friction, or wear, these materials can scratch, degrade, or leach compounds more easily.

Food grade silicone is different.

Its structure is built around silicon-oxygen bonds, which are generally far more stable than the carbon-based chains used in many soft plastics.

That’s part of why food grade silicone:

• tolerates heat much better
• remains flexible without phthalate plasticizers
• tends to remain relatively inert at normal temperatures
• flexes instead of becoming brittle and scratched

Think about biting a cheap plastic straw versus a silicone one.

A soft plastic straw often visibly scratches, dents, or peels. Silicone typically flexes and returns to shape.

That doesn’t necessarily mean nothing can ever come off a silicone product. No material is perfectly inert forever. But it does help explain why many people consider high quality food grade silicone to be a more stable option compared to softer conventional plastics.

Does that mean silicone is perfect?

No.

And honestly, around here, we don’t believe in “perfectly non toxic.”

Every material has tradeoffs.

• Ceramic can contain heavy metals if poorly made.
• Wood products can contain glue or synthetic finishes.
• Stainless steel contains nickel and chromium.
• Glass can chip or break.

At some point, you have to zoom out and focus on reducing the largest and most consistent exposures first instead of spiraling over every single material in your home.

Our approach at Hillside

We believe in choosing stable materials where it makes sense.

We prioritize reducing unnecessary exposure to things like:

• heating food in plastic
• scratched nonstick coatings
• heavily worn or low quality materials
• unnecessary disposable products

But we also believe modern life requires balance.

Not every family can replace every item overnight. And honestly, we don’t think fear should be the foundation of a healthy home.

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is thoughtful progress.

A more intentional kitchen.
Cleaner water.
Better materials where possible.

Non-toxic living shouldn’t leave you afraid of every fork, bowl, straw, or plate in your house.

It should simply help you make more informed choices over time.

This is exactly why we created our clean kitchen collection. Thoughtfully designed pieces made with stable materials, timeless function, and everyday use in mind.