I'm trying to go as green/organic/earth friendly while being as practical as possible. My ceramic mixing bowls are super heavy, glass mixing bowls are breakable, and my stainless steel mixing bowl scratches my sink. Also, the bristles in my food from natural basting brushes drive me nuts. Does anyone know if melamine mixing bowls and silicone basting brushes are safe to use?
Thanks everyone for the advice. I bought a great silicone basting brush that I will hand wash just to be safe. I also saw some great mixing bowls (thanks to Diana D.'s suggestion) at Costco that are stainless steel with rubber or silicone on the bottom. I think they were $25 or $30 for a set of three. I'm going to stay away from melamine because of the word formaldehyde associated with it. Thanks again!
Just don't microwave in them! Heat releases toxins in plastics so avoid dishwashers with hotwater and heat dry cycles too.
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Hello! Not only are they safe but they are awesome! I work for Crate and Barrel and we have great silicone basting brushes! They are only 95 cents too! They are dishwasher safe and so easy to use and clean! No bristles! I don't think we carry melamine mixing bowls but we do have cute appetizer plates that I use for my 2 yr old. The only thing about melamine is that they are not microwave safe. They get super hot.
In general it is best to stay away from plastic of any type. I would recommend using the glass bowls. I know they are breakable but it's a better alternative to plastic. The melamine bowls are not in and of themselves bad it's more the amount of plastic that we come in contact with on a daily basis- the cumulative effect of it. I have been doing a lot of reading about this and the hard core environmental community will tell you to stay away from it- all of it. That is a hard thing to do - so whenever possible chose the alternative to plastic but don't beat yourself up if you use it once in a while.
"I'm trying to go as green/organic/earth friendly while being as practical as possible."
me too!! :-)
i have melamine bowls and silicone brushes too - and they key to me is NOT putting them in the dishwasher. i don't put anything plastic-like in the dishwasher actually or the microwave either. that contributes to breaking down the materials. i would not go out and buy new melamine pieces - but i will continue to use the ones i have. if any of yours look scratched - then get rid of them. same principle as non-stick cookware. if you see scratches that means the chemicals can leach.
some people will think i am crazy for not 'trusting' these products that are deemed safe - but i would rather air on the side of caution!!
Hi S.,
So sorry that I am Posting to you so late. First of all, bravo to you for wanting to go geen. It truly is the best decision that you can make for you and your family. Second, I am too, very health and earth friendly. As a Registered Nurse,I love doing a ton of reasearch on toxins in our homes and in our environment around us and finding safer alternatives to use in our homes. I have not come across any info about melamine or silicone being harmful to you in normal temperatures. I do know that just like plastic, both Melamine and Silicone release some of their chemical compounds into whatever it comes in contact with(such as food)when it reaches high temperatures. I personally try to stear clear of plastics in general for that very reason, and also that it is not earth friendly. I own both glass and wood bowls and wooden utensils. It does take away some trees from our planet, but I would rather plant another tree in its place, than to use and then throw away plastic containers or utensils that can not be recycled.
Hope that it helped you a little bit!!
Good luck with your research efforts!!
A. Nichols
Work At Home United
Personal Mentor, Mommy of 3
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www.enriched1.com
Silicon isn't plastic, it's actually a glass product - you're definitely safe with the brushes.
If they are not heated up or frozen during use they should be safe to use. Glass & ceramic is all that should be used with hot foods & microwave to avoid PVC's and other nasties.
I bought a great mixing bowl a while back at Homegoods. It is a huge stainless steel bowl with a coating of black (rubber or silicone - I'm not sure) that covers that outside bottom and goes half way up the outside. That way it doesn't scratch my sink, or slip on the counter & it is lightweight. Look for one like this.
-D.
I was unfamiliar with melamine so I looked it up on www.wikipedia.com. According to that website, melamine is mixed with formaldehyde, which makes the plastic that becomes housewares, etc. If I understand correctly, it is indicated that melamine is slightly soluable in water and is about as toxic as table salt. But the toxicity, as slight as it is, can have side effects.
My first thought was that silicone is safer than melamine because they make everything from breast implants to baby pacifiers with silicone.
If it were my house and my kitchen, I'd stick with the silicone and stay away from the melamine.
Perhaps research it online and do a search. I too use glass, ceramic and stainless steel bowls for cooking. I'd be curious about this as well and see what responses come up.
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo
Hello S., I admire your desire to have quality tools that support your healthy way of life. I am not sure about Melamine bowls but I have heard that they are all natural and safe. And as a consultant with The Pampered Chef, I can assure you that silicone brushes are very safe as well. The are easy to clean and they don't fall apart. But the best thing about them is that they do not absorb moisture and grow bacteria. I would like to invite you to visit my web-site to browse my catalog at www.pamperedchef.biz/latashaphilleo. I would be happy to put a catalog in the mail for you if you would like.
Heres to life and health.
