Baking is a relaxing experience for many people. There is an enjoyment to the precision required to make a perfectly fluffy cake, chewy gooey cookies, or airy loaf of bread. Everything is wonderful until it comes time to clean the pan or tray in which you baked your goods. The cleanup process usually involves a lot of soaking and scrubbing. We can say for a fact that nobody likes that part. 

What do you do to minimize the dishes you have to do? If you are like most, you either use aluminum foil (not the healthiest choice) or silicone trays or mats. You can use silicone bakeware to easily remove gummy items, lotion bars, household staples, or cupcakes and muffins. The use of silicone molds may spark this question: Is it safe? Well, that truly depends, but we aim to answer it in this article.

What Is Silicone?

Before we get into cooking with silicone, it’s integral to understand the difference between silicon, silica, and silicone. Although these substances are related, they are not the same. Here’s a quick overview:

• Silicon: This is a natural element, meaning it cannot break down into smaller particles without splitting atoms. After oxygen, silicon is the second most abundant particle on the earth. It is used in many industries, including solar energy, construction, and electronics. Silicon Valley, anyone?
• Silica: This compound is made of silicon and oxygen. Silica is a primary component of the Earth’s crust and is naturally occurring in nature. It shows up in ceramics, abrasives, and glass manufacturing. You can also find silica in the human body, with some research indicating potential health benefits. 
• Silicone: You can create silicone, a synthetic polymer, by adding carbon or oxygen to silicon. It exists as a liquid, gel, or solid and is commonly used in the medical field. It exists in medical devices, including pacemakers, joint replacements, and implants. It is considered safe for these uses, and is very common in cooking utensils and bakeware. 

Is Cooking With Silicone Safe?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food-grade silicone is safe and approved for use in a variety of kitchen products. Food-grade silicone has been tested and certified by the FDA to be safe for contact with food. Food-grade silicone is a popular material for kitchenware. It is made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is a synthetic polymer. It has a superior ability to withstand heat, it is non-stick, and it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe. Popular silicone bakeware items include cupcake liners, food storage containers, ice cube trays, baking molds, and reusable straws.

Benefits Of Silicone Bakeware

Silicone bakeware items are sturdy, convenient, and last a lot longer when made with silicone rubber. These molds can go straight from the oven to the freezer, or vice versa, without affecting their integrity. They have a higher resistance to high heat and are safe for human health, even after extensive use. Continue reading for more benefits. 

Easy-to-Clean

Silicone bake mats, molds, and other products are usually easy to clean. They are highly flexible, which makes it easy to get things in and out of them, allowing for easier cleanup. Silicone bakeware tends to be dishwasher-safe, but you can easily wash the items by hand. It has a smooth surface and tends to resist stains, so it won’t retain odors. 

Non-Stick

Silicone bakeware is usually more non-stick than traditional bakeware. That is highly convenient for muffin cups and cake pans. The natural non-stick properties mean that you don’t need to oil or grease before use, although a little oil never hurts. By not using excess grease or oil, you can reduce the amount of added fats in baking. 

Reusable

It is very easy to use parchment paper or aluminum foil when baking, especially if you are trying to save yourself excess cleaning. Silicone is very durable and can withstand repeated use. It is also resistant to fading, cracking, and peeling. People tend to choose silicone for these reasons, as it is a more eco-friendly alternative to foil, cupcake liners, and more.

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Whether you look under the kitchen sink or in the hall closet in the average home, you will most likely see an assortment of cleaning products. People have their preferences for brands and scents, but there are sprays or scrubs for different needs. One product cleans the countertops, while another one makes wood furniture shiny. And then you have products that clean showers, toilets, the floors, and so on. 

Building this collection of cleaners can be expensive, not to mention damaging to your health. According to a 2018 study from the University of Bergen in Norway, people exposed to cleaning products for 20 years have the same lung function as people who smoke 20 cigarettes per day. They also experience a 40% greater risk of developing asthma. There’s a reason why you cough or find it difficult to breathe when you use oven cleaner. In fact, many of these products have warnings that you should wear protective gloves or masks while using them!

Making the switch to natural products can seem challenging or overwhelming, but it’s an easy transition to make. You just need to master a few simple cleaning hacks with ingredients you may already have in your home. There are many harmless ingredients that prove to be excellent non-toxic cleaners. Continue reading to learn more about seven natural cleaning hacks. 

Load Up On Vinegar

Whether you need to clean tubs, windows, tile, or other surfaces, distilled white vinegar is right for the job. Although it isn’t a proper disinfectant, it does work great as a natural cleaner. It works to clean and mildly sanitize many surfaces, especially bathtubs, shower doors, and metal faucets. The downside to vinegar is the smell, but you can mix it with essential oils to counteract the intensity. Click here to learn more about scented vinegar cleaners. 

Lemon Essential Oil For A Clean Microwave

Need to clean your microwave and make it smell great at the same time? Combine 15 drops of lemon essential oil and one and a half cups of water in a heat-safe bowl. Microwave for five to 10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense inside the microwave. Once complete, remove the bowl safely and wipe the grime away with a damp sponge. 

Degrease Your Stove With Baking Soda

Stovetop cleaners and degreasers are some of the harshest cleaning products to inhale. They emit very unpleasant odors and it can be difficult to breathe when you use them. Instead, pour baking soda on your stove, sprinkle with a little water, allow it to sit for one hour, and then wipe away. Your stove will look shiny and clean as ever!

Baking Soda Removes Carpet Smells

Because it’s such a great natural cleaner, let’s stick with baking soda for a moment. If you want to get rid of carpet odors, baking soda is right for the job. Next time you vacuum your carpet, sprinkle some baking soda on it first. Vacuum the carpet and you’ll be left with an odor-free carpet. This is great if you have pets that love to get their stank on carpets. 

Remove Pet Hair With Rubber Gloves

This isn’t so much a natural cleaning hack as much as it is a useful pearl of wisdom. Pet hair can be very difficult to vacuum off carpets or furniture, especially if your pet sheds a lot. When your standard vacuum can’t get the job done, slide on the rubber gloves and rub any areas that need extra cleaning. You’ll find that pet hair clings to your rubber gloves, and it will only unstick when you wash it away. 

Dust With Coffee Filters

Need to dust your electronics, which you probably neglect to clean for most of the year? Grab a coffee filter or two to help clear dust from tv screens, computer monitors, and any other electronics you have in the home. The great thing about dusting with coffee filters is that they don’t leave behind any fibers. 

Buff Surfaces With Olive Oil

You may be familiar with the health benefits of olive oil, but do you know that it can help you clean the house? Olive oil can help buff stainless steel, pots and pans, and other appliances. Drizzle some olive oil on a soft cloth and apply it in a circular motion to buff out any dirty spots. You may need to give the surface a wipe with a clean rag to reduce oil residue on the surface you buff.

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In today’s day and age, you cannot go a day without looking at screens. They are everywhere! From your phone and laptop to the tablet and TV, it’s near impossible for you to escape screens. Whether you pay bills online, binge your favorite show, or work on the computer all day, the average adult spends about 12 hours a day in front of screens. 

The smartphone is basically an extension of the self, and most people have it with them from the second they rise to the second they go to sleep. These technological devices have made life more convenient, connecting people from across the globe. They also made life during the pandemic a whole lot easier. People were able to work remotely, engaging with other employees via Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, Google Docs, and Slack. People were always connected to technology, but the pandemic transformed this connection into a hyper connection. 

How Has Hyperconnectivity Changed People?

Ever since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, people haven’t had a moment to unplug. They watched online cooking tutorials and all of the shows from every streaming service, and scrolled through every social media platform. People may not be aware of it, but all of this screen time takes a physical toll on the body. “Tech neck” is a term that describes the hunching posture that occurs as a result of looking at screens, primarily computers and phones. The average human head weighs about 10-12 pounds, and leaning forward to look down at screens puts incredible strain on the spine. Additionally, people can experience “text claw,” which can lead to a higher risk of tendinitis in the wrist and forearm. 

Why Should You Disconnect?

A relationship with technology is not a bad thing, but sometimes it does more harm than good to your mental and physical health. Too much time spent “plugged in” can lead to poor posture, sleep deprivation, stress, and loneliness. Unplugging from your devices offers numerous benefits, including an opportunity to reconnect with the self. When you disconnect, you’ll find that you are more present and appreciate the natural world. Read more about the benefits of unplugging below. 

The Health Benefits Of Unplugging

You Get To Enjoy The Little Things

When you spend time away from technology, it’s a lot easier to find joy in things that would otherwise bore you. Spending time doing a puzzle, playing a card game, cooking a big meal, or reading a book seem more rewarding when you don’t check your phone every five minutes. When you are attentive to your phone, you don’t really enjoy the activity that you’re doing. Unplug and you’ll find that you’re more appreciative of the smaller things that you wouldn’t notice otherwise. Smell the roses or walk on the beach and absorb the scenery!

Mental Health Benefits

When you spend too much time on social media, it’s easy to experience insecurity, anxiety, depression, dissatisfaction, and envy. When you unplug from social media, you are able to take a break from “ideal bodies” and negative comments. This toxic tornado of negativity can sweep you away and cause you to self-destruct. You can be more grateful for your life and body when you aren’t always on social media. It’s common for people to be completely unaware of how great their lives are when they are always on social media, which doesn’t accurately represent real life. 

More Time For Gratitude

As we mentioned above, social media can cause you to experience jealousy, envy, and unnecessary comparison. You can remove all of those negative feelings from your life when you unplug from your devices. Power down those phones or laptops and focus on what you have in your life. More often than not, you’ll find that you can reset and experience more gratitude. 

You’ll Be More Present

It’s hard to be fully in the moment when you are worried about an incoming text, funny video, or Instagram notification. Whether you are sharing a meal with the family or walking around the neighborhood, doing things without technology forces you to be in the moment. No matter what you are doing, unplugging allows you to just be there. Where? There. That’s what life is all about. 

Reduced Loneliness

Even though technology allows you the opportunity to connect with people from every corner of the world, it’s very easy for it to make you feel lonely. Virtual relationships are not substitutes for the real thing. Lack of physical contact with people can result in unfulfilled interactions, which you have online. We know this is hard to do during the pandemic, but close those laptops and power off those phones for real in-person connection. Meet for a socially distanced hang with masks on, and commit to no phone usage for the entire time. 

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Playing a game on your phone, shopping online with your tablet, or binging a show on your laptop is the new normal before bedtime. We live in a technological age and screen time has become habitual, but that doesn’t mean you should invite them to bed.

Before the invention of artificial lighting, the sun was the primary light source. Most people spent evenings in relative darkness. This has changed and people lay down with bright screens in their faces before bed, and their sleep is greatly affected.

Here’s The Problem With Artificial Light

LEDs, fluorescent light bulbs, incandescent bulbs, and all other forms of artificial light interfere with a healthy sleep cycle. The reason for this is because the amount of light and darkness a person is exposed to dictates the body’s sleep and wake cycle. When the body is exposed to too much light, the circadian rhythm suffers. Since circadian rhythm controls many physiological repsonses, including hormone production, cell regeneration, and brain activity, keeping a healthy circadian rhythm is of the utmost importance.

If you eliminate artificial light and only expose the body to natural sunlight, the hypothalamus area of the brain can establish a proper sleep cycle. It signals you to wake up when it is light outside and it produces sleep hormones, like melatonin, when it gets dark.

Now, let’s add artificial light into the equation. The body is suddenly confused because the retina can receive light at all hours of the day. This means that it cannot send signals to the hypothalamus to prepare the body for sleep. One study, which was published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, found that exposure to room light during the night suppressed melatonin production by 85%.

What Is Blue Light And Where Are You Exposed To It?

Blue light is defined as visible light that ranges from 380 to 500 nm. It is a portion of the visible light spectrum that has the shortest wavelengths and highest energy. As previously mentioned, blue light stimulates cells in the retina that connect to the hypothalamus, which helps establish circadian rhythm. You are exposed to this type of light both indoors and outdoors. Some of the primary sources of blue light include:

• Sunlight is the most common form of blue light. Fun fact: scattered blue light rays make a cloudless sky appear blue on a sunny day.
• Screens on electronic devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, and computers.
• Light therapy boxes, which are used to treat seasonal affective disorder
• Fluorescent and LED bulbs that illuminate offices and homes.

The Effects Of Blue Light On Sleep

Exposure to blue light is natural, but problems arise when the body cannot get a break from blue light. According to Harvard Medical School, blue light boosts reaction times, mood, and attention. This is great during the day, but you don’t want this when you need to get a restful night’s sleep. Since blue light is the most sensitive side of the wavelength spectrum, it is integral to give the body a break from it in the hours before you go to sleep.

How To Limit Blue Light Exposure

Filter Blue Light With Glasses And Apps

If you want to keep using electronics at night, protect your eyes from blue light by investing in blue light-blocking glasses. Recent studies found that people who wore blue light-blocking glasses in regular dim light produced more melatonin than those who did not wear them. Glasses contain a coating that blocks blue light wavelengths from reaching the retina. If you don’t want to wear glasses, there are light-blocking apps that filter light on your smartphone, computer, or tablet.

Avoid Electronics Before Bed

It will be hard to break this habit, but doing so will help you establish a healthy circadian rhythm. Using your smartphone or watching TV right before bed can lead to sleepless nights. Try to give up electronics two to three hours before you go to sleep.

Get Exposure To Sunlight

Exposing the body to daytime sunlight helps to establish a healthy sleep cycle. By differentiating real daylight from nighttime, you’ll notice that you have an easier time falling asleep. Additionally, spending 30 minutes outside in the sun or near a window with natural light helps to increase vitamin D levels.

Blue light has its benefits, but it also has a dark side. Natural light is fantastic, but constant exposure to screens without blue light-filtering apps or glasses can disrupt circadian rhythm. Do what you can to limit screen time for better sleep.

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