Why Is Stainless Steel So Eco Friendly

We have all heard that stainless steel is an eco-friendly alternative to other metals. But what is never explained is why stainless steel is better for the environment than copper, nickel or another material. What are the exact properties that make stainless steel so much better for the Earth than anything else? Before we can understand what make stainless steel so green, we need to understand the metal’s rich history. The first stainless steel was invented primarily to improve the quality of gun barrels.

The stainless steel material was found to reduce corrosion, which is helpful because corrosion inhibited the gun’s effectiveness. For this reason, the metal was dubbed “rustless steel”. Stainless steel is a low carbon steel with chromium at ten percent or more by weight. Chromium is the key ingredient which makes the metal stainless and rust resistant. After its unique qualities were discovered, stainless steel was used for a variety of products. It ages gracefully and is easy to use for hygienic conditions, which makes stainless steel the first choice for hospitals and food processing plants. It requires little maintenance and does not need harsh cleaners to disinfect the surface.

This means fewer chemicals are given the chance to off-gas and cause indoor air pollution, and fewer chemicals are dumped down the drain, which impacts the drinking water supply. In fact, stainless steel can be cleaned with just olive oil, club soda and vinegar. Olive oil will remove streaks in pots and pans; club soda takes away heat stains from cutlery; and vinegar will polish just about any appliance.

Even better, stainless steel is 100 percent recyclable. More than half of the stainless steel products used today come from stainless steel that has been melted down and turned into a brand new item. Stainless steel sheeting is a healthy alternative to plastics and is versatile enough it can be used for garden pails, food containers, water bottles, kitchen cutlery, baby bottles and children’s cups. Some plastics contain harmful Bisphyenol A, or BPA. In 2008, concerns about the dangers of BPA were so high that retailers began pulling it off their shelves.

BPA is thought to increase the risks of obesity, neurological issues, thyroid problems and some types of cancer. Stainless steel cookware is adored by chefs because it lasts for decades without chipping or rusting. With some other kinds of cookware, chefs have to worry about pieces of the coating coming off during the cooking process. These small pieces of coating can be ingested and cause health problems.

Stainless steel can handle extreme temperatures which allow it to go from the stove top to the dishwasher or cold sink without damage. Stainless steel is also used to filter and scrub exhaust and other gases coming out of factory stacks. It can even be found in water treatment and waste management facilities being used to purify our nation’s water. Stainless steel is truly a versatile material. From baby bottles to scrubbing toxins from exhausts, it is a safe and healthy material to fulfill today’s needs. It is one of the most eco-friendly substances and perfect for creating a variety of products.

When purchasing an item made of stainless steel, customers can be sure it will perform its necessary functions with elegance, and will not harm family members or the environment.