1000 Flowers for the Planet - #565 Reuse Silica Gel Sachets

1000 Flowers for the Planet - #565 Reuse Silica Gel Sachets

Silica gel, in itself, is non-toxic. It is found most commonly in the little paper or tyvek bags in new handbags or shoe boxes, and they are there to absorb moisture which may otherwise damage the goods. It’s a very handy little product, but it can have a few nasties. If, for example, the gel has received an additive such as cobalt chloride to make it change colour to indicate saturation, then what has been added can be carcinogenic. The dust that comes from silica gel, particularly cat litter, can be harmful to lungs and cause respiratory problems. Therefore, if you come across some little silica gel sachets, don’t throw them away into the environment where they can do damage. The bags may be made of tyvek, which is plastic, and the little silica balls can be eaten by marine life – which then makes its way up the food chain and into our own stomachs.

Recycle the sachets you come across and use them to to protect handbags, electronic equipment, cameras, tools, leather shoes, computers, musical instruments, preservation packaging, silverware and all humidity sensitive products. When the gel has reached saturation point it can be heated to remove the moisture and used again. Keeping these things out of the environment to ensure a healthier ecosystem – it’s easy to do.