Everyone seems to love glitter. It’s in your birthday card, on your face for music festivals, and all over the floor on New Year’s Eve. Although it may seem like the cherry on top to any accessory, event, or occasion, glitter can be a disaster for our oceans and marine life.
Most glitter is composed of aluminum and a plastic called PET. Because glitter is so tiny, it is considered a microplastic, and are not always caught by water filters and easily creep their way into lakes, rivers, and oceans, or are easily blown away on their way to a landfill. Once they get into the environment, they’re consumed by land and sea animals alike. The type of plastic glitter is made of, PET, can release chemicals that disrupt hormones in the body of humans and wildlife that consume it. And if you eat seafood, hope you enjoy glitter as well! It’s even harmful when it’s not consumed, because it’s plastic, and remains in the environment forever just breaking down into even smaller pieces. The problem with glitter is so severe that many scientists and activists are urging for the product to be banned!
Still can’t bear the thought of not having some sparkle or confetti in your life? Have no fear, because below we’ve compiled a list of other options or brands to consider so you can safely sparkle!
- Glitter is often used as confetti for parties and occasions, and one way to get around this is by making your own out of recycled or natural materials! Simply buy a hole puncher with a design on it, such as a star or heart, and punch out your confetti shapes from some of your old newspapers/magazines or leaves on the ground!
- Today Glitter makes their glitter out of plant cellulose, derived from sustainably farmed eucalyptus trees! Making their glitter completely bio-degradable!
- Eco Stardust is another eco-glitter company that’s harvesting the powers of plant cellulose from eucalyptus trees to make biodegradable glitter!
- And lastly, Eco Glitter Fun is another certified Bio-Glitter company in the US to keep your eye out for!
Although we’ve only showed you a few options, we encourage you to get creative or search for other eco-conscious brands out there doing their part! Make sure to do your research when purchasing glitters that market themselves as “eco-friendly”, since some companies claim this while still mixing in plastic glitter with biodegradable glitter. Also, be aware of “hidden” glitters in some of your products like body wash or makeups.
Good luck out there and stay sparkling!
