As William Shakespeare wrote” All that glitters is not gold,” . And he was so right: glitter is made of a mix of plastic and metal now. These glittery, sticky bits can be found in wrapping paper, holiday ornaments, greeting cards, craft projects, and even makeup. Almost everything that
sparkles is likely to have glitter made from plastic. Because glitter particles are so small, they are called microplastics. Microplastic are a big source of pollution in the ocean, the air, and the soil.
Read on to find out what makes glitter shine, how it hurts the environment, and where you can buy glitter alternatives that are better for the planet.
What is Glitter?
Glitter is a popular decorative item that is used in various products, including cosmetics, clothing, and crafts. It is a small, shiny particle often made from plastic, a type of microplastic. Despite its popularity, glitter has a significant environmental impact, contributing to the issue of microplastic pollution. Fortunately, there are sustainable alternatives available that can help reduce the harm caused by traditional glitter.
Environmental Impact of Glitter
Glitter contributes to plastic waste because it stays around for a long time. Most glitter doesn’t keep breaking down because it was small, to begin with. It stays the same from birth to death. Most glitter ends up in the ocean through wastewater from our homes and runoff from landfills. This includes glitter that may have been washed down your sink or tub. Then, marine species like fish eat small pieces of plastic because they can’t tell the tiny bits of plastic from their natural food. This makes microplastic one of the most common and difficult to get rid of pollutants in the world.
As these plastics build up in the food chain, people end up eating about the amount of plastic on a credit card every week, mostly through the water they drink and the fish they eat.
How does the sustainable seafood industry work?
Microplastics made from oil are the most common type of solid waste around the world. They risk the ecological and biological health of aquatic ecosystems and harm rivers, seas, and oceans. Every year, over 1000 metric tons of small pieces of plastic fall from the sky, either by wind or by rain, onto protected lands in the western United States. Studies have even found microplastics in national parks and other wildlife areas, which are some of the most rural places in the country.
But glitter is not the main cause of microplastic waste by itself. Most of it comes from things like single-use plastic packaging, straws, cutlery, and even synthetic fibers from our clothes that get into water sources every time we wash them. Even though these nanoparticles are hard to track, researchers in a 2019 study used methods from forensic science to follow glitter’s sparkly trail around the world. They concluded that glitter might be a bigger part of microplastic pollution than was thought before, especially when it comes to soil health.9Read on to find out what makes glitter shine, how it hurts the environment, and where you can buy glitter alternatives that are better for the planet.
Sustainable Alternatives to Glitter
The good news is that there are sustainable alternatives that can help reduce its environmental impact. Here are some options:
1. Biodegradable Glitter:
Biodegradable is made from natural materials such as plant cellulose, which means it can break down naturally in the environment. This type of glitter is a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic glitter and is available in a variety of colors and shapes.
2. Mica-based Glitter:
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral that can be used to create a sparkly effect in cosmetics and crafts. Mica-based glitter is a sustainable alternative to plastic glitter and is available in a variety of colors and textures.
3. Edible Glitter:
Edible is a term that is made from food-grade ingredients and can be used in baking and other food applications. This type of glitter is safe for consumption and can be a fun way to add sparkle to food and drinks.
4. Natural Materials:
Natural materials such as dried flowers, leaves, and petals can be used to create a sparkly effect in crafts and other applications. These materials are sustainable and can add a unique and natural touch to projects.
Conclusion
It may seem like it is a harmless decorative item, but its environmental impact is significant. The use of microplastics in glitter contributes to the issue of microplastic pollution, which can harm wildlife and ecosystems. Fortunately, there are sustainable alternatives available that can help reduce the harm caused by traditional glitter. By choosing biodegradable glitter, mica-based glitter, edible glitter, or natural materials, we can help reduce the impact of glitter on the environment and create a more sustainable future for ourselves and the planet.
