Bronte Wells
Glitter is a microplastic pollutant. It is made from plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and coated with aluminium or plastic to create a reflective surface. Glitter is often found in cosmetics, wrapping paper, and holiday decorations. Due to its small size, glitter is easily ingested by marine life and has been shown to negatively impact their reproduction rates and activity levels. While glitter may not be the biggest contributor to microplastic pollution, it is still a concern as it is intentionally made to be small and mobile, allowing it to spread easily and persist in the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Glitter's composition | PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic coated with aluminium or synthetic materials |
| Glitter's size | Less than 5mm in length |
| Glitter's impact | Marine debris, ingested by marine life, impacts reproduction rates of oysters, consumed by humans through seafood and drinking water |
| Glitter's persistence | Does not easily break down, can remain intact for a long time |
| Glitter's ubiquity | Found in sewage sludge, wastewater treatment plants, oceans, rivers, lakes, soil, and remote places far from human activity |
| Glitter's alternatives | Biodegradable glitter made from cellulose or plant-based materials, mica glitter |
| Glitter's regulation | Banned in the EU, guidance against recycling glitter provided by UK councils |
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What You'll Learn
Glitter is a microplastic
Glitter is often found in products such as cosmetics, candles, wrapping paper, greeting cards, craft projects, and even sunscreen. Once glitter is used, it is challenging to dispose of responsibly. Even biodegradable glitter alternatives have been found to be just as harmful, or even more toxic, to aquatic organisms than traditional glitter.
While glitter may not be the biggest contributor to microplastic pollution, it is still a concern. It is sold in its most environmentally hazardous format, and its small size means it can easily spread and be ingested by humans and animals.
Researchers have developed a completely sustainable, plastic-free, and biodegradable glitter that can be produced on an industrial scale. This glitter is made from cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), which is one of the most abundant materials in nature and can be extracted from biological sources such as cotton. This type of glitter does not require aluminium or plastic layers and has been shown to have no impact on soil critters called springtails, unlike traditional PET glitter, which severely impacted the organism's fertility.
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Glitter is harmful to marine life
Glitter is a microplastic pollutant that is harmful to marine life. It is usually made from a combination of plastic and aluminium, although biodegradable plant-based versions are becoming more popular. Glitter is produced through plastics PET or PVC and covered with synthetic materials to create its visual shimmer.
Glitter is a major pollutant, with microplastics commonly found in sewage sludge and wastewater treatment plants. It eventually makes its way into the ocean via the wastewater generated in our homes and from landfill runoff. Marine life often mistakes the floating particles for food, which has been shown to significantly impact the reproduction rates of oysters and other species. These tiny particles can become trapped in their stomachs, causing malnutrition and weight loss. They may also cause reduced feeding rates and lower rates of reproduction in some species.
Research has shown that glitter significantly harms the ecology of rivers and lakes. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that both conventional or non-biodegradable PET glitter and alternative glitter made from cellulose or mica can affect aquatic ecosystems. High concentrations of glitter microplastics can hinder the growth of aquatic organisms, like phytoplankton and zooplankton, which form the base of the food chain and play a critical role in oxygen production and carbon dioxide consumption.
Glitter's small size makes it even more dangerous as it can be ingested by marine life and passed up the food chain, eventually reaching humans. While biodegradable glitter is commercially available, some research indicates that these products could be just as harmful or even more toxic to aquatic organisms than conventional PET glitter, as most biodegradable varieties need to be coated in a coloured aluminium layer and topped with a thin plastic layer.
Overall, glitter is a significant source of microplastic pollution and can have harmful effects on marine life, impacting their health and reproduction rates. While biodegradable alternatives exist, more research is needed to ensure these options are truly eco-friendly.
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Glitter is harmful to human health
Glitter is a microplastic made from plastic polymers like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), coated with aluminium to create a reflective surface. Glitter is a pollutant that harms both the environment and human health.
Glitter is notorious for getting everywhere, and its minuscule size means it can be inhaled or absorbed into the human body through the nose, eyes, or cuts on the skin. These tiny particles are the hardest to filter out and can enter the bloodstream. They can also be ingested through contaminated food and water. Glitter is consumed by marine life, which passes through the food chain and eventually reaches humans.
The plastic used to make glitter contains hazardous chemical additives that contaminate the soil, air, water, and food. These additives impair the immune and reproductive systems and can cause a variety of medical conditions.
Furthermore, glitter acts as a magnet for other toxic pollutants, increasing their toxicity when ingested. While some argue that ingestion of microplastics may not cause direct harm to humans due to their size, the chemical additives and pollutants they carry can have detrimental effects on human health.
To protect human health and the environment, it is essential to reduce the use of glitter and switch to safer, eco-friendly alternatives. While "edible glitter" exists, it is important to exercise caution and consume such products only occasionally and in small amounts.
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Glitter is a pollutant in the ocean, air and soil
Glitter is a pollutant that contaminates the ocean, air, and soil. It is a microplastic made from a combination of plastic and aluminium. Glitter is produced through plastics PET or PVC and covered with synthetic materials to create its visual shimmer.
Glitter is a significant source of microplastic pollution in the environment. Its minuscule size means it can easily spread and get everywhere, from your home to the furthest-flung corners of the Earth. It is often found in sewage sludge and wastewater treatment plants, and eventually makes its way into the ocean via wastewater and landfill runoff.
Once in the ocean, glitter is ingested by marine life, including plankton, fish, shellfish, and seabirds. It can become trapped in their stomachs, causing malnutrition and weight loss, and can also reduce feeding rates and lower reproduction rates. As these plastics bioaccumulate in the food chain, humans end up consuming them through the water we drink and the seafood we eat.
Glitter also contributes to soil pollution. A study found that high concentrations of conventional PET glitter in the soil reduced the reproduction of soil critters called springtails by 42%. As springtails are an indicator of soil quality, this is worrying for soil health and could lead to problems such as reduced organic matter breakdown and fewer nutrients being released for plants.
While biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastic glitter are available, there are concerns that these may cause similar damage to the environment. One study found that cellulose and mica glitter were more damaging to duckweed and phytoplankton growth than conventional glitter. However, other research has shown that biodegradable glitter made from cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) had no impact on springtail survival or reproduction, offering a potential eco-friendly alternative to conventional glitter.
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Biodegradable glitter alternatives
Glitter is a microplastic pollutant that is harmful to both human health and the environment. It is usually made from a combination of aluminium and plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These plastics are coated with synthetic materials to create a reflective surface. Glitter's minuscule size allows it to infiltrate various ecosystems, including oceans, rivers, and lakes, where it is ingested by marine life and enters the food chain.
Given the environmental and health concerns associated with traditional glitter, there is a growing demand for biodegradable alternatives. Biodegradable glitter is made from plant-based materials and does not contain harmful substances, making it a more sustainable option. It is important to note, however, that even biodegradable glitter can have negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, as highlighted by some studies. Thus, it is crucial to use these alternatives in moderation and pay attention to the specific products being used.
One popular biodegradable glitter alternative is synthetic mica. This option is safe for use in cosmetics and offers a guilt-free way to add sparkle to craft projects. It is important to note that not all micas are environmentally friendly, so consumers should be cautious when selecting products.
Another eco-friendly alternative is to make your own glitter at home using salt and eco-friendly paint or food colouring. This DIY method ensures a quality product that is safe for both the user and the environment. Simply mix one tablespoon of salt with a few drops of paint or food colouring, spread the mixture on a dry surface, and allow it to dry. This homemade glitter is perfect for arts and crafts, and you can adjust the colour as desired.
For those seeking biodegradable glitter for cosmetic purposes, there are brands that offer eco-friendly options derived from natural materials like eucalyptus tree fibres. These alternatives are not only better for the environment but also gentler on the skin, making them a popular choice for festivals and events.
In addition to synthetic mica and homemade alternatives, there are other natural options available, such as sand, seeds, recycled paper, and dried flowers. These biodegradable materials can add a touch of sparkle to various projects while minimising environmental harm.
While biodegradable glitter alternatives offer a more sustainable option, it is important to remember that the best way to reduce microplastic pollution is to minimise the unnecessary use of plastics in our daily lives.
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Frequently asked questions
Glitter is considered to be a microplastic. It is made from plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is coated with aluminium to create a reflective surface. Some glitter is also made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), another plastic material.
Glitter is a pollutant because it is a microplastic. Microplastics are a serious scourge and glitter, due to its size and mobility, can easily spread and get into water, drains, rivers, and oceans. Marine life often mistakes the floating particles for food, which has been shown to impact reproduction rates and make animals less active and responsive to predator cues.
Consumers can reduce their exposure and contribution to microplastic pollution by abstaining from glitter and other single-use plastics. Biodegradable glitter is also an alternative that consumers can opt for. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have also developed a completely sustainable, plastic-free, and biodegradable glitter called CNC glitter that can be produced on an industrial scale.
