Is Glitter Bad For The Environment?

Glitter might also come to mind when we think of festive parties or even glamorous makeup. Holiday decorations, greeting cards, makeup, and nail polish sprinkled with glitter are more appealing. Sadly, it gets everywhere – sticking to skin, hair, and clothes that are difficult to remove. It’s not just occasionally annoying. It’s also bad for the environment. It truly does get everywhere, not only unwanted surfaces or your home but also into the farthest corners of the earth. Read more here why glitter is bad for the environment.

Glitter is a Microplastic

Microplastics refer to tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size. The tiny shards can be scattered into the environment directly. Sometimes, they come from larger plastic waste that becomes smaller plastic fragments.

“There’s no hard definition of microplastics, but I would truly consider glitter to be one.” – Joel Baker, Environmental Scientist, University of Washington Tacoma.

Essentially, glitter is composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), coated with aluminum to make a reflective surface. Some glitter can also be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Robert C. Hale, professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, says that glitter can also include other polymer types and even minerals such as mica.

Microplastics are a large part of global pollution, so it’s good to understand how they affect human and environmental health.

Impacts of Microplastic Pollution

Microplastics come in diffent materials, shapes, sizes and show various degrees of weathering. Professor Hale reveals it is difficult to determine their overall impact. Yet, research proves that microplastics have been found even in remote places.

According to a 2019 paper published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, glitter may be a substantial source of microplastic in the environment. This tiny embellishment had become a hazard to various organisms. The NOAA Marine Debris Program also stated that glitter could contribute to marine debris.

Microplastics can be mistaken for fish eggs and swallowed by marine wildlife. Glitters can become trapped in their stomach, causing malnutrition and weight loss. They may also cause lower feeding rates and decreased reproduction rates in some species. However, the scale of these effects typically varies between species and stages of their life cycle.

We are continuously surrounded by plastic. Everyday items like baby bottles, toys, organizers, food containers, and storage bins are mostly made of plastic. A 2021 study found that the number of microplastics found in stool samples was significantly higher among infants than adults. The study reveals that babies are usually exposed to higher levels of microplastics.

In short, minimal information about the health impacts of high and long-term exposure to microplastics are currently known. However, it is crucial to consider the physical effects of microplastics and the consequences of their chemical additives. These additives contaminate soil, water, air, and food, resulting in several medical conditions. 

Are There Greener Alternatives?

Considering the environmental effects of using glitter and microplastics in general, many companies have started producing biodegradable glitters. One of these is Meadowbrook Inventions and Ronald Britton Ltd.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge also discovered a way to produce vegan glitter. They found that nanocrystals from cellulose, a natural material from the cell walls in plants, fruits, and vegetables, can bend light and create vivid colors.

It is worthy to note that these alternatives aren’t entirely eco-friendly. A 2020 study found that traditional or non-biodegradable PET glitter and alternative glitter can affect aquatic ecosystems. Meanwhile, Professor Hale recommends reducing the use of glitter, microbead-containing products, etc. 

Hale and Baker say that most microplastics come from the larger plastics we use every day. Therefore, the most sustainable action we can do now is to stop the excessive use of all kinds of plastics. Use reusable alternatives, ditch single-use plastics whenever you can, and avoid products with plastic packaging.