Glitter is everywhere – in our cosmetics, holiday decorations, greeting cards, arts and crafts, and even our clothing. But did you know that it’s probably also in our bodies? 
Kids love it, adults love it, and you will surely find it at any concert, festival, or celebration of any sort; glitter adds a touch of shimmer and excitement to whatever it touches and has a cultish obsession among people who “just like cute and pretty stuff”. But beneath the eye-catching appeal lies a serious environmental and health problem that few people ever stop to consider. Glitter is, in essence, a form of microplastic pollution, and its widespread use is contributing to long-term ecological damage, for both people and the natural world around us.
If we want to protect the health of our planet, ecosystems, and future generations, we definitely need to rethink our relationship with glitter. The good news? Sustainable alternatives exist, and by making little changes, we can drastically reduce our contribution to microplastic pollution.
What Exactly Is Glitter, and Why Is It Such a Problem?
Glitter is typically made from a combination of aluminum and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic, giving it that signature sparkle. However, its small size – often less than 5mm – means that it easily spreads and is nearly impossible to clean up.
Microplastics like glitter are particularly concerning because they do not biodegrade; instead, they break down into even smaller plastic particles that persist in the environment indefinitely. When glitter is washed down sinks, blown by the wind, or shed from clothing and decorations, it ends up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, harming aquatic life and entering the food chain.
The Environmental Impact of Glitter
Glitter and Water Pollution
Glitter is a significant contributor to microplastic pollution in waterways. Studies have shown that microplastics are now found in nearly every corner of the world, from deep-sea trenches to the Arctic ice. When glitter enters the water system, it is consumed by fish, shellfish, and many other marine organisms. Because microplastics do not break down naturally, they accumulate in the bodies of these animals and travel up the food chain, eventually making their way into human diets.
Harm to Wildlife and Ecosystems
Wildlife often mistakes microplastics for food, leading to devastating health effects. Ingested plastic can block digestive tracts, cause malnutrition, and introduce toxic chemicals into animals’ bodies. Seabirds, fish, and even plankton have been found with microplastics inside them, which threatens biodiversity and disrupts entire ecosystems.
Persistence in the Environment
Unlike natural materials, plastic-based glitter does not decompose. Instead, it fragments into smaller particles, lingering in the environment for centuries. This makes even small amounts of plastic pollution a long-term problem with widespread consequences.
The Hidden Health Risks of Glitter
Human Exposure to Microplastics
Glitter is not just a hazard for wildlife; it also poses risks to human health. Because
it’s being used in so many cosmetics and body lotions as well as thrown around so liberally at festivities, people are frequently exposed to microplastic particles. Studies have detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, and even placental tissue, raising concerns about their potential long-term health effects.
Toxic Chemicals in Glitter
Many glitters contain harmful additives, including phthalates, BPA, and heavy metals, which have been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and increased cancer risks. The presence of these toxic substances in everyday products makes reducing glitter use even more urgent.
The Bigger Issue of the Microplastic Crisis
Glitter is just one of many sources of microplastic pollution. Synthetic clothing fibers, tire dust, plastic microbeads in cosmetics, and food packaging all contribute to the growing crisis. While eliminating glitter made from plastic won’t solve the entire problem on its own, it is a super accessible and symbolic step in the right direction. Addressing microplastic pollution requires broader systemic change, but each action we take and every bit of awareness we can build matters a lot in the long run.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Glitter
Thankfully, there are better, more sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic-based glitter. Here are a few options:
Biodegradable Glitter
Several companies have developed plant-based biodegradable glitter made from materials like eucalyptus cellulose. Unlike traditional glitter, these alternatives break down naturally in the environment, reducing their impact on ecosystems. However, some biodegradable glitters still contain microplastic elements, so it’s important to choose brands that are fully compostable and certified biodegradable; don’t just take the marketing at face value and be sure to do your due diligence on each brand’s products.
Natural Glitter Substitutes
For craft and decoration purposes, natural substitutes like mica flakes, colored sand, or even dried flower petals can provide a similar effect without the harmful environmental impact. Mica, in particular, is a mineral-based alternative that provides a shimmering look, though ethical sourcing is a concern due to questionable labor practices, some involving children, in some mining regions.
DIY Glitter Alternatives
For those who love to create their own shimmering effects, homemade options like sugar or salt dyed with natural food coloring can work as an eco-friendly substitute. These alternatives are safe, biodegradable, and generally free from plastic pollution.
Industry Innovations
Some companies and researchers are working on high-tech solutions, such as algae-based or bioengineered glitters, which promise both sustainability and aesthetic appeal. As consumer demand for eco-friendly products grows, industries are innovating new materials that reduce harm without compromising on sparkle.
How to Reduce Glitter Pollution in Daily Life
Reducing your personal contribution to glitter pollution is easier than you might think. Here are a few steps you can take:
- Avoid purchasing products that contain traditional plastic glitter, especially in cosmetics and skincare.
- Opt for biodegradable or natural glitter alternatives whenever possible.
- Advocate for brands and retailers to remove plastic glitter from their products.
- Educate others about the environmental impact of glitter and encourage sustainable choices.
- Support legislation that bans microplastics in cosmetics and other consumer goods.
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact
Glitter might seem like a small and harmless adornment, but its environmental and
health consequences are actually pretty severe when you consider the microplastic crisis we find ourselves in today. As we become more aware of the impacts of this form of pollution, it is crucial that we all take what action we can – even in these seemingly minor ways. By choosing sustainable alternatives and spreading awareness, we can collectively reduce the damage caused by glitter and other microplastic pollutants.
The future of glitter doesn’t have to be toxic, and we don’t have to ban it completely. With growing innovations in biodegradable and sustainable materials, we can continue to enjoy the shimmer and sparkle – without compromising the health of our planet and future generations.
It’s high time we ditch toxic glitter for good and embrace better, more sustainable alternatives.
