In the Ocean, All That Glitters Is Not Gold
We’ve all been there, entranced by the sparkle and shine if glitter in the sunshine. On our eyelids, our kids artwork, even the side of our cars.
But these pieces of glitter are hard to dispose of and contribute to our microplastic pollution. Even more concerning, when glitter gets into the ocean (which it often does), it can interfere with the process that ocean life like coral and clams use to make their shells.
Glitter is made of shiny plastic pieces with sizes of 0.5 mm or smaller, with multiple layers. The main component of glitter is known as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and is a strong, lightweight plastic commonly used in packaging, and textiles. Polyethylene terephthalate is one of the most common plastics. It’s used in a variety of items from water bottles and product packaging to baby wipes, clothing, bedding and mattresses.
While PET is said to be safe for food, there are a number of health concerns from using it. It contains antimony. Antimony trioxide is commonly used as a catalyst in the production process. Over 15 years ago, we were told that PET plastics leach (or release) a toxic heavy metal called antimony (Sb). Antimony trioxide is classified as possibly carcinogenic, and some forms are potentially endocrine disrupting.
U.S. EPA also found that the production of PET plastic poses an “unreasonable risk” to workers and fenceline communities from release of cancer-causing 1,4-dioxane. The production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic is the largest source of environmental releases of 1,4-dioxane. In addition, to make PET uses a high amount of energy.
But what happens to PET in glitter once we dispose of it?
Microplastics in Our Oceans
Globally, approximately 8.3 billion tons of virgin plastic is discarded, with 192 coastal countries releasing 480,000 to 1200 million tons of plastic waste into marine environments.
A recent study estimated that 5.25 trillion large plastic pieces, weighing over 250,000 tons, are floating in the world's oceans. Of these, 75 %–90 % originate from land-based sources, primarily via rivers.
Over 700 marine species, including commercially important fish and endangered megafauna, ingest microplastics, leading to impaired digestion, reduced reproductive success, and increase mortality rates.
Microplastics act as a surface for other chemicals and can adsorb toxic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides, amplifying contamination risks as they ascend marine food webs.
Impacts of Glitter on the Ocean
Glitter is made of a plastic base of PET coated with very thin layers of metals and color dyes to make it reflective. This layered structure makes it more durable, but also harder to break down in the environment.
When it gets into the ocean, glitter can attract the minerals known as Calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Calcium carbonate crystallization plays a vital role in ocean life by providing building materials for shells and skeletons, supporting coral reefs, and buffering the ocean's pH. Many marine organisms, including corals, mollusks, and plankton, utilize CaCO3 to construct their shells, skeletons, and other structural components.
Such disruptions could adversely affect the growth and development of calcifying organisms. This means that excess glitter, and other PET substances could contribute to lower availability of CaCO3 for coral reefs and shells.
As a double whammy, with climate change, increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to ocean acidification, which reduces the availability of carbonate ions needed to form CaCO3, potentially impacting the growth and survival of many calcifying organisms. The impacts of climate change and microplastics contribute to less healthy marine life.
Alternatives to Glitter
In 2023, the European Union (EU) implemented a ban on glitter made of plastic particles smaller than 5mm—considered microplastics—that are resistant to degradation. This translates to a total ban on loose plastic glitter often used in crafts and in decorating, as they are ready-made microplastics that easily pollute the environment and human bodies. The ban will prohibit the use of plastic glitter in rinse-off cosmetics by 2027, in leave-on cosmetics by 2029, and in make-up and nail cosmetics by 2035.
There is also growing concern that biodegradable glitter may present similar environmental risks as PET-based glitter. So, what are better options to glitter that don’t harm people and ocean life?
Mica Glitter
A naturally occurring mineral that provides a shimmering effect. Synthetic mica is also available and can offer a cleaner sparkle. I loved finding rocks with mica in them as a child, and I bet your kids would too!
Plant confetti
This one is fun and can even be an activity you do at a party or playdate. Pickup some hole punchers at your local craft store. They have hearts, animals, foods and many more. Go on a nature walk in your yard or neighborhood, picking up flowers and leaves. Use the hole punch to make compostable bags of confetti and toss them in the air to celebrate.
Epsom Salts
You can buy epsom salts at your local grocery store. You can also buy natural food coloring or make your own. Die the salts different colors and use them to decorate. They shine in the sun much like glitter. You can even send them home in compostable bags as gifts so kids (or parents) can enjor a colorful and relaxing bath. The magnesium in epsom salts is great for healing your sore back from carrying toddlers around all day!
