Plastic-Free Glitter: How To Add Sparkle Without Harming The Planet

Glitter, with its vibrant, reflective appearance, usually accompanies holidays, celebrations, and parties. Hidden beneath its deceptively cheery appearance is the truth: glitter is actually just microplastics. If you still love glitter, consider switching to a plastic-free alternative instead!

The Problem With Glitter

According to Brunel University, microplastics are “fragments of plastic – under 5mm in length – which are either tiny before they enter the environment, as is the case with microbeads, or which start as a larger piece of plastic, like a shopping bag, which then degrades down into smaller pieces.”

The issue with microplastics, and thus, glitter, is that they turn up everywhere. In oceans, rivers, ponds, soil, air, and even in the animals we eat. Microplastics take many years to biodegrade. Additionally, researchers studying the effect of microplastics on rivers and lakes have found evidence of their impact. As the BBC states: “In laboratory tests, all types of glitter affected the growth of pond plants and microscopic algae.”

You may have heard that some major retailers, including Morrisons, Waitrose, and John Lewis, avoided glitter in their Christmas products last year. While this is a significant first step, we must realise that glitter is in many places other than Christmas decor. It’s in cosmetics, skincare, decorations, cards, and more. 

 

 

“Biodegradable” glitter: is it worth it?

There are increasingly more plastic-free glitter options cropping up on the market. While this seems great on the surface, the materials used to make these glitters are questionable. For example, the BBC points out how one brand is made from cellulose, covered in aluminium, then covered in a layer of plastic, yet it’s still marketed as biodegradable. 

Biodegradable or plastic-free glitters are often made from mica and modified regenerated cellulose (MRC). In a recent study from Anglia Ruskin University, both regular and biodegradable glitter went through laboratory tests to determine the effect of glitter on plant growth. The study found that both types of glitter have serious impacts on aquatic ecosystems. According to The Guardian, “…all types, including so-called biodegradable glitter, had a negative effect on important primary producers that are the base of the food web. “Biodegradable” cellulose-based glitter had an additional negative impact in that it encouraged the growth of an invasive species, the New Zealand mud snail.” 

DIY Natural glitter alternatives

Instead of using traditional or plastic-free glitter, consider trying some natural DIY alternatives:

• Salt – Pick up some sea salt and food colouring. This quick DIY creates vibrant and cheerful salt glitter! Check out a tutorial here.

• Edible glitter – Try making edible glitter from sugar, gum-tex, or gelatin. These glitters are great for baking as well!

• Sand – Did you ever play with coloured sand as a kid? You can DIY your own (tutorial here) and use it as a colourful decoration like you might use glitter.

• Petals and leaves – Go for a walk and collect small flowers and leaves. These will be prettier and smell better than glitter. You can use them fresh or dry them out. They work especially well for outdoor parties and weddings!

Natural alternatives for glitter might not always work for your needs. If you must, try using plastic-free glitter like Today Glitter, made of biodegradable eucalyptus-derived cellulose. Be sure to use it sparingly and save it for special occasions only. When you have the choice, avoiding glitter altogether is the best thing you can do for the environment. 

For more plastic-free content, check out my post on making your own DIY bath bombs here! Unlike many common store-bought bath bombs, my recipe does not call for any glitter.

Have you tried any DIY or natural glitter alternatives? Let us know your favourites in the comments!

Ready to act? Sign up for our 30-Day Plastic Free Challenge and get a free calendar packed with simple steps to reduce plastic waste and live more sustainably. Make a difference, one day at a time!

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