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In January 2018, the United Kingdom banned microbeads, a form of micro plastic found in face washes, body scrubs and other products. The US already has a partial ban on microbeads in place.

Glitter, used often in crafts, makeup and clothing, seems harmless, but its environmental impact has led many scientists to call for it to be banned.

Anyone who has used glitter knows that a small amount can easily and quickly spread everywhere and stay everywhere. Glitter’s eternal permanence is why someone started a prank company to ship glitter to people you do not like. It’s seemingly impossible to get rid of on land and can also cause problems in water, scientists say. In fact, a group of daycare centers in the U.K. decided to ban the use of glitter for that reason earlier this month, according to The Guardian.

Most glitters are made from shiny microplastics, pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in length or about one-fifth of an inch. Some are specifically produced to be this small; others can become that small if they’re broken down once reaching an environment. The small size of its particles makes it a potential ecological hazard, particularly in water bodies, including the ocean.

Microplastics pollute marine environments, leech chemicals into water and pose harm to marine life when ingested. Their size makes them a dangerously appealing food item for many animals.

Not only have marine animals from plankton to whales been documented eating plastic, often with fatal consequences, but microplastics can also end up inside us, when we consume seafood. One study led by Professor Richard Thompson reported that plastic was found in a third of UK-caught fish.

Some estimates place the number of microplastics in the world’s ocean at up to 51 trillion fragments in total.

While many microplastics result from plastic debris breaking down into ever-smaller pieces, tiny particles called microbeads are manufactured specifically for addition to cosmetic and health products.

A ban on microbeads will go into effect next year in the UK, after scientists and campaigners made the devastating impact clear.

Glitter used in a wide range of products, like greeting cards, clothing, accessories, cosmetics, lotions, creams, cleansers, nail polish, party decorations, etc., has been an overlooked component in the wider problem of marine plastic pollution. With attention fixed on microbeads, other forms of plastic like glitter are being ignored. No one knows that glitter is made of plastic! We also don’t know exactly what happens when plastics enter our body.

Most cosmetic glitter is made by bonding aluminium with a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which can break down to release chemicals that disrupt hormones in the bodies of animals and humans. PETs attract and absorb persistent organic pollutants and pathogens, adding an extra layer of contamination. When marine organisms at the bottom of the ladder, like molluscs, sea snails, marine worms, and plankton, eat pathogen- or pollutant-carrying particles of glitter, these tiny poison pills concentrate in toxicity, as they move up the food chain, all the way to our dinner plates.

When we eat seafood, we ingest these toxins. When they enter the gut, the toxins and pathogens are very easily taken up. Such chemicals have been linked with the onset of cancers and neurological diseases.

It’s hard to say exactly how much glitter is polluting our oceans—scientists who study these kinds of problems generally look at microplastics as a whole, not at specific types. The impacts of microplastics on human health is still an area of active research, said Sherri Mason, a chemist who researches plastic pollution at the State University of New York at Fredonia.

Mason has had her own personal experience with glitter’s longevity. “When my daughter was eight, she had a New Year’s Eve party. I was finding glitter in our carpet three years later from that one party,” Mason said.

Microplastics are almost everywhere, Mason noted, and though the plastics themselves may cause problems, what they bring with them is also concerning. “Plastics are really good at absorbing chemicals,” she stated, which can bring some potentially dangerous ones into a fish’s body as they eat other organisms that have been contaminated with microplastics. These chemicals may include endocrine disruptors linked with sperm count issues and cancer risk.

Glitter can be found on its own, but is also in some makeup or lotions. Washing your hands to get it off your skin may take care of the problem temporarily, but it can end up back in your home or body, because the particles are often so small that they can’t be filtered by water treatment plants. “You could have glitter in the glass of water you’re drinking right now,” Mason said.

Microplastics have been found in 83 percent of tap water samples from more than a dozen countries, including India, Lebanon, France and Germany, according to an investigation by Orb Media. The U.S., at the bottom of the pile, had plastic fibers appearing in 94 percent of samples.

But microplastics comprise only a fraction of the global plastic pollution problem. The world’s oceans contain massive clusters of marine debris and plastics—the Great Pacific Garbage Patch found in the North Pacific Ocean is the largest such gyre. According to the U.N., more than 8 million tons of plastic makes its way into the ocean each year—equal to a garbage truck of plastic dumped every minute.

Data shows that rapidly developing economies, where population growth and consumption are outpacing waste collection and recycling capacity, are responsible for the largest amounts of plastic wastes entering the oceans, said Nick Mallos. He warned that, without intervention, growing economies would likely exacerbate these “unintended consequences of development spread.” He hopes that, “By raising awareness of the issue of ocean plastic, we can curb the flow through reduced consumption, improved waste management and innovative product and material solutions.”

Biodegradable glitter, by definition, does not pose the same problem, since it is designed to not remain for so long in the environment. One company, Bioglitz, markets plant-based glitter, which, according to a Racked article featuring the company’s founder, doesn’t have the same ingredients as traditional glitter and won’t linger in your home.

Whether the solution may be using eco-friendly glitter or banning it entirely, we must more seriously consider our use of such materials.

Avoiding cosmetic glitter and microbeads is imperative, but change really needs to come from the top down. Consumers cannot always be held responsible for trying to avoid such contaminants. It’s literally impossible to do that. Producers must be more responsible and use safer, non-toxic alternatives.

References:

1. Gabbatiss, Josh. Glitter Should Be Banned Over Environmental Impact, Scientists Warn. With a microbead ban coming into force in the UK next year, attention is turning to other potential hazards. (Source: www.independent.co.uk/environment/glitter-ban-environment-microbead-impact-mic), 11/16/17.
2. Joyce, Kathleen. Scientists call for global glitter ban to save environment | Fox News. (Source: www.foxnews.com/…/11/…/scientists-call-for-global-glitter-ban-to-save-environment.ht), 11/29/17.
3. Ross, Daniel. Why Glitter Must Be Banned – EcoWatch. (Source: https://www.ecowatch.com/glitter-banned-2507482052.html), 11/07/17.
4. Ross, Daniel. Glitter may be fun for a party, but it’s a nightmare for human and animal health. Why Glitter Must Be Banned | Alternet. (Source: www.alternet.org/environment/why-glitter-must-be-banned), 11/03/17.
5. Sheridan, Kate. Glitter is an Environmental Scourge That is Wrecking the Oceans. Should it be Banned?  (Source: www.newsweek.com/glitter-environmental-scourge-wrecking-oceans-should-it-be-ba), 11/29/17.

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Easy ways to enjoy the holidays while minimizing harm to the environment:

1. Use natural decorations. Rather than fill the inside and outside of your home with plastic items that may be thrown out by the end of the year, use decorations made of wood and other natural substances. Add fruit, nuts, and pine cones to your holiday centerpiece, fireplace mantle, outdoor planters or urns for rich color and an organic touch. Use a needle and thread to string dried citrus, apples, pine cones and cinnamon sticks into a colorful garland for your Christmas tree.
2. Simplify your decorations.
3. Only purchase items that you know will be put to good use and not end up in the trash. Not only will this be more eco-friendly, but recipients of your gifts will appreciate the fact that you gave them things that they will treasure.
4. Purchase eco-friendly gifts made from sustainable materials, manufactured in environmentally friendly ways, easily recycled and having low carbon footprints when used.
5. Choose gifts and products that come with minimal packaging.
6. Shop for locally manufactured items that do not have to be shipped across the country, to minimize vehicular pollution.
7. Use wrapping paper alternatives. Wrapping paper often gets ripped off and thrown out, causing excess waste. Instead of wrapping paper, place gifts in bags that can be reused several times. Not only will the recipient have the gift, but they will have an easy, eco-friendly way of wrapping gifts the following year.
8. Avoid mass-produced, glossy wrapping paper. It’s not recyclable and ends up in landfills.
9. Recycle wrapping paper.
10. Follow a one gift rule for all family members, to reduce excess waste. Some family members may go all out and buy many gifts for children. This rule helps to ensure that gifts are chosen more thoughtfully.
11. For fun and to save money, have your children make wreaths, garlands, ornaments and gifts for friends and family, rather than buy them. Celebrate with a handmade gift exchange, in which all participants have to either make gifts themselves or purchase them from someone who did.
12. Choose the right tree. Fake trees that don’t last will not help the environment. A real tree can be mulched after the holidays, which will ultimately use less energy than what was used to create a fake tree. The best option is a potted tree, which can be used for more than one year and then planted after being used in your home.
13. Use LED lights. LED lighting is far more efficient than older bulbs. If you haven’t changed the lights you decorate with for a long time, upgrade to LED lighting to save energy, as well as, money on your electric bill.
14. Replace bulbs that have burned out. When a string of lights no longer works, it’s usually a single bulb that is the problem. Replacing the burned out bulb will keep you from tossing the whole thing. The best way to do this is with bulb tester.
15. Use timers for your lights. Setting a timer so that your lights turn on at dusk and off at dawn or earlier is more efficient than having lights on 24/7.
16. Avoid disposable dishes and silverware. When many guests visit, a host finds it easier to use paper plates and plastic ware. Unfortunately, this leads to much waste. Use real dishes instead. It will make clean up more difficult, but it will be far more eco-friendly.
17. Compost or feed leftovers to animals, instead of throwing them out, to reduce waste. 
18. Clean using all natural cleaners and avoid harmful chemicals.
19. Celebrate the holidays together under one roof, to save time, money and materials.
20. Do all your shopping in one trip, to save time, gas and your carbon footprint.
21. Shop online for convenience and to reduce fuel consumption.
22. Carpool to holiday events to reduce your commuting carbon footprint. Traveling together is more social, affordable, and environmentally-friendly than traveling alone.
23. Save energy by turning down the thermostat at night.
24. Buy locally grown, organic food and do not purchase meat from industrial farms.
25. Buy holiday cards made from recycled paper.
26. Send inexpensive, electronic holiday cards, instead of mailing cards.
27. Send digital gift cards over the internet, allowing the recipient to place orders at online stores. A great way to reduce waste and fuel consumption!
28. Make purchases online, instead of subscribing to gift catalogs. 
29. Cook food from scratch (gravy, pie crust, pie, cranberry sauce, etc.). It’s more environmentally-friendly than buying food already prepared at a store.
30. Purchase organic wines and local microbrews to benefit the environment and local economy.
31. Use natural candles. Holiday candles are often made with petroleum-based wax and artificial fragrance and release unhealthy soot. Use candles made with natural beeswax wax, instead.
32. Use organic spices when cooking holiday meals. Purchasing organic spices helps the environment, just like purchasing organic fruits, vegetables, and locally raised, free range meats.
33. Minimize waste and garbage. Not all plastic can be recycled and most lasts indefinitely in landfills. Use everyday, borrowed, rental or biodegradable plates, cloth instead of paper napkins, reusable cups and flatware.
34. Indoor/outdoor plants and seeds make wonderful, long lasting gifts for loved ones.
35. Use reusable coffee cups and water bottles to help reduce the millions of plastic bottles thrown away every year in our waterways and ocean.
36. Donate to a reputable environmental group: If you don’t have time or the will to change your lifestyle, donate to an environmental group to make a difference.
37. Ask close friends and family members to join you for an eco-friendly holiday.

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Plastic is found in virtually everything these days. Our food and hygiene products are packaged in it. Cars, phones, TVs and computers are made from it. You might even chew on it, in the form of gum! While most plastics are touted as recyclable, the reality is that they are “downcycled.” A plastic milk carton can never be recycled into another carton. It can be made into a lower-quality item, like plastic lumber, which can’t be recycled.

Of the 30 million tons of plastic waste generated in the U.S. in 2009, only 7 percent was recovered for recycling. Plastic waste ends up in landfills and the stomachs of sea turtles, birds and other animals, it litters our cities, beaches, rivers and oceans and contributes to the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch, a swirling vortex of garbage the size of a continent where plastic outnumbers plankton. Plus, most plastic is made from oil!

Here are some tips to decrease the amount of plastic waste you generate:

• Use reusable shopping bags and avoid plastic produce bags: Although free to shoppers, plastic bags are one of the most ubiquitous forms of garbage. About 1 million plastic bags are used every minute, and a single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade. If possible, use cotton bags, instead of bags made from nylon or polyester which are also made from plastic.
• Stop buying bottled water, unless there’s a contamination crisis: About 20 billion plastic bottles are tossed in the trash each year! Carry a reusable bottle filled with water, in your bag or car. If you’re concerned about the quality of local tap water, use a reusable bottle with a built-in filter, or bring filtered water from home.
• Bring your own thermos for coffee to-go: Disposable coffee cups might look like paper but they’re usually lined with polyethylene, a type of plastic resin. While these can be recycled, most places lack the infrastructure to do so. Lids, stirrers, and coffee vendors who still use polystyrene foam cups create plastic waste which can all be avoided, if you use your own mug.
• Choose cardboard over plastic bottles and bags: Cardboard is more easily recycled and made into more products than plastic, plus paper products tend to biodegrade more easily, without adding much weight to a product. If you have a choice, buy pasta in a box, instead of in a bag, or detergent in a box, instead of a bottle. Look for companies that source their cardboard sustainably.
• Avoid using plastic straws when home or when ordering a drink at a bar, drive-thru or restaurant: Purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass drinking straw. Restaurants are less likely to bring you a plastic one, if they see that you’ve brought your own.
• Avoid using disposable plastic razors: Use a razor that lets you replace just the blade, instead.
• Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers: According to the EPA, 7.6 billion pounds of disposable diapers are discarded in the U.S. each year. Also, 80,000 pounds of plastic and more than 200,000 trees a year are used to manufacture disposable diapers for American babies alone. Switch to cloth diapers to reduce your baby’s carbon footprint and save money.
• Minimize food storage using plastic baggies, plastic wrap, and plastic storage containers: Use a bento box, jar or glass container with a lid for your lunch, storing food in the fridge, and carryout foods, if your local restaurants permit it.
• Buy in bulk: Consider the product-to-packaging ratio of items you buy often, and buy a bigger container, instead of several smaller ones over time.
• When buying from bulk bins, bring your own bags, containers or jars, to reduce packaging waste: Many stores, such as Whole Foods, sell bulk food like rice, pasta, beans, nuts, cereal and granola, and bringing a reusable bag or container for these items will save both money and unnecessary packaging. Stores have various methods for deducting the container weight so check with customer service before filling your container. Many cotton bags have their weights printed on their tags, which can be deducted at the checkout.
• Avoid disposable plastics: Ninety percent of plastic items are used once and then thrown out: grocery bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, coffee-cup lids. Take note of how often you rely on these products and replace them with reusable versions. After a few times of bringing your own bags to the store, silverware to the office, or travel mug to Starbucks, this will become an easy habit.
• Boycott microbeads: Much plastic polluting the oceans consists of microplastics, tiny chunks that are almost impossible to filter out. Microplastics can come from the breakdown of larger items, but they are also commonly added to consumer products. Plastic microbeads which function as exfoliators are found in many beauty products: facial scrubs, toothpaste, body washes. While they appear harmless, but their tiny size allows them to slip through water-treatment plants. They also resemble food to some marine animals. Choose products with natural exfoliants, like oatmeal or salt or biodegradable alternatives. Avoid items with “polypropylene” or “polyethylene” on the ingredients list.
• Make meals at home, to improve your health, as well as, to avoid takeout containers or doggy bags: When you do order in or eat out, tell the restaurant that you don’t need plastic cutlery or ask if you can bring your own food-storage containers for leftovers.
• Purchase items secondhand at thrift stores, neighborhood garage sales, or online, to save money and avoid the plastic packaging of new products.
• Recycle: It seems obvious, but we’re not recycling enough. Less than 14 percent of plastic packaging is recycled. If you’re confused about what can and can’t be recycled, check the number on the bottom of the container. Most beverage and liquid cleaner bottles are #1 (PET) which is commonly accepted by most curbside recycling companies. Containers marked #2 (HDPE; typically slightly heavier-duty bottles for milk, juice, and laundry detergent) and #5 (PP; plastic cutlery, yogurt and margarine tubs, ketchup bottles) are also recyclable in some areas. For the specifics on your area, check out Earth911.org’s recycling directory.
• Support a bag tax or ban: Urge your elected officials to follow the lead of those in San Francisco, Chicago, and close to 150 other cities and counties, by introducing or supporting legislation that would make plastic-bag use less desirable.
• Bring your own garment bag to the dry cleaner: Invest in a zippered fabric bag and ask that your cleaned items be returned in it, instead of in a plastic bag. Also make sure you’re using a dry cleaner that avoids perchlorate (PERC), a toxic chemical found in some cleaning solvents.
• Give up gum: When you chew gum, you’re actually chewing on plastic. Gum was originally made from tree sap called chicle, a natural rubber, but when scientists created synthetic rubber, polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate began to replace the natural rubber in most gum. Not only are you chewing on plastic, but you may also be chewing on toxic plastic, since polyvinyl acetate is manufactured using vinyl acetate, a chemical shown to cause tumors in lab rats.
• Reuse glass and plastic containers: Instead of throwing away or recycling glass jars emptied of their spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, salsa or applesauce, reuse them to store food or take them with you when you’re buying bulk foods. If you have plastic containers left over from yogurt, butter or other food, don’t throw them out. Simply wash them and use them to store food.
• Bring your own container: Whether you’re picking up takeout or bringing home your restaurant leftovers, be prepared with your own reusable containers. When you place your order, ask if you can have the food placed in your own container.
• Use matches instead of disposable plastic lighters, if you must light a candle, build a campfire or start a fire. Such cheap plastic devices remain in landfills for years and have been found in dead birds’ stomachs. If you can’t bear to part with your lighter, pick up a refillable metal one to help cut down on waste.
• Don’t use plasticware: Avoid disposable chopsticks, knives, spoons, forks and even sporks. If you often forget to pack silverware in your lunch, or if you know your favorite restaurant only has plasticware, start keeping a set of utensils.
• Return reusable containers to your local market: Since berry. grape and tomato containers are refillable, ask your local grocer to take the containers back and reuse them. If you buy berries or cherry tomatoes at a farmers market, bring the plastic containers to the market when you need a refill.
• Make your own fresh-squeezed juice or eat fresh fruit, instead of buying juice in plastic bottles: You’ll get more vitamins and antioxidants and reduce plastic waste.
• For house cleaning, use baking soda and vinegar or make your own cleaning products, instead of many plastic bottles of toxic products like tile cleaner, toilet cleaner and window cleaner:
  • Green cleaning tips
  • Make your own housecleaning products
  • Green residential cleaning
• Pack snacks and sandwiches in reusable containers, instead of disposable bags or saran wrap.

References:

1. Badore, Margaret. “11 easy ways to reduce your plastic waste today.” Living/Green Home, 03/02/15.
2. Sarah Engler. “10 Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution.” The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 01/05/16.

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