Top 12 How To Safely Dispose Of Glitter Top 20 Best Answers

You are looking for information, articles, knowledge about the topic nail salons open on sunday near me how to safely dispose of glitter on Google, you do not find the information you need! Here are the best content compiled and compiled by the Chewathai27.com team, along with other related topics such as: how to safely dispose of glitter how to get rid of glitter, glitter recycling

Glitter you cannot store or reuse should be thrown in the garbage. Greeting cards, crafts and decorations with glitter cannot be recycled, so throw these away as well.Glitter can be washed down the drain and because it can pass through water filtration or wastewater treatment facilities, it can easily make its way out into the ocean. Glitter like other microplastics can carry harmful bacteria and chemicals that are ingested by small animals and enter the food chain.Try reusing wrapping paper where you can or otherwise put it in with your general waste. All that glitters is not recyclable. Glitter can contaminate other waste during the recycling process, then the recycled product is rejected.

Is it OK to put glitter down the drain?

Glitter can be washed down the drain and because it can pass through water filtration or wastewater treatment facilities, it can easily make its way out into the ocean. Glitter like other microplastics can carry harmful bacteria and chemicals that are ingested by small animals and enter the food chain.

Why is glitter not recyclable?

Try reusing wrapping paper where you can or otherwise put it in with your general waste. All that glitters is not recyclable. Glitter can contaminate other waste during the recycling process, then the recycled product is rejected.

Is glitter harmful to the environment?

According to a 2019 paper published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, glitter may be a significant source of microplastic in the environment and become a hazard to various organisms. The NOAA Marine Debris Program also said that glitter can contribute to marine debris.

How long does it take glitter to decompose?

The exact duration of the biodegradation process varies depending on the presence of four naturally found elements: heat, water, oxygen & micro-organisms. In the right environment, it usually takes 2-3 months for our glitter to degrade & disappear.

How do you dispose of glitter jars?

If you absolutely had to dispose of glitter, placing it into a sealable jar or container and throwing it in landfill is possibly the best option for complete disposal.

Is there any eco-friendly glitter?

There are two types of eco glitter. One has a modified regenerated cellulose (MRC) core, sourced from eucalyptus trees, coated with a reflective aluminum, and topped with an ultra-thin layer of plastic. Another is called mica glitter, which is primarily used in cosmetics.

How can you tell if glitter is biodegradable?

There’s no way to know for sure.” You’d have to take the glitter, immerse it in some water that has microorganisms in it (in other words, not fresh water), leave it open to the air, and wait… at least a few weeks. You could speed up the process by adding sun, or shaking the container every so often.

Can Christmas cards with glitter be recycled?

“Any embellishments such as ribbons or glitter cannot be recycled so should be removed first by simply tearing off that section. Batteries should also be removed from musical cards and disposed of at battery recycling points.”

Is glitter bad for plants?

“We found that each type of glitter, [PET, MRC, and mica], can negatively affect some aspect of microalgae and aquatic plants, which could have cascading effects on the food web,” says Dannielle Green, an associate professor of ecology at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, who co-authored the study.

Why is glitter so hard to clean up?

In simple terms, when a small piece of glitter come into contact with a flat surface it pushes the air out from underneath it. The air above it then begins to push down on the glitter making it difficult to grab.

Has glitter been banned?

There is already a partial-ban on glitter in place in the United States, Canada placed a ban on microbeads in 2018, and the United Kingdom’s ban took place this year.

Can you flush glitter down the toilet?

The absolute worst thing to do is to flush it down the toilet or dump it in the sink, since that puts it directly into the water system and it would eventually go in the ocean. Please please please whatever you do, don’t dispose of your plastic glitter by putting it into our water!

Is glitter plastic or metal?

Yes, in case you didn’t know, regular glitter is essentially plastic. Most glitter is made out of a combination of aluminum and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Also, some craft glitters are made from metal and glass.

Is biodegradable glitter good for the environment?

Scientists have discovered that biodegradable glitter is no better for the environment than its microplastic counterpart.

What should you not put down a kitchen sink?

Ten Things to Never Put Down your Kitchen Sink
  • Pasta. Your drainpipe has a fixed width. …
  • Rice. Like pasta, rice will continue to take in water. …
  • Egg Shells. Egg shells are a problem in two ways. …
  • Coffee Grounds. …
  • Cooking Oils and Fats. …
  • Food Fat. …
  • Stickers. …
  • Fruit Pits.

What can I pour down the drain to clean it?

Follow these easy steps to unclog your drain:
  • Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.
  • Next, pour a cup of baking soda and 1 cup water/1 cup vinegar solution.
  • Cover with the drain plug and wait 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Pour boiling water down the drain again.

Is it OK to pour milk down the drain?

Milk should not be put down the drain

This is because milk requires large quantities of oxygen to be broken down into the environment, depriving other organisms of the air they need to survive.

Can you pour ice cream down the sink?

Check out the list below of things that you should never pour down a sink drain: Lard (bacon grease) Leftover food scraps from plates. Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, heavy whipping cream, ice cream or cheese sauces)


GLITZA™ – TUTORIAL – How to save reuse excess GLITZA™ Glitter!
GLITZA™ – TUTORIAL – How to save reuse excess GLITZA™ Glitter!


The Problem With Glitter – Stockton Recycles

  • Article author: stocktonrecycles.com
  • Reviews from users: 45077 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 3.9 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about The Problem With Glitter – Stockton Recycles Updating …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for The Problem With Glitter – Stockton Recycles Updating
  • Table of Contents:

Your guide to reducing reusing and recycling in Stockton provided by the City of Stockton Republic Services Inc and Waste Management Inc

Redeem for CRV Refund

Special Programs

Search This Site

The Problem With Glitter - Stockton Recycles
The Problem With Glitter – Stockton Recycles

Read More

How To Dispose of Glitter

  • Article author: www.thegoodlifewithamyfrench.com
  • Reviews from users: 22451 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 4.1 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about How To Dispose of Glitter If you absolutely had to dispose of glitter, placing it into a sealable jar or container and throwing it in landfill is possibly the best option for complete … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How To Dispose of Glitter If you absolutely had to dispose of glitter, placing it into a sealable jar or container and throwing it in landfill is possibly the best option for complete … Unfortunately, traditional glitter is bad for the environment, BUT how should you dispose of your old glitter mindfully and eco-friendly? Here are some tips on
  • Table of Contents:
How To Dispose of Glitter
How To Dispose of Glitter

Read More

Your Guide to Sparkling Responsibly | Little Sprouts Program

  • Article author: littlesproutsprogram.com.au
  • Reviews from users: 10829 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 4.1 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about Your Guide to Sparkling Responsibly | Little Sprouts Program Updating …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Your Guide to Sparkling Responsibly | Little Sprouts Program Updating Our top tips to easily make the switch to using environmentally friendly glitter at your early childhood service
  • Table of Contents:
Your Guide to Sparkling Responsibly | Little Sprouts Program
Your Guide to Sparkling Responsibly | Little Sprouts Program

Read More

Festive Recycling Do’s and Don’ts

  • Article author: www.recyclingbins.co.uk
  • Reviews from users: 45693 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 3.7 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about Festive Recycling Do’s and Don’ts Updating …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Festive Recycling Do’s and Don’ts Updating Festive Recycling Do’s and Don’ts
  • Table of Contents:
Festive Recycling Do's and Don'ts
Festive Recycling Do’s and Don’ts

Read More

Yes, Glitter Really is Bad for the Environment | Discover Magazine

  • Article author: www.discovermagazine.com
  • Reviews from users: 5018 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 3.5 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about Yes, Glitter Really is Bad for the Environment | Discover Magazine Updating …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Yes, Glitter Really is Bad for the Environment | Discover Magazine Updating The sparkly stuff is an environmental nightmare. It’s also just one example of a larger category of pollutants that scientists are still struggling to understand.
  • Table of Contents:

The sparkly stuff is an environmental nightmare It’s also just one example of a larger category of pollutants that scientists are still struggling to understand

Newsletter

Glitter is Actually a Microplastic

Impacts of Microplastic Pollution

Greener Alternatives

Yes, Glitter Really is Bad for the Environment | Discover Magazine
Yes, Glitter Really is Bad for the Environment | Discover Magazine

Read More

What is Eco Glitter Made of? – Projekt Glitter

  • Article author: projektglitter.com
  • Reviews from users: 1949 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 5.0 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about What is Eco Glitter Made of? – Projekt Glitter Updating …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for What is Eco Glitter Made of? – Projekt Glitter Updating Our glitter shop offers bio glitter, face glitter, body glitter and glitter
    for festivals which is biodegradable, eco-friendly & safe for face, body,
    hair & the environment. Our biodegradable glitter comes in recyclable
    packaging made out of glass pots and tubes making them eco-friendly. You
    can upcycle our eco glitter by reusing packaging as gifts. We make good
    glitter that is organic & vegan.
  • Table of Contents:

What is biodegradable glitter made from

How does the glitter biodegrade

How long does it take for bio glitter to decompose

Sparkle Glitter Vs Pearlescent Glitter

What is the original sparkle eco glitter made from

What is the PURE pearlescent glitter made from

Reuse your empty tubes Turn them into meaningful gifts

What is Eco Glitter Made of? - Projekt Glitter
What is Eco Glitter Made of? – Projekt Glitter

Read More

All that Glitters……..! ⋆ Disposal Know How

  • Article author: disposalknowhow.com
  • Reviews from users: 32732 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 4.5 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about All that Glitters……..! ⋆ Disposal Know How Well this is that same issue, glitter is made of tiny pieces of plastic bonded with aluminium to give it sparkle. And of course it cannot be recycled, so it … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for All that Glitters……..! ⋆ Disposal Know How Well this is that same issue, glitter is made of tiny pieces of plastic bonded with aluminium to give it sparkle. And of course it cannot be recycled, so it … If you have a small child in the family then you will know all about glitter. Children love it and craft activities would not be the same without a bit ofrecycle, recycling, reuse, household waste, recycling centres, reduce landfill, upcycle, upcycling, green, earth friendly, disposal, disposal-know-how, Doug Disposal, Ask Doug, declutter, eco disposal, landfill, compostinga directory and resource bringing together all the information about the various means of ethical disposal and recycling available in the UK
  • Table of Contents:
All that Glitters........! ⋆ Disposal Know How
All that Glitters……..! ⋆ Disposal Know How

Read More

Your Guide to Sparkling Responsibly | Little Sprouts Program

  • Article author: littlesproutsprogram.com.au
  • Reviews from users: 19557 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 3.9 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about Your Guide to Sparkling Responsibly | Little Sprouts Program The last thing you want to do is throw the plastic glitter into the rubbish. Similarly, DO NOT flush the glitter down the drain or toilet. Even if you seal it … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Your Guide to Sparkling Responsibly | Little Sprouts Program The last thing you want to do is throw the plastic glitter into the rubbish. Similarly, DO NOT flush the glitter down the drain or toilet. Even if you seal it … Our top tips to easily make the switch to using environmentally friendly glitter at your early childhood service
  • Table of Contents:
Your Guide to Sparkling Responsibly | Little Sprouts Program
Your Guide to Sparkling Responsibly | Little Sprouts Program

Read More

what can i do with glitter? : ZeroWaste

  • Article author: www.reddit.com
  • Reviews from users: 39143 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 4.5 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about what can i do with glitter? : ZeroWaste I don’t know how to properly dispose of it or perhaps some how repurpose it… I could donate them to some craft centers but who knows if they’ … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for what can i do with glitter? : ZeroWaste I don’t know how to properly dispose of it or perhaps some how repurpose it… I could donate them to some craft centers but who knows if they’ … bear with me please, i’m decluttering and i found some pots of glitter in my room. I don’t know how to properly dispose of it or perhaps some how …
  • Table of Contents:
what can i do with glitter? : ZeroWaste
what can i do with glitter? : ZeroWaste

Read More

Choose Eco-Friendly Glitter Free From Plastic This Season

  • Article author: www.trvst.world
  • Reviews from users: 5456 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 3.8 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about Choose Eco-Friendly Glitter Free From Plastic This Season If you still have some plastic glitter lying around, that’s okay. All you have to do is ensure that it is correctly disposed of. Pack the … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Choose Eco-Friendly Glitter Free From Plastic This Season If you still have some plastic glitter lying around, that’s okay. All you have to do is ensure that it is correctly disposed of. Pack the … Plastic glitter can have negative effects on the environment and waterways. Choose eco-friendly glitter when you need to sparkle.
  • Table of Contents:

Choose eco-friendly glitter to protect our water and protect marine life

Highly recommended eco-friendly glitter brands for this festival season

Glitters are microplastics What are microplastics

Conclusion

Choose Eco-Friendly Glitter Free From Plastic This Season
Choose Eco-Friendly Glitter Free From Plastic This Season

Read More

Should we get rid of glitter? – Scienceline

  • Article author: scienceline.org
  • Reviews from users: 47990 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 4.0 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about Should we get rid of glitter? – Scienceline Glitter is showing up in oceans but with unclear impacts, the debate over … Do you have any ea of the best way to safely dispose of it? …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Should we get rid of glitter? – Scienceline Glitter is showing up in oceans but with unclear impacts, the debate over … Do you have any ea of the best way to safely dispose of it? A small but growing number of activists and researchers are concerned about glitter’s role as a water pollutant and say it’s time to give up the shiny plastic flecks that add shimmer to everything from cosmetics to automobile paint.
  • Table of Contents:
Should we get rid of glitter? - Scienceline
Should we get rid of glitter? – Scienceline

Read More

Is Glitter Environmentally Friendly? – Thinking Sustainably

  • Article author: www.thinkingsustainably.com
  • Reviews from users: 3714 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 4.8 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about Is Glitter Environmentally Friendly? – Thinking Sustainably One way to dispose of glitters without posing a threat to the environment is by making a permanent craft or decor with … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Is Glitter Environmentally Friendly? – Thinking Sustainably One way to dispose of glitters without posing a threat to the environment is by making a permanent craft or decor with … Thinking sustainably has the answer to whether or not your favorite craft supply, glitter is environmentally friendly. Find out what you can do to help save our planet and still enjoy sparkly crafts.
  • Table of Contents:

Is glitter environmentally friendly

Is biodegradable glitter biodegradable

How long does it take for the glitter to decompose

How can you tell if glitter is biodegradable

Does biodegradable glitter dissolve in water

How do you dispose of glitter

Is glitter plastic

Is Toilet Paper Biodegradable

Is Glass biodegradable

Is Glitter Environmentally Friendly? - Thinking Sustainably
Is Glitter Environmentally Friendly? – Thinking Sustainably

Read More

How to Get Rid of Glitter: Plastic-free Glitter
– Today Glitter

  • Article author: www.todayglitter.com
  • Reviews from users: 27919 ⭐ Ratings
  • Top rated: 3.6 ⭐
  • Lowest rated: 1 ⭐
  • Summary of article content: Articles about How to Get Rid of Glitter: Plastic-free Glitter
    – Today Glitter In order to remove glitter from your home, you can sweep it into a large pile using a wet paper towel or dryer sheets if there are only tiny bits of glitter on … …
  • Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Get Rid of Glitter: Plastic-free Glitter
    – Today Glitter In order to remove glitter from your home, you can sweep it into a large pile using a wet paper towel or dryer sheets if there are only tiny bits of glitter on … One of the biggest fears of wearing glitter is how to get rid of it once it has been applied. If you are looking for ways to remove glitter, or if you are conscious about the environment and want to eliminate glitter completely after using it, you will be surprised with a plant-based glitter.
  • Table of Contents:

Just added to your cart

Best Tips to Remove Glitter from your Clothing House and Yourself

Best Tip to Remove Glitter from the Environment

Leave a comment

How to Get Rid of Glitter: Plastic-free Glitter
– Today Glitter
How to Get Rid of Glitter: Plastic-free Glitter
– Today Glitter

Read More


See more articles in the same category here: Top 122 tips update new.

The Problem With Glitter

3-4-18

Did you know that glitter is hazardous to the environment? This may seem hard to believe until you realize that glitter is plastic. As such, it shares the same problems that all other plastics do: as it breaks into smaller and smaller pieces, it finds its way into the ecosystem where it pollutes habitats and harms wildlife — and us!

If you’ve ever worked with glitter, you know how difficult disposing of it can be. It sticks to nearly any surface it touches. It’s too small to recycle and, sometimes, too small to even throw away. You often have to resort to washing hands, clothes and surfaces, flushing glitter down the drain and into our waterways.

Glitter also lingers in the food chain. As a microplastic, it can be eaten by small animals, such as zooplankton and crustaceans. Since plastic does not naturally biodegrade, and only becomes smaller pieces of plastic, microplastics are not likely to leave the food chain once they have entered it. When larger animals eat contaminated prey, the plastic moves up the food chain with them, eventually ending up in human bodies. Although all plastics become microplastics eventually, glitter begins this way, meaning it pollutes the food chain more quickly.

So what can we do? Preventing waste before it starts is the most important step we can take. Some are even advocating for a ban on glitter. Though this may seem extreme, there is a precedent for microplastic legislation. In July, a congressional ban on the use of plastic microbeads in cosmetics will go into effect. The goal of this legislation is to keep these tiny plastic particles out of our waterways. This is an important step given that plastic was recently found in 94 percent of water samples from across the country.

If you do use glitter, be conscious of how much you use and how you dispose of it. Wastewater treatment facilities cannot filter out microplastic, so try to wash as little as possible down the drain. Glitter you cannot store or reuse should be thrown in the garbage. Greeting cards, crafts and decorations with glitter cannot be recycled, so throw these away as well.

Read more about how you can reduce plastic waste.

How To Dispose of Glitter

Unfortunately, traditional glitter is bad for the environment because it is made up of tiny pieces of plastic, BUT what do you do with your old glitter?

Should you throw it out? use it? donate it? or hide it in a cupboard for eternity?

There are a couple of ways to dispose of glitter, but the best way is to repurpose it into permanent projects and DIYs – giving it zero chance to spread and become glitter pollution.

The first thing you can do about glitter is to STOP buying it – but I’m sure if you ended up on this page then you have done just that and are wondering what to do with the stash of glitter still in your possession.

When people stop buying plastic glitter, companies will stop making it. While we all wait around for this to finally happen, there are other actions we can take to minimise the impact.

The key thing is we want to avoid glitter heading into waterways and ideally out of landfill.

Disposing of Glitter in Landfill

If you absolutely had to dispose of glitter, placing it into a sealable jar or container and throwing it in landfill is possibly the best option for complete disposal.

This will help prevent the glitter contaminating the environment or leeching into waterways, but will still contribute to landfill (including the recyclable container it was placed in). Keep in mind, the container may be crushed or broken during it’s transition to landfill and at some point the container will deteriorate exposing the glitter.

This is my least favourite option and honestly, you are better keeping it locked away in a cupboard for ever – a little like Pandora’s Box, but we know how that story went!

Donating Glitter

If you just can’t stand to have anything with glitter, be sure to donate it somewhere it will be used mindfully.

Avoid sending it on to schools and craft clubs and instead search for local artists and eco-friendly organisations that can deal with the glitter properly.

Glitter Disposal Through Re-Use

Glitter can be ‘disposed of’, in manner of speaking, by using it in permanent forever items.

Not only does this prevent misuse by other people, but keeps it out of landfill and out of your cupboard.

Avoid typical glitter crafts like kids art, gift cards, glitter slime or anything where the glitter is unlikely to stay put.

Another thing to keep in mind, is that many glitter projects are not exactly zero waste and may require additional materials that aren’t fabulous for the planet. It’s very difficult to work out the best and worst options, so use your own judgement AND use what you already have when you can.

If you’re considering using it for glitter slime….Just NO – you will combining two evil items that will wreck your home and the planet.

Here are some fun ways you might want to reuse and repurpose glitter:

> Use Glitter for Upcycling

Glitter can be applied to so many objects you already have AND there are techniques (like this one) to prevent glitter shedding.

It can be applied to candleholders, photo frames and many other decorative objects. Make sure it’s something you plan to have around a while.

(Image from iLoveToCreateBlog.)

>Glitter Clay

Working glitter into clay is another permanent way to dispose of these tiny bits of plastic glitter. I used polymer clay that we had in our craft cupboard and combined matching glitter to several items. Follow the instructions on the packet for baking times, most are done in 30 minutes.

I used a cookie cutter to make the ones below and a metal skewer to create holes before baking.

Did you know, even your old glittery makeup can be combined with clay too!

Polymer clay is fine to use outdoors too, and we will be using these on a mosaic project we are about to start working on in the garden.

Clay can be moulded into figurines, pendants, hanging ornaments and of course bowls. I found this great tutorial on how to make a glittery ring dish which I’m dying to try.

>Create Glitter Wall Art

This gorgeous project below is a DIY glitter and lights canvas from JOANN. It’s an effective way to repurpose, and looks amazing.

There are plenty of ways to get creative and if your looking for a little more inspiration see these easy glitter wall art ideas.

> Glitter Mason Jars

I love these arty looking mason jars and think they are perfect for holding kids craft items. Of course, they could be upcycled pasta sauce jars or whatever other glass you have been collecting. Here are all the instructions for DIY Glitter Jars.

Image From Color Made Happy

>Glitter Resin Projects

Resin is an ideal way to capture glitter forever. Just take a look around Pinterest or google it, and you will find amazing tutorials on using resin with glitter.

Here’s a cute example of how to make a glitter cactus at home using a silicone mould. It looks easy enough, although I haven’t tried it myself yet.

Image From Resin Crafts

I hope this helps you get the plastic glitter out of your cupboard.

Once you have repurposed, used or mindfully disposed of your glitter, don’t forget to opt for an eco-friendly version for future crafts.

Here’s How To Make Your Own Eco-Friendly Glitter At Home from Epsom Salts.

I haven’t purchased or used any eco-friendly glitter yet (other than my own) so I have no idea what they are like to use. Have you tried it? I’d love to know what you’ve tested out and how it performed (and was it kid approved?)

For more green living inspiration, subscribe below for updates, and grab your free printables.

#glitter #zerowaste #kids #UpcyclingProjects

Your Guide to Sparkling Responsibly

Do you love glitter but worry about its impacts on the environment? Join us as we explore why most glitter is harmful to the environment and give you some tips so you can easily make the switch to glitter that’s not only sparkly fun for you and the kids, but good for the environment too! We’ll also be sharing 3 simple craft activities for kids with biodegradable glitter using things you can easily find around your home or early learning service.

*Please note, this resource does include information on mica, a sparkling mineral that is often offered as an alternative to glitter.

Are you ready to make the pledge to #sparkleresponsibly at your early childhood service?

Download and complete the Little Sprouts Sparkle Responsibly Pledge

Make the pledge to Sparkle Responsibly at your early childhood service today!

Display and share the pledge with your centre community and update your progress towards becoming a plastic-free glitter centre in your Quality Improvement Plan. Share your pledge photos with us on social media @thelittlesproutsprogram, #sparkleresponsibly.

Join Carolyn from the Little Sprouts Program as she dives into the world of glitter.

This video covers the following topics:

1. (00:40) Microplastics – why most glitter is harmful to the environment

2. (02:47) Switch to eco-friendly glitter alternatives

3. (03:18) Things to be aware of with biodegradable glitter

4. (03:48) What does biodegradable mean?

5. (04:06) 10 tips to tell if you’re going to get biodegradable glitter or just plastic litter

6. (06:19) A quick intro to Bioglitter® and Glitterazzi

7. (07:26) Three fun biodegradable glitter craft activities for kids using Bioglitter®

8. (07:38) Environmentally friendly glitter snow globes activity

9. (08:28) Putting your child’s name or handprint in eco glitter activity

10. (09:17) Making biodegradable glitter cardboard roll flowers

11. (10:19) Take home message.

So, what’s the problem with glitter?

If you’re an early childhood educator or parent, I’m sure you’re aware of the glitter hurricane effect. Glitter is sticky, small and spreads like magic. Even after a lengthy clean up you can find it months or even years down the track. After a glittery festival or art project, these bits of microplastic have a very high chance of getting into the environment. For something that provides enjoyment for only a short period of time, glitter can wreak havoc on the environment for 100’s of years after. Compared to other waste streams produced by early childhood services like nappies and other plastic, glitter is not as big a problem. But it’s one of the easiest waste streams to switch to an eco-friendly alternative.

Most glitter is made of plastic. Mostly polyethylene, the same plastic found in plastic bags and lots of other plastic products. And it’s a microplastic. These are plastics that measure less than 5mm. Microplastics are almost impossible to remove/clean up entirely once they enter the environment. Glitter can be washed down the drain and because it can pass through water filtration or wastewater treatment facilities, it can easily make its way out into the ocean.

Did you know most glitter is made of plastic? Microplastics are those that measure less than 5mm

Glitter like other microplastics can carry harmful bacteria and chemicals that are ingested by small animals and enter the food chain. If mussels, fish, seabirds and other marine animals ingest glitter and other microplastics, this can impact on their health and the health of humans if we choose to consume them.

Remember microbeads that were being used in shower gels? They’re a microplastic too and Australia is well on its way to phasing them out. Isn’t it time we do the same with plastic glitter?

How can you fulfill your love of glitter without damaging the environment?

By refusing to buy or use plastic glitter and switching to eco-friendly alternatives you are helping to reduce microplastic pollution created by glitter and you’re making it clear to glitter manufacturers, that we expect better for the environment!

Never fear! There are ways to fulfill your love of glitter without damaging the environment.

What should you do with the plastic glitter you already have?

So, you want to make the pledge to Sparkle Responsibly, but you know there is still a lot of unused plastic glitter hiding in storage cupboards. What should you do with this glitter?

Remember that it’s OK to make changes gradually and the most important thing is to commit to stop buying/bringing in more plastic glitter to the centre. Get creative and involve your staff and children in figuring out what to do with the plastic glitter you still have. Engage children in the process of figuring out what to do with the glitter to prevent it spreading into the environment and waterways.

Here are some ideas:

The last thing you want to do is throw the plastic glitter into the rubbish. Similarly, DO NOT flush the glitter down the drain or toilet. Even if you seal it in a container and throw it out, it may get crushed at some stage in landfill allowing the glitter to escape into the environment. If you’re not sure what to do with it right away, hide it somewhere safe where no one will use it.

Can you donate the plastic glitter to someone that can ensure they will use it responsibly and turn it into long-lasting items? Perhaps you could donate it to a local artist to turn it into funky glitter resin earrings, or an eco-friendly business that can deal with the glitter properly? Be cautious with donating plastic glitter to families, other centres or schools unless they can ensure it won’t get out into the environment.

The key to upcycling plastic glitter is to turn it into a long-lasting, permanent item that hopefully won’t end up in the bin. Here is some inspiration for upcycling glitter: Use the glitter to make a ‘We Sparkle Responsibly’ sign. Display this eye-catching sign at the front entrance of your centre. It will be a good conversation starter with families and other visitors. Make sure to seal the top coat of glitter with a layer of glue so the glitter doesn’t fall off the sign. Put the glitter into clay and make decorative sparkly gifts Candleholders – The blog of ILOVETOCREATE.COM guide you through making double sparkle, no-shed candle holders Piony and Ink DIY glitter ring bowls Joann glitter and lights canvas 9 easy glitter wall art ideas from DIYtomake.com Color Made Happy DIY glitter mason jars craft Resin Crafts DIY glitter resin cacti Pinterest has some fantastic inspiration on how to make glitter Christmas ornaments.

Please share your crafty glitter pics with us. We’d love to see what you create @thelittlesproutsprogram, #sparkleresponsibly.

Make your own ‘We Sparkle Responsibly’ sign to display at your centre

Make your own glitter!

You can easily make nature’s glitter from a mix of materials in your local area like flower petals and leaves.

The best alternative to buying or using plastic glitter is to make your own. You can make your own glitter easily from salt crystals, sugar, sand, or rice and food colouring, or make paper confetti (be sure to use plastic-free paper). You can also make nature’s glitter by picking small flowers and other items around your local environment.

Switch to buying biodegradable glitter

Another option is to get your hands on biodegradable glitter. Biodegradable glitter is more expensive than plastic glitter, but it doesn’t cost the health of the earth. As it costs more, you can save money by using biodegradable glitter a little more sparingly and decide on some special things to make with children!

How can you tell if the glitter is going to be biodegradable and not just plastic litter?

Firstly, let’s get clear on what biodegradable means. Whatever glitter you buy (or use) whether it’s plastic or biodegradable glitter, is made of polymers. Complete biodegradation occurs when none of the original polymer remains – when it has been broken down to carbon dioxide, methane and water with the help of microorganisms. There’s a lot of misleading information and greenwashing in the glitter industry so it helps to have some background knowledge before entering the biodegradable glitter world.

Here are our top 10 tips to tell if you are going to get biodegradable glitter, or just plastic litter

1. The glitter biodegrades quickly in a natural, freshwater environment

The number one and most important thing to look out for is that the glitter has passed independent certification that the majority of the glitter (over 90%) biodegrades over a short period of time (less than 56 days) in a natural, freshwater environment. This is the highest tick of approval for biodegradable glitter at this time.

2. What is the glitter made of?

Biodegradable glitter is mostly made of plant cellulose, commonly Eucalyptus cellulose.

Regenerated cellulose derived from renewable raw materials sourced to FSC

3. How long does the glitter take to break down in the natural environment?

How long it takes for glitter to break down in the environment is an important factor. Whether the glitter is labelled as natural, compostable, degradable, or biodegradable doesn’t matter if it takes 100 years to biodegrade in the environment! If just a small percentage of the glitter biodegrades or it needs special industrial composting conditions to biodegrade, then it’s not eco-friendly in terms of letting it loose in the environment.

4. What conditions does the glitter need to break down in the natural environment?

Glitter polymers that are only compostable or only biodegrade in certain conditions like in soil or wastewater are still really microplastics as you know very well my friends, it is hard to control which environment the glitter ends up in once it gets loose!

5. Holographic glitter is currently not biodegradable

To our knowledge at the time of writing this post, holographic glitter is currently not 100% biodegradable. If you have new information about this, please feel free to share in the comments below.

6. Look for the hexagonal glitter shape

Real biodegradable glitter comes in a hexagonal shape.

7. Biodegradable glitter comes in less of a range of colours than plastic glitter

You’ll find less of a range of colours in the biodegradable glitter range than with plastic glitter.

8. Biodegradable glitter will feel softer than plastic glitter

9. Biodegradable glitter will cost more than plastic glitter

The price will go down as there is more demand for eco-friendly glitter. At the time of writing this post, biodegradable glitter can cost 6-8 times more than plastic glitter.

10. Avoid glitter marketed as only compostable

Plastics labelled as compostable typically require certain conditions that occur in industrial composts, with prolonged temperatures of above 50°C to be completely broken down. Such conditions are rarely if ever met in the natural environment.

Where can you find biodegradable glitter in Australia?

Bioglitter® are leading the way in the biodegradable glitter industry. If you’re buying certified biodegradable glitter in Australia, chances are it’s Bioglitter ®. For a list of Bioglitter® stockists worldwide see https://www.discoverbioglitter.com/where-can-i-buy-bioglitter/. The Bioglitter® used in the kids’ craft activities in this post is from Melbourne-based business, Glitterazzi. We are not affiliated or sponsored by Bioglitter® or Glitterazzi in any way. But we love what they do!

So how does Bioglitter® work? It doesn’t just dissolve in water. It needs environmental bacteria and other microorganisms to biodegrade. The speed of breakdown depends on environmental factors like heat, moisture, and how many little microbes there are.

Bioglitter® examples from left – the PURE, iridescent PURE and SPARKLE glitter range.

Bioglitter® currently offers two types of biodegradable glitter – Bioglitter® PURE and Bioglitter® SPARKLE. To find out more about the differences between these products see https://www.discoverbioglitter.com/#section_1. The tricky thing is that most sellers of Bioglitter® rename the glitter so it’s sometimes hard to know what type of Bioglitter® they are selling. If you’re not sure, just check with your supplier. If you have the option to choose between these two types of glitter, choose Bioglitter® PURE as it has achieved guaranteed certification that it biodegrades in a natural freshwater environment. They describe this glitter as “decomposes like a leaf in the natural environment to leave no trace.” Bioglitter® SPARKLE is following close behind (only 3% off meeting the Biodegradable WATER certification target). This means that Bioglitter® SPARKLE still contains some microplastic that does not biodegrade quickly in a natural, freshwater environment.

The cosmetics industry jumped on the biodegradable glitter train a while ago so you’ll see lots of glitter available for cosmetics and personal care use. Early learning services will be happy to know there is also a Craft Bioglitter® in the SPARKLE range. We are very excited that they are launching their new SPARKLE GC range for decorative and craft activities in January 2021. This is the first of their Bioglitter® SPARKLE range to reach freshwater biodegradable certification.

Three fun kids craft activities with Bioglitter® PURE

Join Carolyn as she takes Bioglitter® PURE for a test drive with three fun, environmentally friendly glitter craft projects you can do with kids.

Eco-friendly glitter snow globe

Learn how to make your own snow globe using biodegradable glitter and items you have around your house or early childhood service

Capturing a child’s name or handprint in bio glitter

Putting a child’s name or handprint in glitter captures a special moment in time. You have the option to frame it as a special keepsake.

Cardboard roll eco glitter flowers

This is any easy activity to repurpose old toilet rolls or paper towel rolls lying around.

We used Who Gives a Crap toilet rolls for this activity. Not only are they kind to trees, their products come with no plastic and 50% of profits are donated to help build toilets. Now that deserves a round of applause.

If you try any of the craft activities in this post, we’d love to see what you make. Please share with us on Facebook and Instagram @thelittlesproutsprogram, #sparkleresponsibly.

Take home message about biodegradable glitter

If there is one thing to take from this post it is…don’t focus too much on what the glitter is called. Whether it be labelled as compostable, plastic-free glitter, or biodegradable. But rather on whether it has passed independent certification that it breaks down quickly in a natural, freshwater environment. This is the gold standard of whether a glitter is as eco-friendly as it’s made out to be and proves…it’s not a microplastic.

Do you use biodegradable glitter? What do you use it for? Drop a comment below.

Looking for fun sustainability incursions for children in Melbourne? Our recycled paper making incursion is a favourite with kids and features biodegradable glitter. Find out more.

Written by Carolyn Luder, the Little Sprouts Program Founder and Managing Director.

So you have finished reading the how to safely dispose of glitter topic article, if you find this article useful, please share it. Thank you very much. See more: how to get rid of glitter, glitter recycling

Leave a Comment