Glitter Ban

This article was written by Portia C-W, Year 8

Are you a fan of the Glitter Ban?

In the EU, a microplastic BAN has been installed. The conditions of the ban are that microplastics smaller than five millimetres are now banned as they are not biodegradable and harmful to the environment. This means that makeup and nail varnish will not be able to have glitter in them unless it is environmentally friendly.

The reason microplastics are being banned is because most of them end up in landfills, where they take up to 1,000 years to degrade, leaching potentially toxic substances into the soil and water. Researchers in Germany are warning that the impact of microplastics in soils, sediment

These are nurdles on the beach.

Freshwater could have a long-term negative effect on ecosystems.

The conditions said, "The purpose is not to ban glitter but replace plastic glitter with more environmentally friendly glitter that does not pollute our oceans."

It was reported that ever since the announcement, sales in glitter have increased significantly since people are ‘stocking up while they can.’

The ban does not include the UK as it is no longer part of the EU but many shops in the UK do not sell glitter, or items with glitter on them, due to their environmental impact.

The people that issued the ban claim that it will prevent 500,000 tonnes (which is 453,592,370 kilograms!) from reaching the environment. EU commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius said." The most important thing is to cut pollution at the source."

Comments like: “What a dull world.” “I feel bad for the kids that love glitter.” and “It won’t be shiny anymore” were made but there were some positive comments like “As long as it helps,” “I’m glad the issue is at least being addressed and dealt with” show there are people that are supportive of this step.

All this being said, are you a fan of the glitter ban?

Are you team YAY or Nay eco-friendly glitter?