Europe has banned glitter, but you can still use these alternatives.

European Community banned the use of plastic particles less than five millimeters which are insoluble and cannot quickly decompose in the environment. In other words, he banned products based on microplasticfor example, exfoliants, some detergents or, what is most harmful for preschoolers: purpurin.

This news has caused some people a lot of concern. And indeed, shine This is not just a children’s thing.. It is also used in cosmetics, clothing, accessories and all types of products used by both children and adults. But, no matter how attractive it may be, it is actually very dangerous for marine ecosystems.

Despite their size, microplastics can take more than a century to decompose, and in the meantime they become part of the diet of many animals living in water environment. First of all, they enter the digestive system types of filter feed, such as sponges, corals and even some whales and sharks. On the other hand, they mix with phytoplankton, which many fish feed on, and, if this is not enough, they enter the digestive system of the predators of these small filter feeders or planktivores. Since plastic is toxic, all of this can have very harmful effects on these animals. In addition, this is a material to which toxinstherefore its toxicity increases even more.

All this shows that glitter is banned in Europe for a reason. Now lovers Brilli Brilli you can breathe easy because there is still alternativesapparently identical, which they will not have to give up.

Microplastic problem

Microplastics are a problem for marine ecosystems, as we have already seen. But not only that.

Their small size allows them to be distributed easily and quickly. land, sea and air, reaching unimaginable places. Microplastics have already been discovered even in Antarctica. And, in the case of humans, not just in our digestive system. Also in the lungs, blood and even breast milk.

Therefore, even if selfishness prevents us from thinking about other species, we should at least reduce its use for the sake of our own health. In recent years, efforts have been made to raise public awareness about this issue. But it has been observed that as long as the products are available, they will continue to be used. Sometimes, of course, out of sheer ignorance, because we can’t stop thinking that something as innocent as purpurin It may be dangerous. This is what prompted the European Community to introduce this ban, which will come into force next year. a little over two weeks.

This is not the end of the shine

Selling glitter is a growing business because it has long ceased to be just craft product.

So, anticipating what would come next, many companies have been looking for plastic-free options for years. Some of them are still under investigation, others are already up for sale.

Already in 2021, a group of scientists from Cambridge university I made a very interesting glitter based on cellulose crystals. They are designed to reflect light, so they create a glitter-like shine. But without using plastic. They can be obtained from plants or algae, and different versions are already being produced.

Particularly interesting are the options based on seaweed and mineral pigments. These glitters are made from seaweed. completely biodegradable. In fact, if he reaches the sea, it can be said that he is returning home.

Plus, whether it comes from algae or plants, it has an advantage that even the original glitter didn’t have. Biodegradable alternatives are much easier to clean with soap and water. We’ve all suffered for days with glitter stuck to our skin, clothes, tables, and every surface no matter how hard we try to clean it off. These options are all over. And all this with care for the environment. Of course, the European Commission’s ban is not as tragic as some people think.