Ah, glitter! A beloved crafting staple for children and a common choice for teens’ cosmetics, yet a source of frustration for parents everywhere. While glitter adds a touch of sparkle and creativity, its cleanup is a nightmare, and it turns out that its environmental impact is equally troubling. In light of this, scientists are advocating for its ban.
Glitter is composed of microplastics—tiny plastic particles that pose a significant environmental threat, particularly to marine ecosystems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), around 90% of plastics in open ocean environments are microplastics. These small particles, found in glitter, cleaning products, and synthetic textiles, can easily bypass wastewater treatment systems, entering oceans and harming marine life. This pollution is dangerous as it can be ingested by various aquatic animals, affecting the entire food web.
In 2015, the United States enacted The Microbead-Free Waters Act, which prohibits the production and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads. Unfortunately, glitter remains unregulated despite its similar contribution to marine pollution. Research conducted by Dr. Lila Harper at the Coastal Science Institute indicates that exposure to microplastics can hinder the growth of marine organisms, like snails, especially in high concentrations.
What Can We Do About Glitter?
A complete ban might limit the fun in children’s arts and crafts, but there are alternatives. Eco-friendly glitter options are now available, made from biodegradable materials that don’t harm the environment. By choosing these alternatives, we can help protect our oceans while still allowing kids to enjoy their creative expression.
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In summary, while glitter may bring joy to kids, its environmental consequences are prompting scientists to advocate for a ban. Fortunately, eco-friendly alternatives are available, allowing families to maintain creativity without compromising the health of our oceans.
Keyphrase: Ban on Glitter
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