‘Eco glitter’ isn’t as good for the environment as you think Posted by Leila Stein on 16 October 2020 A new study has shown that ‘eco glitter’ marketed as a better option for the environment is likely as bad for rivers and lakes as standard glitter. Glitter has recently gotten a bad name as a micro-plastic that contributes to pollution and is damaging ecosystems as it washes off our faces and into rivers, lakes and seas. Glitter enters the environment through many household products. To replace this harmful substance, a whole market for biodegradable glitter has emerged. However, many have not looked into how exactly this glitter is made and whether it is better because its biodegradable. Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge ran tests on ordinary glitter and glitter that claimed to be biodegradable. ‘Glitter is a ready-made microplastic that’s generally present in our houses and, significantly by means of cosmetics, is washed off in our sinks and into the water system,’ said Dr Dannielle Green, a senior lecturer in biology at ARU told The Guardian. ‘Our study is the first to look at the effects of glitter in a freshwater environment and we found that both conventional and alternative glitters can have a serious ecological impact on aquatic ecosystems within a short period of time.’ The study found that the glitter had an effect on root size and chlorophyll ranges, much like standard glitter. Picture: Unsplash Related Posts No mask in Bali: Pay up with push-ups 27 January 2021 Anyone seen in public in Bali not wearing a mask must either pay a fine... read more Let sleeping buffalos lie 27 January 2021 Two buffalo bulls were enjoying some quiet time in the Sand River that extends through... read more Vietnam Airlines joins fight to reduce rhino horn consumption 27 January 2021 Humane Society International and Vietnam Airlines have launched an emotionally charged campaign commercial that aims... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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