Nurseries Ban Glitter

In a move to help protect the marine environment from microplastics, nurseries run by ‘Tops Day‘ group (based in Southern England) have initiated a ban on glitter, meaning that their 2500 children attending now will not be able to access glitter during arts & crafts activities.

Why Have They Done This?

Interesting question but it’s a surprisingly logical and really conscientious move on the part of Tops Day!

Microplastics are causing havoc for our oceans and other ecosystems, building up and causing tonnes of waste plastic to float around our oceans, and often be consumed by confused marine life (sea turtles and whales in particular), causing injury and even death. Banning micoplastics such as glitter could have a massive impact on reducing the amount of this pollutant finding its way into our environment!

The image below is a perfect example; notice all the fragments of plastic? The larger ones will be broken down by the force of the ocean, but will never truly be destroyed as plastic, copolymer and and aluminium foil isn’t biodegradable. All the tiny fragments, glitter included, pose a horrible enviromental threat.

“The United Nations states 13,000 nurdles (fragments) are floating every square mile of the ocean – this is an average figure and the concentration of nurdles worldwide varies greatly. A beach such as Porthtowan will collect far larger quantities for example.” (Seachair)

What is Being Used In Lieu of Glitter?

Biodegradable and environmentally friendly products such as rice and lentils are now being used for arts and crafts projects. Yeah, they’re definitely not anywhere near as glam but they’re much safer and kinder on our planet!