Back in my mid-20s, Friday nights were all about the glitz. My friends and I would adorn ourselves in layers of shimmery makeup, slather on glittery lotions, spritz some Clinique Happy perfume, and hit the dance floor. We sparkled and shined, carefree and stretch-mark-free.
Fast forward to today, and my life has changed significantly — especially my relationship with glitter. Now, I’m a parent, and my kids are obsessed with art projects that inevitably involve that pesky glitter. It has become my sworn enemy.
Glitter is like the annoying pimple of the crafting world — there, I said it. It embodies the trifecta of craft-related nightmares: cleaning it up is a Herculean task, it has a mind of its own, and if you have a child who loves to bedazzle everything, it’s literally everywhere. If you’ve ever received a glitter-filled envelope, you know it’s one of the most spiteful things someone can do. You’re left questioning if you’re a terrible person or if a friend is secretly plotting against you.
Once it gets on something, it sticks around forever. Seriously, it never goes away. We’ve all been that person, unknowingly sporting a shiny fleck on our face months after the last glitter encounter. Where does it even come from? I suspect it magically materializes from the depths of hell, traveling alongside Legos and those tiny rubber bands from Rainbow Looms.
But here’s another reason glitter ranks high on my list of “things to avoid”: most of it is classified as microplastic, which equals environmental catastrophe. The National Ocean Service defines microplastics as “tiny plastic fragments less than five millimeters long” that could be detrimental to marine life. Research published in Environmental Science and Technology indicates that microplastics can even harbor harmful bacteria, acting like a “lifeboat” for them.
So yes, glitter is essentially a sparkly menace. Back when my friends and I returned from our wild nights out, we would wash those mesmerizing specks down the drain, likely sending them straight to the ocean. Sorry, oceans.
If you share my disdain for glitter, feel free to stop reading now. Just explain to your kids that glitter harms the environment. Say farewell to the sparkle because we care about our oceans and don’t want to harm the whales, right?
But if you’re someone who loves glitter or has an obsession with Pinterest (or perhaps you’re a fan of Kylie Jenner), I’m happy to share that there are alternatives that won’t ruin the planet. Yes, biodegradable glitter exists! A company called Glitter Revolution produces glitter made from plant cellulose. It may still have a tendency to wander onto your face uninvited, but at least it’s not a threat to the environment. Hooray?
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this insightful guide on artificial insemination kits. For those looking into pregnancy resources, the World Health Organization offers excellent information. And for details on NHS funding related to fertility treatment, visit this link.
In summary, while glitter may have been the life of the party in my 20s, it’s now the bane of my existence, especially as a parent. With its environmental impact and stubborn nature, I’m grateful for the emergence of biodegradable options.