Glitter is terrible for the environment. Composed of tons of tiny pieces of plastic, known as microplastics, each piece of sparkle is less than five millimeters long.
Given their small size, they can pass through water filtration systems and end up in the oceans, and other natural bodies of water. Believe it or not, glitter is damaging to aquatic life. Fish can eat the plastic and, of course, humans eat the fish.
It is time to ban glitter. Avoid buying it or products that contain it. If you really must have glitter, opt for a biodegradable version, several of which are now available on the market.
Here are some other ways to help the Earth through conscious consumption and behavior:
Avoid products that contain microplastics. In 2015, a ban on microbeads used in beauty products like shower gels and exfoliants took effect in the United States. According to the BBC, a single shower can lead to 100,000 microplastic particles entering the ocean.
Eat whole, natural foods. Avoid foods that contain chemicals, artificial colorants and preservatives. Avoid foods that have palm oil or hydrogenated corn oil. Purchase fruits and vegetables harvested locally. Grow some herbs and edibles in your own garden. Eat less meat, or cut it out completely. Eat less seafood. Avoid factory-farmed meat completely.
Reduce! Buy less stuff overall. Make gifts instead of purchasing them. Buy products with less or no packaging. Avoid disposable plastics. Bring your own bags with you to stores, carry your own resusable water bottle, cutlery and straws.
Reuse! Organize swaps between friends to avoid having to buy new clothes. Use hand-me-downs for your children. Shop at flea markets and thrift stores.
Recycle and Compost. Separate trash into categories: paper, plastic, aluminum, glass, and organic food waste. Reuse what you can and recycle the rest. Keep a compost bin in the garden to create rich soil that will help your garden grow.
Research! Stay abreast of the latest developments with regard to climate change, and talk to your friends and family about this important issue.
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