Researchers from Australia have found that a new glitter made from cellulose nanocrystals is less harmful to soil organisms than conventional plastic-based glitter, offering a more eco-friendly option.
Petra Stock reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Traditional glitter made from plastic and metal harms soil organisms, reducing their reproduction rates.
- A new glitter made from cellulose nanocrystals did not affect the health or reproduction of soil organisms in experiments.
- Further studies are ongoing to assess the environmental impact of this cellulose-based glitter in water ecosystems.
Key quote:
"Plastic is a big issue in our oceans. But what a lot of people aren’t as aware of is that there’s actually more plastic pollution in our soil, and it’s potentially having just as big an impact."
— Suzie Reichman, ecotoxicologist and associate professor at the University of Melbourne
Why this matters:
Microplastics like glitter accumulate in soil, harming tiny organisms that help maintain soil health. Developing alternatives can reduce the environmental impact of these materials on both land and water ecosystems.
