Plastic pollution: Could selling glitter soon be banned?

Campaigners are calling on the government to ban the sale of glitter because it contains micro plastics that can harm marine life.

A group called 38 Degrees has launched a petition address to environment secretary Michael Gove.

They're pointing to a recent study that revealed up to a third of fish caught in the North Sea contained micro plastic particles - including glitter.

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David Innes, one of those behind the petition, said: "Glitter might look lovely but, because it's plastic, it sticks around long after the sparkle has gone - often in the stomachs of fish and birds."

Glitter was banned at a chain of nurseries in Dorset back in 2017 after they learned of its effect on the environment, and it's use has also stopped on BBC show Strictly Come Dancing and some music festivals.

Some supermarkets, including Waitrose, Aldi, and Marks & Spencer, have also made commitments to replace glitter with other more environmentally-friendly products.

But Mr Innes says, "the British public is clear; supermarkets should be moving faster to tackle plastic waste".

Plastic waste in the oceans allows the material to enter the food chain, marine biologists say

Trewin Restorick of the environmental campaign group Hubbub agrees, saying: "It falls to retailers to support their customers to reduce their use of single-use plastics and, while we all need a little sparkle in our lives, glitter, which is known to be harmful to the environment, must surely be one of the easiest plastics to cut out."

UK supermarkets argue that it is difficult to change products in the short term as they are ordered more than a year in advance.

Mr Restorick says: "It's understandable that supermarkets have long lead times on seasonal items, so they should be looking now at what they can do to bring forward long-term pledges on glitter."

Last year we asked you if you thought glitter should be banned - 76% voted No, while 24% voted Yes.

But do you still feel the same way a year on?

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Where can you find biodegradable glitter?

There are lots of different types, made from lots of different materials.

Stephen Cotton, a British scientist has helped to create a pioneering eco-glitter made from eucalyptus tree extract and aluminium.

To make the glitter, the eucalyptus tree extract is metallised with a thin layer of aluminium and coloured to give it its sparkle.

Biodegradable glitter looks just like glitter made from microplastics

"A lot of people think that the glitter wouldn't be as durable because it's biodegradable," he said.

"It feels softer because there aren't harsh plastics used in the process but its not like it will melt off your face at a festival," he added.

Lentils have also been used as an eco-friendly alternative.

But some fear people are put off buying biodegradable glitter, because it often costs more than normal glitter.

Sophie Awdry set up a company called Eco Glitter Fun - a biodegradable cosmetic-grade glitter sold in plastic-free packaging.

She says: "Unfortunately, until large retailers switch all glitter products from plastic to biodegradable, consumers will continue to be confused and unsure of what to buy."

Retailer Hobbycraft has also launched biodegradable alternatives, including a craft bio-glitter for children's use.

"We take our position as a responsible retailer seriously and we are always looking to source more sustainable ways for our customers to craft," said a spokesperson. "Our aim is to be completely free of non-biodegradable glitter by 2023."