Arts & Entertainment

Scientists say glitter is bad for the environment and should be banned

microplastics are threatening marine life

Published

9 years ago

November 22, 2017

Mariah Cooper

(Photo via Wikimedia Commons.)

Glitter’s sparkly fun has been killing the environment, according to scientists.

The majority of glitter is comprised of microplastic, tiny plastic pieces estimated at less than 5 millimeters in length. Their small size can find its way into the ocean making it a dangerous food for marine life including whales.

Some microplastic estimates in the ocean range as large as 51 trillion fragments.

“I was quite concerned when somebody bought my daughters some shower gel that had glitter particles in it,” marine biologist Richard Thompson told the Independent. “That stuff is going to escape down the plughole and potentially enter the environment.”

Glitter’s impact reaches beyond a fun party decoration. Items such as lipstick, eyeshadow and other cosmetic products can include the pesky microplastics.

“I think all glitter should be banned,” environmental anthropologist Trisia Farrelly told the Independent. “When people think about glitter they think of party and dress-up glitter. But glitter includes cosmetic glitters as well. The more everyday kind that people don’t think about as much.”

Up Next

‘House of Cards’ extends hiatus with plans to resume production in December

Don't Miss

Marvel’s ‘Runaways’ introduces LGBT superhero Karolina Dean

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Photos

PHOTOS: SUNFESTIVAL

Annual dance party held amid weekend festivities in Rehoboth Beach

Published

11 hours ago

September 9, 2026

Daniel Truitt

A scene from the SUNFESTIVAL Night of Dance at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on Sept. 6. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

The annual CAMP Rehoboth fundraiser, SUNFESTIVAL, was held over Labor Day weekend in Rehoboth Beach, Del. The festival included a massive dance party at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on Sunday.

(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)

Arts & Entertainment

Nominate your favorites for the Blade’s 25th annual Best Of LGBTQ DC Awards

Submit your picks now; top 5 vote getters move to the finals

Published

16 hours ago

September 9, 2026

Staff reports

Nominate your favorites in our Best of LGBTQ DC categories through Sept. 24. The top 5 nominees from each category will become finalists with voting starting Sept. 28. Our 2026 Best of LGBTQ DC winners will be announced at the Best of LGBTQ DC Awards Party on Thursday, Oct. 22 and our special issue will come out on Friday, Oct. 23. One vote per email address per day. Good luck!

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE OR USE THE FORM BELOW!

Out & About

Blade Foundation to host fundraiser in Rehoboth on Sept. 12

Mayor-elect Stewart, state Rep. Snyder-Hall to give remarks

Published

3 days ago

September 7, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Rehoboth Mayor-elect Susan Stewart will speak at the Blade Foundation fundraiser on Sept. 12.

The Washington Blade Foundation will host a fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 12 in Rehoboth Beach featuring remarks from Rehoboth’s Mayor-elect Susan Stewart and Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall.

The Foundation funds fellowships for aspiring queer journalists and enterprise journalism projects.

The event will be held at a private home in Rehoboth. Tickets are $100 and include open bar from Diego’s, catered appetizers from the Blue Moon, entertainment, guest speakers, and an auction. Tickets are available here.