Merici College Green Tip #25: Rethinking the sparkle ...

Sustainability at Merici

Glitter is a commonly used decoration.

Unfortunately it is also a microplastic.

The ACT's Plastic Reduction Act 2021 bans all plastic products made from oxo-degradable plastic (these are plastics which break down into ‘microplastics’ and don’t completely decompose).

“Both conventional and alternative glitters can have a serious ecological impact on aquatic ecosystems within a short period of time.”

– Dr. Dannielle Green, Senior Lecturer in Biology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)
As Merici College is a school committed to the Sustainable Schools Programme and Laudato Si, please do not use glitter.

A little research on the internet reveals a range of options. Substitutes include coloured sugar, confetti, coloured salt or epsom salts.

How to Make Coloured Epsom Salts (thedancingsoapdish.com)

It just takes a little creativity to avoid microplastic glitter.

Have fun!

 

Felicity Maher

Sustainability Officer

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