Rio Carnival Microplastics Problem Grows With Glitter Use

According to Constance Malleret at The Guardian, researchers tracked what happened on Flamengo beach during carnival season. In a study, scientists sampled sand before, during, and after the crowds arrived, then compared it with later sampling. They found microplastics jumped during carnival, and glitter stood out as a main culprit.

Most conventional glitter is made from PET plastic and coated with metal, so it is already microplastic when it is sold. Add millions of people dancing, sweating, and hugging, and those tiny particles shake loose even faster. Then tides and wind can push them offshore, where they can be eaten by wildlife and move up the food chain.

That is not just a problem for the environment. Researchers say there is still limited evidence on human health, yet early links to serious risks keep raising alarms. Meanwhile, Brazil has a bill to ban plastic and metallic glitter, but it has been stuck in congress for years.

Biodegradable options exist, but they cost more, and access is uneven. Still, carnival is built on creativity, so the shift is possible. If we can reinvent costumes each year, we can also reinvent what “shine” looks like.

Choose glitter free looks, Support safer materials, and keep the party fun without leaving plastic behind on the planet.

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