Move over microbeads!
SOURCE: crystalcandymakeup
New research indicates that glitter is causing ecological damage to freshwater habitats. Yes, I am talking about the glitter in your $70-dollar Urban Decay eyeshadow palette.
According to a new study led by Dr. Dannielle Green of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), glitter is effecting the root length of common duckweed, and lowering the levels of chlorophyl in the surrounding water.
“Our study is the first to look at the effects of glitter in a freshwater environment and we found that both conventional and alternative glitters can have a serious ecological impact on aquatic ecosystems within a short period of time,” Green said, “All types, including so-called biodegradable glitter, have a negative effect on important primary producers which are the base of the food web.”
Green said she believes the harmful effects might be a result of the plastic coating surrounding the glitter leaching into the water. Her team is planning on examining these effects further. Moreover, this kind of research opens to the door to looking more closely at the harmful effects the cosmetic industry has on the natural environment.
In the meantime, this is just one more reason to buy the matte shadows next time you’re at Sephora, I never liked the glitters anyway.
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