Glitter is a craft-box staple — and the bane of many parents’ lives, since it manages to survive every attempt at clean-up. But glitter has a less sparkly side too: it’s often made from plastic, and that’s led some childcare providers to rethink whether it belongs in the craft box at all.
Why some nurseries have banned glitter
A chain of nurseries in England, Tops Day Nurseries, banned glitter from its settings after recognising it as a microplastic that can harm the environment. The move followed a parent survey in which the majority said they wanted the nurseries to be more eco-friendly.
It’s easy to see why other childcare settings might follow. Multiply one child’s glitter-covered craft by a room full of children, day after day, and the tiny plastic particles add up — both in the bin and, eventually, in waterways.
What is glitter actually made of?
Most craft glitter sold today is manufactured from plastic. It’s just one small contributor to the wider microplastics problem, but it’s a visible one — sold specifically to be scattered, stuck, and washed down sinks and drains.
That’s worth bearing in mind next time you’re stocking up the craft box. It doesn’t have to mean giving up glitter altogether — just being a bit more thoughtful about which glitter you buy.
This could mean a rethink for glitter-heavy projects like sparkly cards and pictures, and it may push glue and glitter manufacturers to change their formulas over time. Plenty of parents will admit they’re not glitter’s biggest fans anyway — it has a habit of turning up on the sofa, in shoes, and in the car weeks after the last craft session. But there’s no denying the results are usually pretty, and kids love it.
Eco-friendly glitter options
If you’d rather keep the sparkle without the plastic, biodegradable and eco-friendly glitters are widely available from craft suppliers and online retailers. Look for glitter described as plant-based, biodegradable, or cosmetic-grade rather than standard plastic craft glitter — these break down naturally instead of persisting in the environment.
A quick search for “biodegradable glitter” or “eco glitter” on your usual craft or online shopping site should bring up several options. It’s also worth checking labels on bath products and cosmetics — some well-known brands, including Lush, have moved away from plastic glitter in their products, which shows the shift is happening well beyond the craft table.
Over to you
What do you think about glitter in kids’ crafts? Would you consider switching to a more eco-friendly option next time the craft box needs restocking? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
FAQs
Is all craft glitter bad for the environment?
Most standard craft glitter is made from plastic, which means it behaves like a microplastic once it’s washed away or thrown out — it doesn’t break down. Biodegradable or plant-based glitters are designed to break down naturally and are a better choice if you’re concerned about environmental impact.
Do I need to stop using glitter completely?
Not necessarily. Many parents simply swap to a biodegradable or eco-friendly glitter rather than cutting glitter out of craft time altogether. It’s an easy change that keeps the fun without the plastic.
Why have some nurseries banned glitter?
Some childcare settings have removed glitter from their craft supplies after parent feedback about sustainability, recognising that glitter used across a whole nursery, day after day, adds up as plastic waste.
Are glitter bans becoming more common?
It’s possible more settings will follow as awareness of microplastics grows, though this will vary from nursery to nursery and school to school.
Related articles
- Rainy Day Activities for Kids at Home
- Easy Craft Ideas Using Things You Already Have
- Simple Eco-Friendly Crafts for Kids
Save this for your next rainy day
Not ready to craft today? Bookmark this page or save it to your rainy-day activities list so it’s ready when you need a craft idea — glitter or no glitter.
Want more craft ideas like this?
Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly activity ideas, craft inspiration, and family-friendly tips — straight to your inbox, no spam, just useful stuff for busy parents.
