Growing up, most of us used glitter in one way or another. Glitter and glue were attractive components of grade school art projects. We loved having it on our clothes and shoes, or anywhere it could sparkle. We love glitter in our makeup and nail polish. And it sure dresses up greeting cards, gift bags and more. It’s sparkly. It’s festive. Let’s face it, glitter is fun!

In many ways, glitter was a bane of our parents’ existence. But even more importantly in today’s sustainability-minded society, traditional petroleum-based glitter is an environmental hazard to be avoided.

As with many things environmental, the EU is playing a leadership role in the glitter battle. As of October 18, 2023, no resident of the EU will be able to buy or sell glitter across the 27 European countries that make up the EU. Biodegradable glitter is not included in this ban.