Glitter is bad for the environment full stop, however Bio glitter a different story
(taken from web) www.bio-glitter.com
ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Cosmetic Bio-glitter is based on biodegradable film made from trees, primarily eucalyptus, sourced from responsibly managed plantations.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Cosmetic Bio-glitter contains low levels of heavy metals.
Antimony levels in Bio-glitter are below the limits of detection, effectively zero. Whereas, cosmetic polyester glitter can have antimony levels as high as 150ppm. The antimony in polyester is a by-product of a catalyst used in the manufacture of polyester.
COSMETIC BENEFITS
Cosmetic Bio-glitter feels more comfortable on the skin.
Bio-glitter is physically 30-40% softer than polyester glitter.
What is Bio GLO
Bio-GLO is a glitter produced from a biodegradable film that is certified compostable. The biodegradable element of the glitter is derived from sustainable sources, does not contain genetically modified materials or materials obtained from genetically modified organisms. Bio-glitter offers the same precision cut and highly reflective properties as conventional PET based glitter.
What conditions are required for biodegradation to occur?
Heat, water and oxygen are required for effective biodegradation by micro-organisms. Biodegradable plastics are metabolised by micro-organisms which transform the bioplastic product into carbon dioxide, water and biomass.
Will Bio-glitter biodegrade on the shelf?
Bio-glitter is very stable and will not biodegrade on the shelf. Biodegradation will only be initiated in a soil, compost or waste-water environment where micro-organisms are present.
What official standards are there for compostability?
There is a European (EN13432) and an American (ASTM D6400) standard which define the tests required to demonstrate the compostability of a material. Other countries have their own version although there is an ISO standard (ISO 17088:2012(en)) which should allow for harmonisation. There are four main parts to the test: Material characterization (including heavy metals) Biodegradation (measures the breakdown to carbon dioxide, water and biomass. Requirement is for >90% biodegradation in 180 days, or >60% for ASTM D6400)
Disintegration (the material must physically break down into pieces to give >90% at <2mm residues within 90 days) Ecotoxicity (ensures no toxic material is produced which can adversely affect plant growth) The standards measure suitability for industrial composting. For home compostability, the same criteria must be met but under ambient conditions, according to the OK Compost Home standard