IL State Rep. DuBuclet Takes Aim at Microplastic Pollution with Landmark Ban on Nonbiodegradable Glitter

CHICAGO – State Rep. Kimberly DuBuclet, D-Chicago, is leading a statewide effort to protect Illinois’ waterways, wildlife, and public health from the growing threat of microplastic pollution by introducing legislation to ban nonbiodegradable glitter in personal care products, this legislation is aimed at reducing one of the most common and preventable sources of plastic contamination.

“As a former Vice President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, I’ve seen firsthand how microplastics infiltrate our waterways, harm aquatic life, and ultimately make their way into our own bodies,” said DuBuclet. “These tiny particles might seem harmless, but they carry toxic chemicals, disrupt ecosystems, and pose a serious risk to both human health and the environment. Everyone deserves to feel confident and creative but our beauty routines shouldn’t come at the cost of our planet.”

Rep. DuBuclet’s legislation, House Bill 4175, would ban the sale of personal care products containing nonbiodegradable glitter beginning December 31, 2029. Microplastics including synthetic glitter are among the most pervasive pollutants in the world. Studies have found them in 90% of the world’s tap water, the Great Lakes, and even rainfall. Once they enter waterways, they cannot be filtered out, accumulating in plankton, fish, and other aquatic species that make up the foundation of the food chain.

In addition to environmental damage, nonbiodegradable glitters often contain metals like aluminum and titanium dioxide, which can irritate skin and contribute to long-term pollution. Rep. DuBuclet’s proposal focuses on personal care products, where microplastic exposure is most direct and alternatives are already widely available.

“Do we really want our children generations from now to inherit today’s plastic glitter pollution and the adverse health impacts that come with single-use plastics to humans and wildlife?” asked Dany Robles, legislative relations director for the Illinois Environmental Council. “Of course not; which means we must act decisively now to phase out toxic plastic pollution like non- biodegradable plastic glitter.”

“From Swifties to drag performers and children’s birthday parties to fashion shows, we love glitter. But this beloved sparkling material is made up of microplastics and chemical compounds that make their way back into our bodies after they go down the drain or escape into our environment. By using alternatives, we can celebrate without exposing ourselves and each other to toxins.” said by Jordan Parker, Director, Triveni Institute & creator of Trashion Revolution, a trash-fashion show held at Macy’s annually.

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