Glitter's Glimmering Toll: Rio Carnival's Eco-Crisis

Rio de Janeiro's world-famous Carnival leaves behind more than just memories; it creates a significant environmental problem with glitter pollution.

During the recent Carnival, which concluded on Wednesday, 2026-02-19, a massive amount of plastic glitter adorned revelers, contributing to microplastic contamination on the city's seafront, particularly along Flamengo beach.

A study conducted by researchers from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Unirio) found a dramatic increase in microplastics during the festival. Samples revealed glitter as the main culprit, with concentrations infinitely higher than before or after the event.

This plastic glitter, typically made from PET and coated in aluminum, breaks down into tiny particles that harm marine life when washed into the sea. The process of friction from dancing and sweating also releases fibers from costumes, exacerbating the pollution.

While the European Union banned plastic glitter in 2023, and other countries have banned microbeads, a bill to ban plastic and metallic glitter in Brazil has been stalled in Congress since 2020.

Biodegradable alternatives exist, founded by brands like Pura Bioglitter, but they are significantly more expensive. For many attendees, like Lucia Dias, the cost and accessibility of bio-glitter make traditional plastic glitter the only viable option for festive adornment.

Environmentalists advocate for a ban on plastic glitter, suggesting biodegradable options as a necessary alternative to reduce the carnival's environmental footprint. Experts note that Brazil's focus on sustainability often lags behind European nations, and Carnival itself is a notably wasteful event.