As the sun dips below the horizon, you reach for the bag of glow sticks and start handing them out to your friends. You crack them open and start to shake them, waiting for the magic to happen.
In a few moments, everyone is illuminated in a rainbow of colors, and you take a moment to appreciate the beauty of it all.
But as you dance and play under the artificial light, you can’t help but wonder: are glow sticks bad for the environment?
There’s no denying that glow sticks have become a staple of summer fun. But as we enjoy their bright colors and long-lasting light, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of these nifty little devices.
What Are Glow Sticks?
Glow sticks are a type of light stick that emits a bright light when activated. They’re often used at parties, concerts, or other events where there is low lighting.
Glow sticks can be made of different materials, including glass, plastic, and even metal.
The problem with glow sticks is that they are not biodegradable. This means that they do not break down naturally and can harm the environment if not disposed of properly.
What Materials Are Used in Making Glow Sticks?
The glowing sticks that light up at parties and concerts are often seen as harmless fun, but are they really good for the environment? In order to answer that question, we need to take a closer look at what materials are used in making them.
Most glow sticks are made of two main materials: a plastic outer tube and a glass vial of liquid.
The liquid is usually a blend of different chemicals that create fluorescent light when it’s activated. In some cases, metals like mercury may be used to create a brighter light.
All of these materials can be toxic if not handled properly, and they can also be harmful to the environment if not disposed of correctly.
For example, the flame-retardant chemicals used in some glow sticks can release harmful toxins when burned.
Are Glow Sticks Toxic to the Environment?
When you’re partying on the dance floor and the DJ drops that one song, there’s nothing quite like grabbing a glow stick and shaking it around.
But what you may not know is that those colorful sticks can be pretty damaging to the environment.
Glow sticks are made with toxic chemicals that can pollute water systems.
The chemicals used to create the glow—things like hydrogen sulfide, barium, and strontium—can cause respiratory problems and skin irritations, and are even known to cause cancer.
So next time you’re at a party and want to join in on the fun, think twice about grabbing a glow stick. There are plenty of other ways to get your groove on without hurting the environment.
Where Do Glow Sticks End Up After They’re Used?
Now that you’re aware of the materials used to make glow sticks, you may be wondering what happens to them after they’re used.
The truth is that even though glow sticks are considered non-toxic, they still contain chemicals that can be hazardous when disposed of improperly.
The majority of glow stick material is made up of polyethylene and/or PVC, both of which are considered “tough plastics” and can take hundreds of years to biodegrade.
This means they can end up sitting in landfills for a long time and contributing to our growing plastic pollution problem.
When disposed of properly, some glow sticks can be recycled, though the process needs to be done carefully and at the right locations.
If not recycled properly, the chemicals inside them can enter the environment and have a negative impact on wildlife and ecosystems.
Are There Alternatives to Traditional Plastic Glow Sticks?
Let’s talk alternatives, shall we? You may be wondering if there are any eco-friendly, sustainable, or biodegradable glow sticks on the market.
The good news is that there are a few companies out there working to come up with alternative formulas for glow products, such as LED light sticks powered by rechargeable batteries or plant-based glow sticks that use natural dyes and inks instead of traditional plastic chemicals.
LED light sticks are a great option and many of them offer multiple settings and colors so you can choose which one suits your needs best.
They also come in a range of sizes and shapes, so you can pick one that’s just the right size for what you need.
Plant-based glow sticks are made from non-toxic materials and use natural dyes and inks derived from plants such as corn starch and soybean oil.
They are designed to biodegrade faster than conventional plastic glow sticks, making them an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic ones.
How Can We Reduce the Environmental Impact of Glow Sticks?
If you decide to use glow sticks, you can reduce the environmental impact they have by taking some simple, yet effective steps.
First, think about the number of glow sticks that you need and only buy the ones that you will actually use.
You should also opt for glow sticks made of non-toxic materials and biodegradable versions, when possible, as these will have a lower overall impact on the environment.
You should also be sure to dispose of glow sticks correctly, which means avoiding throwing them into the trash or a landfill and instead recycling them.
This can be achieved by dropping off any used glow sticks into plastic recycling bins—check with your local authority to see what’s accepted in your area for recycling.
Alternatively, if your local authorities don’t accept glow stick recycling yet, look into donating them to organizations that use them for educational purposes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, glow sticks are a fun way to celebrate events, but they are not the most environmentally friendly option.
If you want to reduce your environmental impact, try to find other ways to have fun that do not involve using glow sticks.
