People have always been fascinated with glitter – something about the sparkly quality instantly draws their attention. It’s hypnotic and thoroughly beautiful. Not to mention, you can find the sparkles in all kinds of holiday decorations, kid’s artwork, the ink of certain pens, and others – it’s all around us and turns an eye when something sparkly is in view. But there is a conspiracy freaking people out – what if there’s a shortage?
What Is Glitter?
What is the sparkly substance, and how exactly is it made? Children might not be so keen on knowing the magic behind it, but adults might just be curious. The sparkles have been around since the 1940s when Henry Ruschmann noticed that his machine for gutting glossy photos would sometimes stutter and deposit cellulose or paper, which was called schnibbles. He went on a machine to cut said schnibbles from plastic scrap. Although that was supposed to be a side business, it ended up blowing into a big thing! And around Christmas time, the substance was introduced to the public.
Why Are People Interested?
Some studies show why people are so infatuated with glitter, and it could come down to when we were infants. In one study, researchers considered how often toddlers mouthed or licked shiny surfaces, which showed their attraction to glistening things. Sparkly, gleaming things have always lured people’s attention, and there may even be an evolutionary explanation – glossy objects may associate with the search for freshwater, which also glistens.
Theories Have Taken Over
As with everything else, theories about the glitter shortage have been taking the internet by storm, and there’s no stopping them. There are several worth mentioning. One of them, which may be slightly flawed, is that the boat industry is at fault. It is said they incorporate a lot of glitter into boats, and they’re keeping it a secret so as not to hurt the masculine image. However, everyone knows car paint also uses sparkles. Another is that it may be in toothpaste or incorporated into the sand in beaches.
Is There a Shortage?
The question is taking over the internet quite steadily, and people are wondering if there’s a shortage or if it’s all just fun and games with the theory. Secretive as they may be, glitter companies have not confirmed any scarcity yet, though there are plenty of rumors about it. Although, a shortage might not be such a bad thing as the plastic the sparkles are made from takes over 1,000 years to degrade. But we shall wait and find out soon enough!