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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask you not to use "reindeer food" containing glitter?

29 replies

FairfaxAikman · 03/12/2018 19:47

These are being sold in my local supermarket for charity.

This is my first Christmas as a mum so I've never come across the phenomenon of "reindeer food" before (was always a carrot when I was a kid).

I was horrified at the amount of glitter in it - especially given all the recent publicity regarding the harm plastic microbeads are doing to the environment. This stuff is a hazard to wildlife and the wider ecosystem.

To ask you not to use "reindeer food" containing glitter?
OP posts:
CleanBee · 03/12/2018 19:49

I’m not joking, I’m in despair at the level of denial we’re in about what we’re doing to the earth.

ItchySeveredFoot · 03/12/2018 19:49

Yeah it's a stupid idea. I have slim hope it's that edible glitter which is biodegradable.

Pandasarecute · 03/12/2018 19:51

Totally agree, I make it with my class - we use bird seed and cranberries. Still fun but safe for wildlife!

Floofboopborkandsnoot · 03/12/2018 19:52

If it’s the same stuff I’ve seen, which it looks like, or like any of the other reindeer food out there its edible glitter which means it’s biodegradable.

PerfectlyGoodAtBeingBad · 03/12/2018 19:53

I didn't know about the microplastic in reindeer food until it was pointed out by my friend. Bird friendly alternatives will be the best way forward for us next year

Original poster
FairfaxAikman · 03/12/2018 19:53

At 50p a pop I doubt it itchy.

We've started our own tradition of "baking" reindeer food. Between December 1 and 24 make coloured edible rock candy. Christmas Eve smash it up and mix with oats for more wildlife friendly reindeer food.

Bonus is when he's older it teaches science.

OP posts:
Original poster
FairfaxAikman · 03/12/2018 19:53

At 50p a pop I doubt it itchy.

We've started our own tradition of "baking" reindeer food. Between December 1 and 24 make coloured edible rock candy. Christmas Eve smash it up and mix with oats for more wildlife friendly reindeer food.

Bonus is when he's older it teaches science.

OP posts:
IceRebel · 03/12/2018 19:54

I've seen this shared quite a lot as I move in teacher / early year circles. I really hope people take the message on board. It's bad enough mum's making it with their children as they might not realise, but if I saw it being sold in shops I don't think I would be able to stop myself saying something.

Tobebythesea · 03/12/2018 19:58

Poor hedgehogs. I wish glitter was banned.

SnuggyBuggy · 03/12/2018 19:58

Oh I hope this trend dies before DD gets old enough for it

Saisong · 03/12/2018 20:10

Even edible glitter isn't great. Although it's non toxic to humans, that is probably not true for birds and small animals. We need to get bsck to the tradition of leaving a carrot (which is not wasted), or at least leaving reindeer food indoors.

AnastasiaVonBeaverhausen · 03/12/2018 20:11

In our house, the reindeers love love love dried mealworms.

purplecorkheart · 03/12/2018 20:13

Also much of the worlds glitter is made from a mineral mined by child labour. Hopefully people will boycott this kind of product.

81Byerley · 03/12/2018 20:18

AnastasiaVonBeaverhausen what a brilliant idea!

Nquartz · 03/12/2018 20:29

I've often thought it can't be good for the environment when I've seen it all over the paths/roads for about a week after christmas. DD has 4/5 bags in the Christmas decorations box because she keeps making/being given it but I won't let her use it.

Fairfax please can you share your recipe/method? That sounds like a great activity

SummerStrong · 03/12/2018 20:31

Yes yes yes! Great thread OP thanks for posting!

To ask you not to use "reindeer food" containing glitter?
Original poster
FairfaxAikman · 03/12/2018 20:33

Nquartz it's just sugar, water and food colouring.

Something like this www.thespruceeats.com/rock-candy-521016

OP posts:
BHStowel · 03/12/2018 20:36

I had t heard of reindeer food until a few years ago. At first I thought it was a brilliant fun idea. Last year I thought better of it and tracked down biodegradable glitter. This year we are giving the reindeer muesli.

The year we put a carrot out an urban fox came and did a massive poo on it. I had been planning on recycling said carrot for Christmas dinner.

Windyone · 03/12/2018 20:36

@purplecorkheart I don't think that's correct

purplecorkheart · 03/12/2018 20:46

I cannot find the article I read but this is similar

www.google.ie/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/jul/28/cosmetics-companies-mica-child-labour-beauty-industry-india-

BiscuitDrama · 03/12/2018 20:50

Glitter used to be made from mica, but these days it’s just foil on plastic.

QuestionableMouse · 03/12/2018 20:51

A bit of granulated sugar and food colouring looks pretty and is safe.

Original poster
FairfaxAikman · 04/12/2018 05:21

The year we put a carrot out an urban fox came and did a massive poo on it. I had been planning on recycling said carrot for Christmas dinner.

Grin
OP posts:
RangerLady · 04/12/2018 05:41

I hate this stuff too! It's just plain littering.

We.put out a carrot then I give it to our rabbits and retrieve a nicely nibbled bit to put back on the plate

TheDarkPassenger · 04/12/2018 08:06

The way we always did it was sprinkle on doorstep just before bed. Kids go to bed. I clean it up so they think the reindeer ate it? Not really much time for a flock of blackbirds to come tra la la -ing along and eat it. They wouldn’t anyway, cos it’s nighttime and cos my dogs snout would be firmly at the door

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