How to Wear Sequins and Glitter Without Hurting the Planet
As Christmas and NYE approach, you might consider what to wear to your one party that hasn't been canceled.
As Christmas and NYE approach, you might consider what to wear to your one party that hasn't been canceled. But if you're eyeing up something sequinned - reveling in the opportunity to be a human disco ball for one night of the year - you might want to hit pause instead of 'add to basket.
Every time you walk outside, see fireworks or just look at that photo of the last sequin-laden New Year's party, it's hard not to feel like glitter and sequins are everywhere. This year, in particular, has seen a significant uptick in their use of clothing, hair, nails, and any surface possible. Why? Because they're sparkly and shiny! We love those qualities as much as anyone else, but what we don't love is the negative impact that using all this glitter has on the environment.
These tiny pieces of plastic are tough to recycle because of their size. But beyond its general annoyance factor, it's also made of toxic and unsustainable materials and contributes to plastic pollution.
Now, researchers from the University of Cambridge have found a way to make sustainable, non-toxic, vegan, and biodegradable glitter from cellulose – the main building block of cell walls in plants, fruits and vegetables – and it's just as sparkly as the original.
Swap Out Glitter for Sequins
While glitter (except for the new vegan option found at the University of Cambridge) is a very festive addition to almost any occasion, sequins have more of a focus on glamour. They're more often seen on red carpets than in clubs or house parties, which means they're a very versatile option for dressing up any look. They're often also a lot less expensive than glitter, so sequins are a great option if you're looking for a less flashy way to add some sparkle. Note that there are several different kinds of sequins, though. The most common are round sequins, the ones you're most likely to see. But there are also square sequins (which are great for adding a different pattern to something) and sequin fabrics. These fabrics have sequins woven into them and are also a great way to add some glamour to your outfit while avoiding the mess and waste of regular sequins. Sequins made from recycled polyester still require a proportion of virgin polymer in the material to maintain the quality a fashion designer needs.
Only Buy What You'll Actually Wear
First and foremost, you have to actually like the outfit you're going to wear the sparkly item with, and you have to know you're going to wear it again. Otherwise, it's a waste of both your money and the planet's. If you're shopping online, use a virtual try-on service to make sure the glittery top (or whatever) looks as sexy on you as it does on the model. If you're shopping in-person, don't rush the purchase. Make sure you're 100% committed to the item you want to buy before forking over cash for it.
Shop at Sustainable Brands
While some brands aren't completely transparent about their sustainability policies, others are very open about the materials they use. If you're not sure what to look for, you can always check out the Sustainable Apparel Coalition. For glitter, you can also look for a company that uses eco-friendly materials, like Non-toxic Nails. They make eco-friendly glitter that uses biodegradable materials and is completely free of lead and other toxins. For sequins, you may want to look for something with a sustainable certification, like Fair Trade, Fair for Life or Ethical Trading Initiative. These organizations ensure that the brands that carry their certification meet certain sustainability standards.
Final ThoughtsÂ
Making ethical decisions through our wardrobe purchases is one of the most powerful means to inspire change. Glitter and sequins are fun, exciting ways to add a bit of glamour to any outfit, but they can also have a negative impact on the planet. Sequins are far from an ethical embellishment but are not the only flawed material component or textile adorning our garments.Â
Luckily, there are several ways to avoid this, like swapping out glitter for sequins and only buying eco-friendly options from sustainable brands. By doing this, we can make sure that glitter lasts as long as it should—right up until the moment it gets washed down the drain.
Vera
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