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lougibson21

Are Sequins Bad for the Environment?

If you've been following me for a while you'll know I love a sequin. In fact I pretty much love anything sparkly - a friend once called me a magpie on holiday as I kept being attracted to the blingy things at a market we went to! I love how the reflection of the light can elevate an outfit and can really take a look from average to special.

However..... at home we've been watching Planet Earth III - isn't it brilliant? - and inevitably it's got me thinking about my impact on the environment. I've a few things in my wardrobe with sequins on and so I wanted to educate myself on their impact on the planet.


For starters, sequins are essentially plastic. They're pretty much indestructible for hundreds of years. So for those party dresses which come out once a year and then end up in landfill after being worn only a few times, those sequins are going to sit there long after we're gone and really haven't provided value. Coupled with this, they are made by punching the discs from plastic sheets, so there's also the plastic waste in their design.


I'm sure you've noticed sequins also fall off over time - in the car, washing machine or when you're hugging someone for example. They can then break up, go down drains and contribute to our problem of microplastics which are notoriously difficult to clean up.


There are companies out there experimenting with ways of making sustainable and biodegradable sequins but they're not so readily visible yet on the high street but let's hope and keep an eye on that one.

Interestingly, Boden this year decided to eliminate sequins and glitter from their current and future lines - despite the fact that sequins can undoubtedly help with sales at this time of year. An impressive stance I think you'll agree.


So for now, what am I going to do? I'm going to continue to wear those items in my wardrobe which have sequins. I'm going to make sure I wear my silver sequined skirt outside of the Christmas season. In 2019 Oxfam surveyed 2,000 British women who said they would wear a sequined item they'd bought for the festive period an average 5 times before casting it aside. I'm fairly sure I've worn any of my sequined items more than 5 times already but I'm going to keep going. I'm also going to make a conscious effort to not buy any new sequins - if I have a desperate urge I will shop pre-loved.

 

Does any of this make you think differently about sequins? You know I love to hear your thoughts so drop me a line. I think I'm going to find it difficult to fight my magpie urge on occasion but I can but try! Until next time,

Lou x

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Unknown member
Dec 05, 2023

I am so happy to see you write about sequins and could not agree more with what you said! it is so important that we look at the impact a small individual piece of clothing can have on our damaged world and make better choices going forwards. Even buying these items preloved would be better. Thank you for putting it out there Lou! X

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lougibson21
Dec 21, 2023
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Only just saw this comment now (sorry hadn't set up notifications!). Glad you found this useful - it makes me sad as I love sequins but I guess it's important to open our eyes too. x

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