Attention has been drawn to the potential environmental harm posed by the outfits worn by Taylor Swift's The Era's Tour fans.
Swifties have a tradition of wearing attention-grabbing outfits to experience Swift's live shows. Still, a recent advisory recommends the fans to steer clear of sequins and glitter in their attire.
In the UK, fans attending the Eras Tour have already used over 3,500 tons of glitter, according to The Mirror. Glitter and sequins, mainly composed of non-biodegradable microplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET), persist in the environment rather than breaking down naturally.
Following significant events like Swift's concerts, there is a concern about PETs potentially contaminating soil and water sources with harmful chemicals.
The aftermath of these massive gatherings sees an abundance of glitter and sequined clothing being disposed of, eventually finding their way into landfills and even seeping into natural habitats, posing a severe threat to the ecosystem.
The challenge with recycling glitter and sequins lies in their tiny dimensions and diverse material makeup, making the process nearly unfeasible.
Consequently, these sparkly embellishments frequently sift out and are classified as waste, exacerbating the escalating issue of landfill accumulation.
Encouraging positive behavior change, sustainability expert Graham Matthews of BusinessWaste.co.uk recently advised Swift to inspire her fan base to cultivate mindfulness.
"Celebrities like Taylor Swift have a huge influence and can advocate for change, promoting sustainable fan attire and partnering with manufacturers prioritizing eco-friendly materials."
"A simple comment or suggestion from someone with her power can completely change what people choose to wear at her concerts and make Swifties think of more sustainable outfits."
"The sparkle of glitter and sequins is undeniably enchanting, but it carries with it a responsibility to the planet that cannot be overlooked."
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Aside from Swifties being called out, environmentalists are also criticizing Swift for her excessive use of her jet.
UNILAD highlighted last year that the "Fortnight" singer's recent travels resulted in the release of 138 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), comparable to the annual energy consumption of 17 households. This discussion added to the growing discourse surrounding the environmental impact of the famous singer, transitioning from observations about the Eras Tour to Swift's designation as Yard's top celebrity polluter with 8,293.54 tons of CO2 emissions from her jet in 2022.
8,000 tons of carbon dioxide is a significant quantity for a single person to bear.
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