I thought twice about posting this today, in light of the fires burning in NSW and QLD. But then I realised; it’s the ideal time to talk about sustainable fashion and conscious consuming in this era of climate crisis. 

National Geographic recently stated: “Climate change is a problem of personal consumption.” Whilst systematic change on a national and global level is imperative, it’s also essential that we put our hands up and admit that we’ve all contributed. So, how do we change?

We commit to understanding our purchasing power and subsequently making sustainable and ethical purchases (and not many of them). 

Sustainable fashion concerns the environment; fabric choice, fabric dye and packaging choices are made to ensure they have a light eco footprint. The most sustainable clothes are the ones you already own, the second most sustainable are pre-loved and second-hand. The third? Brands who are committed to sourcing only sustainable fabrics, dyes and packaging. 

I’ve been an advocate for buying sustainable, quality clothes since I first became a mum and for those 12.5 years, Nature Baby has been my go-to. Granted, children grow and their clothes won’t fit forever but in my experience, one piece of Nature Baby can be worn by three, four, sometimes five children over many, many years. This is precisely what the slow fashion movement is all about; the quality of the clothing and its ability to be worn for many years and through many seasons.

Vanlife has prompted me to be even more practical when it comes to the kid’s wardrobes; every pieces needs to be trans-seasonal, easy to wash and, most importantly, hardy; it needs to withstand a lot of tree climbing, rolling in grass and digging in sand.

Since we left home 16months ago I’ve topped up the children’s wardrobes from op-shops and pre-loved stores which, I admit, is more reliant on chance and luck than anything else. But when it comes to basics for Percy and Marigold I go to Nature Baby because I trust the product; who made it, where it was made, what it’s made from and the fact that it will withstand time, seasons and many, many washes. And I know that when my children have outgrown it, it will be passed on to another little one with the promise of many wears left. I speak from experience; Marigold is currently wearing bodysuits and singlets that Poet had as a toddler.

Nature Baby was the first organic brand I purchased when I was pregnant with Che (in 2007!) and it’s been a privilege to work with them since 2011. They’ve been ticking the sustainable and ethical boxes since they were first established and continue to do so. 

A few tips for getting the most from your Nature Baby clothes:

• If pants/bloomers have a drawstring waist I generally buy the size up so the kids get a few seasons out of them. Marigold’s bloomers are a size 3 and she’ll wear them on their own in summer and over tights on cold days. I’m also presuming that once she’s out of nappies they’ll fit for a good 6-12months afterwards.
• The Light Cotton Knit Cardigan can be worn throughout the year; a light layer on breezy summer nights and an extra layer in the colder months. These designs run on the larger size and I predict that they’ll get a good two-three years out of these (Marigold will wear Percy’s yellow cardi once he’s outgrown it). 
• Nature Baby’s tees and tops are generally a little but longer than standard sizing to allow for growing (rolling of sleeves is always an option and a good one at that). Marigold is currently in size 2 but still fits her size 1 Nature Baby bodysuits and tops perfectly. I always wash them on a cold cycle and dry them outside to sun bleach any stains.
• The UPF40 swimwear is fantastic quality. Percy is still wearing his set from last season and it’s in superb condition even after countless swims in the ocean and chlorine pools. I got the size 2 for Marigold this season and there’s plenty of room to grow (but it still fits against the body as a good swim shirt should). 
• Poet is still wearing her size 4 Nature Baby underpants (she’s 8!). Granted, they are on their last legs but I’m so impressed by their longstanding quality and therefore, highly recommend! 

This is a sponsored post. Thank you for supporting the brands that so generously support me.