Clean Up Australia Day, the Brightside Way: A Fashion-First Approach to Less Waste
This Sunday is Clean Up Australia Day. A moment that usually brings to mind gloves, rubbish bags and a morning spent caring for our beaches, parks and streets. But the impact of the program stretches far beyond one day of picking up litter. It’s about the everyday choices that shape a cleaner future. This includes what we wear, how we shop and how we care for our clothes.
For families, getting dressed is a daily ritual. And when you zoom out, fashion is one of the most powerful places we can reduce waste, save money and tread lighter on the planet.
The hidden waste in our wardrobes
At the same time, the growing movement towards re-wearing, repairing and buying better (like the well-known 30-wear challenge) shows that small, intentional decisions can dramatically reduce our fashion footprint.
The Brightside? As parents, we’re already naturals at making things last. Passing pieces down, choosing durability and finding creative ways to extend the life of what we own.
The 30-wear mindset (Banabae edition)
Before adding something new to cart, try this simple question:
Will this be worn at least 30 times?
For kids and grown-ups alike, that looks like:
- Tees that survive daycare, playgrounds and countless washes
- Caps that go from beach days to kinder runs
- Pieces that mix, match and layer across seasons
- Colours and cuts that don’t date after one trend cycle
When you buy with longevity in mind, you buy less and love what you have more.
How we Design for Less Waste at Banabae
Natural, Organic and Recycled Fibres Only
Our apparel and accessories are made from organic, natural or recycled materials — no virgin synthetics. These fibres are gentler on growing bodies and lighter on the planet.
Plastic-free, Low-impact Packaging
Your orders arrive in compostable satchels or recyclable boxes, sealed with paper tape — because the journey matters as much as the product.
Unisex and Made to be Passed On
A large percentage of our kidswear is designed for everyone which means it can move from sibling to cousin to friend, gathering stories along the way.
Durability Over Trends
We don’t design for a moment we design for movement, growth and play.
That means quality fabrics, practical fits and artwork that still feels good seasons later.
Small Runs, No Excess
We produce considered quantities, aiming to sell through rather than overproduce. No landfill. No stock destruction. Ever.
Repair, Rehome, Re-love
Damaged pieces are repaired or offered at sample sales so they can still be worn and loved.
We’ve even started up a Banabae Buy, Swap and Sell Facebook page,
so you can re home your outgrown Banabae items too!
Check it out here:
Wear more, waste less, start here:
