Beach, Please… Everything You Need for a Sustainable Day in the Sun
- Words by Peppermint
The platonic ideal of a perfect summer’s day has got to include heading to the beach to soak in some essential sun, surf and sand.
But what about the other essential S-word, sustainability? The beach is, not to state the obvious, a natural environment. And like all natural environments, we’ve got to be considerate of our consumption if we want future generations to experience the sea, shores and skies the way we get to.
So, as we head deep into sunshine territory, we’ve put together the ultimate roundup of everything you could possibly need for a jubilant day of beachside frolicking and the best places to buy them from – brands that are keeping the seaside stylish and sustainable! Get ready to be beached as, bro… and don’t forget to Take 3 for the Sea while you’re there!
SUN SAFETY
As Australians, beset by a particularly persistent seagull with a fondness for sibilance, we understand the importance of sun safety. We all know to Slip, Slop, Slap and the younguns among us may even know about Seeking and Sliding. Protect yourself from the ominous sky orb with these awesome accessories.
Seek shade by erecting a beautiful beach umbrella that will make you the envy of the beach.
Slap on a hat to protect your precious head. Explore the incredible options on offer, from practical and plain to colourful and eye-catching, or create your own with the Peppermint Bucket Hat DIY Project.
Slide on some sunglasses, preferably a pair that meet the Australian Standard for UV protection, look cool as hell and are recycled from some unexpected materials like wood or even… old blue jeans?
Slop on sunscreen to look after your body’s largest organ. Sid the Seagull, Baz Luhrman and, um, any dermatologist would agree, you gotta wear sunscreen. But not all sunscreens are created equal – make sure you’re picking one that is good for your skin and for the sea, and say, “See ya!” to those reef-bleaching chemicals!
WHAT TO WEAR
One can hardly go to the beach without a sweet set of swimmers (bathers, togs, cossies, if you’re fancy). Peppermint has already put together the ultimate guide to sustainable Australian swimwear, but there are always more brands popping up on our radar. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention our beloved founder and editor-in-chief Kelley Sheenan’s side hustle Waverley Swim – wrap rashies made ethically in Australia from recycled nylon!
Tempting as the alternative may be, you’ll also need clothes and cover ups – the very first rule of sun safety is slipping on a shirt after all. If your beach time is also sporty time, you can check out our roundup of sustainable activewear. If you’re the crafty kind, you could try your hand at making the Peppermint Beach Coverup. Or if you’re more into lounging, lying back and relaxing, there are some gorgeous ethical resort wear options on offer.
A pair of stylish, sustainable shoes should also be on hand – or foot, rather – to protect your toesies from piping hot sand and bastardous bindies!
WHAT TO BRING
Now you’re safe from the sun and dressed to the nines, it’s time to start packing your proper provisions and paraphernalia. To start with, you’re going to need a trusty towel for drying off and lying on.
Also necessary is a suitable (and sustainable) bag for bearing all your belongings to the beach and back again.
Staying hydrated is important. So is sitting down for tasty eats and drinks. Everything you need for an idyllic shore-side picnic is here, from crockery to cutlery to beach blankets and mats.
Now it’s time to kick back and relax. Are you the kind looking for an eco-friendly beach game like Finska? Or you prefer to sit your booty down in a sustainable beach chair and crack open a book? We’ve got a great roundup of reading recommendations for our stitchy pals, or here are a couple of great long reads we’ve published on the website recently. Of course, and we may be a tad biased, but our summer issue is also perfect for lazy beach days
Talking about a Revolution by Yassmin Abdel Magied
My Father and Other Animals by Sam Vincent
Together We Can by Claire O’Rouke
WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE FASHION CONTENT? RIGHT THIS WAY!
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Between 2000 to 2015, global clothing production doubled... while the duration of garment use decreased by 36%.
We are throwing away clothing at a faster rate than ever before. How can we tackle this problem?
✨️ WEAR
Be an outfit repeater - wear your items of clothing as long as possible. Learn to style your garments in various ways. Loved clothing lasts.
✨️ SHARE
If you really need to move it along, share the love with friends - hold a clothing exchange night! Or organise a timeshare with a friend where you swap a few favourite pieces of fashion. If you really can`t find a new home for it, then donate to an op shop or charity.
✨️ CARE
The care of your clothing – washing, drying and ironing – can account for approx 30% of a garment`s total carbon footprint. Hand wash, line dry, wash in cold water, and only wash when necessary.
✨️ REPAIR
Mending – and making – slows down fast fashion buying habits. Repairing used to be common practice, until disposable fashion took over. Extending the life of clothing by just nine months can reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20–30%. Fixing doesn`t need to just be utilitarian – get creative with visible mending!
*Fact from The United Nations Environment Programme
#PeppermintMagazine #WearShareCareRepair #SustainableFashion
Have you whipped up the Acacia A-Line Skirt yet? 🪡
Accessible to beginner and experienced sewists alike, its classic style makes this skirt a wardrobe staple and a pattern you can happily play on repeat. Curved front pockets and the fun exposed-zip detail at the centre back make this style pop! The Acacia is a blank canvas, awaiting inspiration – add contrast top stitching, trim the pockets with bias binding or even change the length. We’ve chosen the smooth, clean lines that come from facing the waist, with back darts to ensure a neat fit on the hip. *chef’s kiss*
This pattern was made with the support of the lovely folk at @WeftAndWarpFabrics 🫶🏼 The team at Weft and Warp graciously sent three sewists the fabric of their choice to whip up their own Acacia A-Line – the results are super sweet!
Head to our website to see the makes from @The.Sewcialite @HandmadeByCarolyn and @You_CanSew - link in bio!
#PeppermintAcaciaAlineSkirt #PeppermintPatterns #WeftAndWarpFabrics #MeMade
Polka dots for days…
We love this Tansey Top by @_Rubys_Threads_ - the ultimate simple but stylish top you need in your rotation now!
Pattern: #PeppermintTanseyTop
Fabric: Japanese cotton @RawFibre
#MeMade #PeppermintPatterns
How`s your long weekend going? Working hard on your PhD? 🪡✂️🧵
Image from JoellsLeatherWorks on @Etsy
#ProjectsHalfDone #SewingPile #ProjectPile
In case no-one has told you lately, Emma Giacalone says you`re a good egg. (And we happen to agree).
This incredible mini egg embroidered 3D artwork was created by @Emma_Giacalone_Textiles, a textile artist in Gloucestershire, UK.
"When we buy an item of clothing, a label is attached telling us how to look after it to keep it at its very best. My mission is to create little care instructions to help to remind us to lead our happiest life."
INGREDIENTS: Freehand machine embroidered onto 100% cotton, using Egyptian cotton thread, and wool felt backing.
#EasterArt #GoodEgg #TextileArt
No ordinary wrap dress! 💃
Wrap dress wardrobe malfunction? Not with the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress pattern! We designed the Waratah to make sure this never happens.
Enjoy a few BTS videos from this super fun shoot. Maybe some inspo for Easter weekend sewing?
MODELS/SEWISTS: @Melt.Stitches, @KatieMakesADress @Tricky.Pockets @Laura_The_Maker
Head to the link in bio for the #PeppermintWaratahWrapDress 🪡
#PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #MeMade #WrapDress
