Normally when we think about fabric, we picture lovely bolts of yardage, ready to cut and shape, but there are lots of notions and less conventional materials that we sew and craft just like fabrics. Zippers are a great example, but the typical store bought sort aren’t the most eco-friendly option.
Zipper tape (the part that you sew into your garment) is usually made of polyester, a petroleum product. The zipper and pull are often plastic, and if they’re metal there’s no guarantee that it was responsibly mined. Don’t worry, though, because we have some ideas to help you green that sewing project down to the zipper!
Getting Thrifty
A great resource for eco-friendly zippers is right in your local thrift store! Second hand skirts and dresses will have the easiest sort to harvest. Choose garments that are torn or stained, so you’re not pulling apart something perfectly usable. Bonus points if you stick to things with pretty patterns, so you can use that fabric, too! To harvest your zipper, just sit down with your seam ripper and carefully free it from the fabric. It’s a little labor intensive, so you might want to settle in with a movie and harvest yourself a bunch all at once. That way, you’ll have them on hand when inspiration strikes.
Recycled Options
If you’re working in a large quantity and don’t have time to harvest, don’t fret! YKK’s Natulon zipper is recycled and biodegradable! You can contact YKK to find a Natulon seller near you. Another recycled zipper option is the Green Gear zipper from TYT Trend, but it looks like you might need to order in bulk to work with them. They have several different styles: plastic, metal, double, and even a water resistant variety! Do you guys know of any other eco-zipper resources? Share away in the comments! [Image Credit: Zipper. Creative Commons photo by mamichan]
