Button It

Even the smallest things in your life can be greener. "In most cases, cheaper buttons are made of synthetics, like polyester, polyester resin and nylon," says Mark Shuman, owner of button manufacturer ITS Worldwide. Since those are all non-renewable and petroleum-based, look for buttons made from the following natural and replenishable materials:

Coconut shell: A byproduct of harvesting coconuts for food, these shells are a renewable resource that would otherwise be a waste product. Patagonia uses them on all shirts in their Pataloha line. One of the most durable and popular types of natural buttons, coconut shells have a soft, almost spongy texture ($.33 to $2.80 per button).

Tagua nut (also called corozo): Made from the dried seed of the fruit of the tagua palm tree, the nuts are harvested by residents of South American rain forest communities who recognize the economic value of the trees and work to conserve them. J. Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch and a number of other clothing companies use these on shirts and pants. Tagua is known as "vegetable ivory" for its ivory-like texture and hue ($.50 to $2 each).

Bamboo: Made from the renewable, fast-growing plant ($.43 to $1.35 each).

SOURCES

NearSea Naturals carries buttons made from burnt bamboo, tagua/corozo, recycled glass, antlers and coconut shells and responsibly harvested wood (www.nearseanaturals.com, 877-573-2913).

Button Shoppe sells coconut and tagua/corozo buttons (www.buttonshoppe. com, 888-254-6078).

The Button Drawer offers coconut and bamboo buttons (www.buttondrawer.com, 720-434-1090).

Catherine Knits carries tagua/corozo buttons (www.catherineknits. com, 718-836-6439).