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The phrase “environmental innovation” is generally associated with talk of solar panels, towering wind turbines or hybrid cars, but what about the technologies that Al Gore might be less inclined to mention in lectures? Like, say, biodegradable sex toys?
Even if there’s still a stigma surrounding products manufactured to enhance intimacy, it’s important to point out that—just as like all other aspects of day-to-day life—they too can be more eco-friendly. There are plenty of practical ways to reduce your sexual carbon footprint. You can use rechargeable batteries for your toys and check if your lubricants, condoms, and props are vegan. A greener sexual lifestyle could also have a positive impact on your overall health. According to Carlyle Jansen, the founder of the Toronto-based sexuality shop and education center Good For Her, eco-friendly sex toys “tend to be better for the person using them and tend to be of better quality.” She stresses that because vaginas, butts, and heads of penises are aligned with mucous membranes, they’re highly sensitive and absorb chemicals and fluids easily. Cheaper quality toys often contain phthalates, a harmful chemical that can cause a variety of negative effects ranging from asthma to cancer.
Since sex toys aren’t regulated, it’s up to consumers to become more knowledgeable. Zoë Ligon, the owner of the Detroit-based Spectrum Boutique, says that though there’s plenty of products that are both eco-friendly and body-safe, it’s important to distinguish the two concepts because they might not always overlap. For example, silicone-based products could be labeled body-safe but aren’t necessarily biodegradable. Ligon says that as a sex educator, she wants people to be more considerate of how sex can influence their interactions with the world in general. She argues that “the more we teach people to respect their bodies and other people’s bodies, the more we are mindful of the environment and taking care of it.”
Jansen and Ligon both firmly believe that consumers should become better educated about what they are putting in their bodies. However, not everyone has the time to painstakingly read every single ingredient and certification. Now Playboy has come up with a step-by-step guide to help you tackle the inconvenient truth of your bedroom with ease.
FOREPLAY
The internet has allowed for dubious concoctions that are marketed as organic, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly. But you shouldn’t let the skeptics halt pleasure. If it helps you get in the mood and it doesn’t harm the environment or your health, why not? Anami Alchemia, a New Age sexual wellness product line, sells a 9 jade egg that allegedly can help “reconnect you with your vagina, your sexual energy and your feminine flow.” A mood-setter that may be a little less expensive and a tad more practical is massaging. The Montreal-based design firm Désirables sells phthalate-free oils, candles and porcelain massage stones that are meant for erotic use. If you’re looking for a way to boost your libido on a daily basis, eating organic foods rich with Vitamin E, Vitamin B, zinc, and potassium could very well do the trick.
PROTECTION
One-third of Americans use condoms, and yet, few of those condoms are eco-friendly. Despite biodegradable rubber latex, there are numerous harmful and non-compostable chemicals that are meant to make them more durable and comfortable. This doesn’t mean you should stop using condoms all together. Over the years, a few companies have popped up with cutting-edge protection that causes less harm to the environment. L. is one company that prides itself on selling products free of “ingredients you can’t pronounce,” including a line of sustainable condoms.
Sustain Natural and Glyde America also sell rubbers that are Non-GMO, nontoxic and vegan. But even if you start using more eco-friendly condoms, they’re still a threat to the environment when we don’t dispose of them correctly. According to prominent environmental organization Greenpeace, regardless of what condom you use, flushing it down the toilet means it’ll probably end up in the ocean. Do you know what’s not sexy at all? Killing sea turtles.
BEDDING
Unless you’re particularly adventurous, the majority of the sex you have in your lifetime will take place on a mattress. Subsequently, many want their bedding to not only be comfortable, but also convey a sense of sophistication. In 2018, you can purchase bedding that’s all of those things and also eco-friendly. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that Americans disposed of 16 million tons of textile waste in 2014. Some companies are actively working to combat that problem: Coyuchi uses organic materials and works with Textile Exchange, a nonprofit that’s devoted to finding sustainable solutions for the textile industry. In addition, their packaging is biodegradable and made of recycled materials. If you’re also interested in purchasing an eco-friendly mattress, PlushBeds has a multitude of options.
THE KINKY STUFF
A recent study found that from 1950 to 2015, humans have produced 9 billion tons of plastic waste. Out of all that garbage, a mere 9 percent was recycled. Sex toys are often plastic-based and subsequently contribute to this staggering problem. As both Jansen and Ligon note, if a toy isn’t good for the environment it’s probably bad for your body. Thankfully, there are many retailers that offer safe and environmentally conscious products. Fun Factory is stocked with body-safe dildos and pulsators, vibrators, and other electronic toys that are rechargeable. On the other hand, Toys 4 Naughty Boys has rings and plugs that are phthalate-free. Another option is Pyrex Glass dildos—they are easily washable, free of chemicals, and can potentially last a lifetime. Despite being strongly associated with leather, BDSM has become more cruelty-free as veganism has grown in popularity. Ethical Kink can hook you up with harnesses made from reclaimed rubber and vegan-friendly whips. They even have vegan options for pet play, a subset of the BDSM community that has an affinity for furs. On top of it all, She Bop, a Portland-based sex boutique, sells harnesses made from recycled bike tubes, chains, and gear.
LUBRICANTS
In any drug store, you can find a rack of lubricants sitting right next to the plethora of condoms. Lubes are meant to enhance the experience between you and your partner, making intercourse as seamless as possible. Similar to other mass-produced items, many lubricants contain a mixture of petrochemicals that rely on fossil fuels and exasperate climate change. Some scientists have expressed concerns about how the commonality of petrochemicals is impacting people’s health. With the rise of online retailers, it’s easy to find lubricants that are free of petrochemicals, paraben, and glycerin. Sliquid, Aloe Cadabra, and Good Clean Love sell lubricants that are not only sustainable but also quite affordable. While the general trend in eco-friendly lubes is swapping toxic chemicals for aloe-vera, Coconu’s products use coconut-oil. Before buying a plant-based lubricant, double check to see if its compatible with your condom preference.
CLEAN UP
Part of being both sex-positive and eco-friendly is having an honest discussion about every aspect of intercourse, even the parts that aren’t necessarily sexy like cleaning up. Though people often use toilet paper or tissues to clean their intimate areas, this is extremely bad for the environment. One study showed that Americans go through 36.5 billion toilet paper rolls a year — the equivalent of 15 million trees. It will take a lot more than Jaden Smith planting a few trees to stop this crisis; everyone should do their part and look into recyclable alternatives. Swipes Lovin Wipes are compostable, water-based, and have no toxic chemicals. The company is also Leaping Bunny certified, meaning it’s completely cruelty-free.