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Even your sex life can be sustainable
Sexuality
Biodegradable sex toys, ecological lubricants or vegan condoms are some of the options that are more environmentally friendly
Caring for the environment goes through almost all areas of our life. From trying to reduce food waste to choosing more sustainable products for the bathroom, but the idea of living with the mind set on caring for the planet does not end with avoiding using plastic bags and having a bamboo toothbrush.
One of the most atypical sustainable plans is the sexual one: although ‘a priori’ it seems that there is not much margin of action to be able to take care of the environment, with small actions, and efforts from the industry, a very interesting sustainable path is followed. The first step, which may seem simple, but is highly effective, is to take care of the context of the relationships that are maintained. For example, from Platanomelón they comment that having the lights off, or using candles involves a small but efficient energy expenditure. “If we plan to have a great time in the shower, turning off the water can be a good solution to reduce costs,” they give as an idea.
Beyond these almost anecdotal actions, the choice of sexual products is where we can have a greater positive impact on the environment. Sara Pérez, co-owner of ‘Los placeres de Lola’, explains that in the world of erotica there are more and more vegan options, biodegradable and ecological. For example, the lubricant ‘pjur’, or the lubricants of ‘Lubets’ are options that look out for the environment. In general, the difference between a classic lubricant and these products is that the formula is based on natural and ecological ingredients. Sara Pérez explains that these options have the same texture and fulfill the same function of a ‘normal’ lubricant.
Biodegradable toys
One of the most curious novelties, and of course, sustainable, is the sex toy created by Womanizer called ‘Premium eco’, which is almost completely biodegradable. It is made of Biolene, a bioplastic made up of 70% natural materials (mainly cornstarch), which makes it recyclable once it is disassembled. Beyond this option, Platanomelón recommends, when choosing a sex toy, to opt for those made with tough, battery-operated silicones, to avoid using batteries. Another key to being sustainable is to apply the ‘zero kilometer policy’ also in the sexual sphere. Sara Pérez explains that it is important to buy local products and not that they come imported, because that way we reduce the carbon footprint.
The choice of protective items, such as condoms or latex bands, may also have a sustainable option. It is important to remember, they explain from Platanomelón, that in this case the main thing is «take care of our health and that of our sexual partner“, And once the products have been used, dispose of them correctly in the garbage container” and not in the toilet, on the street or in the plastic container “. If we talk about latex condoms, Sara Pérez recommends choosing those that come from fair trade and more sustainable crops. And how can we distinguish them? “It will always be indicated on the box, whether it is the type of crop or whether they are fair trade,” says the professional.
Beyond latex
On the other hand, in Platanomelón they comment that you can opt for condoms made with organic materials, such as rubber, or vegan. «There is a great variety of vegan condoms, made of polyisoprene and that they are also suitable for people allergic to latex “, they indicate. In addition, they remember that beyond condoms and latex barriers, there are other protection methods such as the diaphragm or the intrauterine device (IUD) that are sustainable methods of preventing pregnancy. “Of course, it should be remembered that it does not function as protection barriers for STIs,” they warn.
Finally, all professionals agree that, by choosing sustainable versions of sex toys and protection methods, we do not get worse quality. «If we talk about vibrators, the most sustainable are usually hygienic and soft materials, which is even more pleasant than other less sustainable materials “, they say from Platanomelón, and they end up explaining that, with regard to condoms, greater sustainability does not imply less enjoyment or quality:” Many of the vegan condoms are more sensitive than the usual latex ones , which allows us to continue to fully enjoy our sexuality while being responsible for the environment.