Green, how I want you green

Forget plastic straws - choose paper ones! Separate trash! Refresh your wardrobe! Electricity instead of gas!

Bombed from all corners and places, twenty years ago we decided to become greener, more friendly with nature. Although the ecological way is more expensive in our society, we are comforted mainly by the idea that we have done something for our planet. And it seems fitting to me to do something. However, I doubt some of the ideas that arose only for marketing reasons and do not mean a significant change for the environment or are not logical.

In January 2021, ecology also became part of the market of erotic toys. The companies surprised us with the news that they will try to strive for green sex. The first concern I had was that the prices of green toys would rise as if the rise in prices in the epidemic was not enough already. The other concern I had, however, was that I don't really know what to expect from an eco toy - degradable materials, shorter toy life, the predominance of wooden, glass vibrators? But perhaps we will abolish vibrators and return to the greenest form of sex - the kind our grandparents knew. Sex after marriage, without condoms, and certainly without the help of toys? So I set out on a journey of finding answers.

In the first article, I was informed that I was not the most ecological while choosing my almost one hundred erotic toys. Except for metal anal plug, and a glass dildo, I'm unfortunately richer for nearly a hundred batteries. So I have almost a hundred reasons for ecologists to nail me to the cross. I am also hurting the earth by choosing vibrators that are covered in plastic or rubber. Both materials leave a huge carbon footprint.

Silicone is slightly better as it lasts longer, is recyclable, and is non-toxic to soil and sea. It is also friendlier to our body than plastic. One plus point for me, but I am still far from innocent. Most toys travel great distances from manufacturer to customer. Besides, toys are discarded quickly—twenty to fifty million tons of erotic toys per year-end in the trash.

If you want to color your bedroom more green, reach for a glass and wooden erotic toys. But be careful with the wood. It is clear to you that by choosing it, you take part in deforestation. If you can't give up vibrators, avoid plastic and battery-powered ones. Prefer rechargeable vibrators (we know they still have batteries but don't need to be changed every week, thus contributing to faster battery recycling) or have solar cells. Of course, you must make sure that the manufacturer strives for a lower possible carbon footprint.

The price of most organic vibrators exceeds one hundred euros, so be prepared to deduct more money for such a toy. Some companies have already taken seriously greener ways of bed play. In some toys, Womanizer has replaced ABS plastic with biodegradable biolen. Lovehoney collects used vibrators, CalExotics toys are powered by solar cells, and Gaia collection by Blush Novelties is made from plant bioplastics, making it the first biodegradable vibrator.

If you want to have an even better attitude towards the environment, don't stop at toys. BDSM accessories, lubricants, and condoms can also be environmentally friendly. For whips, foxes, and such, leave the animals alone and opt for plant leather products instead. If you favor eco products, you can also choose a natural lubricant, but you still need to check the ingredients of it and how well they go together with the selected condoms.

The latter is a big thorn in the side of many environmentalists. Although latex is a natural rubber and is biodegradable, the added substances that prevent the condom from tearing during sex are dangerous for the environment. They will usually tell you that you still have vegan condoms, but only a few individuals trust them. Some ecologists even advocate condoms of all kinds, saying they are a crucial factor in population control - fewer people, less pollution.

Although it is popular nowadays to strive for the most nature-friendly products possible, I think that a good measure of caution with erotic toys, lubricants, and condoms will not be superfluous. While I agree that a step forward needs to be taken in this field, don't do it at the expense of safety and over-deducting the amount of money for a toy they have just made public. Go step by step, love green, but don't forget about yourself.

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