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» Toys in Babeland’s Eco-Friendly Guide:
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• Sex & the great outdoors

It’s not easy going “green,” but many of us are trying our best. Purchasing fuel efficient cars and biking when possible, recycling, or picking up litter – we all do our part to take care of our environment. But have you ever thought about the joys of going “green”…in bed?

Safe Toys, Green Toys

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the safety of toys – children’s toys that is. One of the materials in question is phthalates (pronounced FAY-lates), an additive used to soften rigid plastics. Research has suggested that phthalates may leach into our bodies when it comes into contact with sensitive tissue, such as the mouth, potentially causing damage to the endocrine system and birth defects. In fact, Europe has banned phthalates from use in children’s toys, and California has also restricted some phthalates from use. Phthalates are also a common ingredient in vibrators, dildos, and other sex toys. Greenpeace released a report stating that – in their small study – 7 out of 8 sex toys contained phthalates and urged both manufacturers and consumers to seek alternatives.

Fortunately, the sex toy industry has a number of phthalate-free options. You just need to know what to look for. Sex toys containing phthalates are often listed as “for novelty purposes only,” but when in doubt, ask the store if they know whether the toys contain these chemicals. “Jelly rubber” toys or other soft plastics most likely do. To be on the safe side, select toys that are made of acrylic, glass, chrome, silicone, elastomers (a porous, phthalate-free rubber), or even wood. Sex shop Toys in Babeland (NewYork) has developed an excellent online guide for selecting a safe, green toy.

Save Your Energy

There are also options for powered toys to avoid wasting batteries. A number of toys on the market are rechargeable or plug directly into the wall. Or consider using rechargeable batteries in your favorite toys. For the truly dedicated, you can purchase a solar-chargeable vibrator (like Sola Vibe) or even a wind-up vibrator (like Earth Angel)!

Batteries are also a burden upon landfills. Before tossing your toys’ batteries, consider recycling them. Urbana Public Works accepts single-use and rechargeable batteries at several locations. Call them for more information.

The Search for a “Green” Condom

Birth control isn’t just important for individuals – it may also be important for the environment! An unplanned pregnancy can be both a financial burden and an environmental one, contributing to overpopulation. From condoms to diaphragms (reusable, therefore less waste) to inter-uterine devices (IUD’s) to hormonal pills and shots, weighing the environmental costs versus the usefulness of the birth-control method can become quite perplexing. Condoms (latex or polyurethane), for example, are the only way to provide barrier protection against both STD’s and pregnancy. However, they are notoriously not biodegradable, derived from rubber plants on unsustainable farms with unsafe working conditions.

There are some other alternatives. If you’re in a monogamous, STD-free relationship, lambskin condoms can be used to prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect against HIV or other STDs. Additionally, condom manufacturers (like Condomi) have produced some vegan-friendly condoms. So far, we’ve only found one condom – UK-based French Letter – that is made from Fair-Trade latex and is also vegan. That’s just about as green as condoms can safely get!

Good Enough to Eat!

Of course, long before humans decided to produce their own sex toys, Mother Nature had already developed a long line of sexual aids. Vegetables – like zucchinis or carrots – can also be used as sex toys. Be sure to wash the food and always use a condom during penetration, as food inserted into the vagina can change the PH balance and cause infection. Because of this, when it comes to lube, you might be better off buying an organic or all-natural product versus trying something from your cupboard. Never use vegetables for anal penetration; without the flared base, a “toy” can become accidentally lodged in the rectum.

Good Earth Lovin’

The range of eco-sexy possibilities is endless. There are organic and eco-friendly lubes, made with all-natural ingredients, without animal testing, and without petroleum-derivatives or paraben. Rather than using leather or other animal products, there are recycled rubber inner-tube dildo harnesses (from In Her Tube),

vegan body paints, and eco-friendly massage oils. And although hemp lingerie might not sound (or feel) sexy, there are bamboo sheets and organic cotton underwear, t-shirts and much more.

Don’t forget to fight water waste by sharing a shower with your partner, or light some sensual candles and cut down on your electric use. Provide Mother Nature with a little love, and she might just return the favor!

Be sure to read next week when we’ll explain vulvodynia.