By Lauren
Saturday May 16, 2009
I buy local and think global. I recycle. I turn off lights when I leave a room. But one thing I will NOT do is buy a repurposed, repackaged sex toy. My knee-jerk “Ewww!” reaction far outweighs my sense of environmental responsibility. Mother Earth is on her own on this one.
Intellectually, I understand that people are supposed to wash their sex aids before sending them in. (People! PLEASE WASH YOUR DILDO BEFORE MAILING! My postman thanks you.) I also understand that they sterilize the crap out of the product before repackaging or reprocessing the item. But in the back of my mind, I also know that the anal plug you just bought? It’s been far too intimate with some random eco-warrior for my comfort. You could dip that sucker in a vat of sulfuric acid and it would still make me queasy.
So, with that in mind, I have come up with some more palatable options you can use to green your sex life.
Green Sex Toys. That fresh, just-out-of-the-box rubber toy smell? That’s a cocktail of phthalates, chemicals that not only harm the environment, but have this nasty habit of “leaching,” or being absorbed into your body’s most sensitive tissues. A lot of the jelly toys also use PVC, a petroleum derivative. No need to fret, though – there are alternatives. Glass and metal dildos don’t have as much give as ones made out of synthetic materials, but they sure are effective and a heck of a lot better for the environment. If you’re dead-set on a silicon or jelly based toy, at least get some rechargeable batteries. Every little bit helps.
Green Massage Oils. Massage oils are awesome, whether you’re using them for an actual massage or… something else. Look for water-soluble, organic products and sleep soundly, knowing that your oil of choice isn’t giving you cancer or messing with your fertility. Vegan options are also available for the die-hard herbivore freak. And the oils infused with herbs taste great!
Green Intimates. Latex can be fun. But saving the Earth AND looking delicious? It doesn’t get better than that! Many intimate apparel companies have come out with organic or recycled fabric product lines. (PSA for the day: bamboo sheets are silky, microbial and moisture-wicking! A great way to avoid the dreaded wet spot…) Nothing comes between you and your underwear, so you better make it good.
Green Fun. Everyone looks better in candlelight and turning off the lights saves energy. Showering together saves water. Cuddling is hot (literally!) so you can turn down the thermostat. Organic products such as honey or fair-trade chocolate, ice cubes or biodynamic wine make for a fun and playful evening sans the guilt.
And if you simply must show your commitment to the environment by recycling your favorite sex aid, by all means do it. But don’t tell me about it. Because that’s just gross.
So, I had no idea these things were recycled – there are actual companies out there that do this? Hmmm. Who woke up one day with that bright idea?? I’ll file that under ‘weird’ and ‘gross’!
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Don’t forget to “do it” all on a toxin-free mattress too!
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I could never buy a used sex toy. I mean, I’m cheap- but that is just one thing you buy new! The gross factor way outweighs the environmental factor.
And- this is the 2nd time this week I’ve heard about glass dildos. Wouldn’t you be scared it would break?? Metal is better. JimmyJane has a great selection. And- you can follow them on Twitter, where they will post discount codes. (Did I mention I’m a bit frugal?)
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LAFF! Oh, what a great way to start Monday! I wonder if they have ethanol-based or recycleable condoms…?
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Glass and metal toys are a great option for those not turned off by the rigidity. In response to Sandy Shores – the glass is too thick to break, it’s designed with that in mind. Also glass can be heated and cooled – which is a nice option for the adventurous type.
Most women just prefer the feeling of silicone toys. The key is to take care of it so it doesn’t break down. Store it in fabric (sock or lingerie drawer) not touching other silicone toys, always clean it with a cleaner made especially for silicone toys(Come Clean is a great option)-regular soap and water can break the material down.
Also, never never never use a silicone based lubricant with silicone toys! Many people don’t realize this but the silicone in KY and similar lubes will disintegrate your toys over time. Use a water based lubricant instead (Just Like Me and Sweet Seduction are my personal faves).
I’m a Pure Romance and a bit of a dildo know it all
so here’s my plug: feel free to email me with any questions-katherineproctor@pureromance.com and see some of the products I refer to at http://www.katherineproctor.pureromance.com
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Katie, I bow down to your dildo-rific greatness. Thanks for weighing in, I knew you would do the answer justice!
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FYI – I’ve had bamboo sheets in the past and they were H-O-T! And I mean that in the sweat-your-ass-off-while-you-sleep sense… dead of winter, totally naked, not even a blanket on top of the sheet and — just too damn hot for me. Which says a lot, considering I’m always cold.
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Honestly – the recycled sex toy industry makes me throw up in my mouth not just a little – a lot.
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Wow. Talk about an eye opening article on going green. This blog has taken a turn for the interesting on more than one level.
That said, I’m in the WTH category on recycled sex toys. Never heard of such a thing.
I’ve heard bamboo sheets mentioned more than one place. Now someone tell me where to buy them cheap.
Metal and glass huh? Mail order? Need a whole article just on that.
Cheers ladies.
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