Love + Sex
The Truth About... Eco Sex
The only way to get down and dirty, Eco Sex is far more than the latest bedroom trend, so next time you're in the mood for a love-in, make like John and Yoko and do it to save the planet.
The birds and the bees
You've lit the candles (to save electricity), tantalised his taste buds with an aromatic spread of home-grown produce, slipped that empty champagne bottle seductively into the recycling bin, given him a glimpse of your ethical underwear and now he's got that look in his eye that says you'll have no energy left by the time he's finished with you - but how does a self-respecting eco warrior do the deed whilst remaining a clean, green sex machine?
While the rhythm and withdrawal methods are about as natural as you can get, all too frequently this bare-naked approach results, naturally, in the patter of tiny feet and in terms of protection against STI's, well, there just isn't any.
For safe sex, latex condoms are best. That's an easy decision. Knowing which variety to use is more complicated. Latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree - nice and natural - but most brands contain additives to prevent decomposition and if you're a vegan, you might be interested to know that many also include the milk protein casein. Avoid condoms containing polyurethane, or PU. This rubber replacement creates toxins in its manufacture and it's not biodegradable.
However, before you despair of ever having planet-safe sex again, Condomi have come to the rescue with their Virtual Skinwear - condoms that are totally biodegradable, approved by the Vegan Society and carry the BSI kitemark. And some of them even taste of coconut. Buy in bulk to save packaging!
If you're not using an eco condom, at least dispose of the alternative in the right way - and that means wrapping it in a tissue and binning it, not flushing it down the toilet. Condoms can clog pipes, get into the water supply and play havoc with the wildlife in rivers and out at sea.
If you and he are a reliable item, the Pill will cut down the rubber mountain, but not the problem of foil and plastic wrappings. The Environment Agency has also suggested that contraceptive hormones are getting into the water and having a gender-bending effect on the fish. The IUD and diaphragm are non-disposable alternatives; so if you want to make changes, talk to your doctor or local family planning clinic.
You've lit the candles (to save electricity), tantalised his taste buds with an aromatic spread of home-grown produce, slipped that empty champagne bottle seductively into the recycling bin, given him a glimpse of your ethical underwear and now he's got that look in his eye that says you'll have no energy left by the time he's finished with you - but how does a self-respecting eco warrior do the deed whilst remaining a clean, green sex machine?
While the rhythm and withdrawal methods are about as natural as you can get, all too frequently this bare-naked approach results, naturally, in the patter of tiny feet and in terms of protection against STI's, well, there just isn't any.
For safe sex, latex condoms are best. That's an easy decision. Knowing which variety to use is more complicated. Latex comes from the sap of the rubber tree - nice and natural - but most brands contain additives to prevent decomposition and if you're a vegan, you might be interested to know that many also include the milk protein casein. Avoid condoms containing polyurethane, or PU. This rubber replacement creates toxins in its manufacture and it's not biodegradable.
However, before you despair of ever having planet-safe sex again, Condomi have come to the rescue with their Virtual Skinwear - condoms that are totally biodegradable, approved by the Vegan Society and carry the BSI kitemark. And some of them even taste of coconut. Buy in bulk to save packaging!
If you're not using an eco condom, at least dispose of the alternative in the right way - and that means wrapping it in a tissue and binning it, not flushing it down the toilet. Condoms can clog pipes, get into the water supply and play havoc with the wildlife in rivers and out at sea.
If you and he are a reliable item, the Pill will cut down the rubber mountain, but not the problem of foil and plastic wrappings. The Environment Agency has also suggested that contraceptive hormones are getting into the water and having a gender-bending effect on the fish. The IUD and diaphragm are non-disposable alternatives; so if you want to make changes, talk to your doctor or local family planning clinic.
