April 22 is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Not only is it a big deal because it’s the 50th anniversary, but this year the United States, along with almost 200 other countries, will be signing the Paris Agreement, pledging to reduce emissions and whatever else they can do to help reduce global warming. While you may not be able to sign the Paris Agreement, maybe you can make your own pledge on Earth Day to be more green yourself — more green in the bedroom that is.
Even if you eat organic, buy sustainable products, reduce, reuse, and recycle, on a daily basis, can you look at your sex life and say that that’s eco-friendly, too? While you may think that going green and being environmentally responsible in your sex life might be silly, the reality is that every little bit helps — and the sex product industry is starting to realize that, too. Sex toy companies like Jimmyjane have made it their mission to create products that aren’t just healthy for human use, but healthy for the environment, too. You may think that being just one person in the world you can’t make much of a difference when it comes to contributing to helping the environment, but you’re wrong; every little bit counts.
Here are 10 eco-friendly toys, products, and sex essentials to check out. But first, check out the latest episode of "I Want It That Way", Bustle's Sex and Relationships podcast:
1. Intrigue Laurel Dildo By NobEssence
Since 2007 NobEssence Sculpture Sensuality has been creating wooden sex toys. All their sex toys — from dildos to butt plugs — are made from sustainably farmed wood, are organic, hypoallergenic, and are completely free of phthalates and any other toxic chemicals. Because of this, their products aren't just completely eco-friendly, but are great for people who tend to experience sensitivities to certain materials. They’re also literally works of art.
Intrigue Laurel Dildo, $170
2. SKYN Elite Condoms
Because safe sex can also be green sex, LifeStyles SKYN Condoms introduced their environmentally conscious condom line, Elite. Elite condoms are made from polyisoprene, which unlike other condoms isn’t made of rubber. The material is made to mimic the feel and sensation, but is environmentally sound because to make them no Hevea Brasiliensis (Rubber Trees) are cut down in the process. It’s also great for those with latex allergies.
SKYN Elite Condoms, $10.99 for pack of 10
3. Life Plus By Leaf
In 2015, Leaf won the award for Best Eco-Friendly Sex Toys in Los Angeles. All of their vibrators are rechargeable, waterproof, phthalate-free, have a 100 percent silicone finish, and are Green America approved. The Life Plus vibrator has three vibration speeds, as well as two pattern functions, and is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Life Plus Vibrator, $110
4. Gläs Galileo Planetarium Glass Butt Plug
What’s great about glass and ceramic sex toys is that along with being free of toxins, they’re eco-friendly because — wait for it — they’re recyclable. How fantastic is that? The Gläs Galileo Planetarium Glass Butt Plug is hypoallergenic, responds to temperature for those who enjoy temperature play, and like the sex toy products by Leaf, is also Green America approved.
Gläs Galileo Planetarium Glass Butt Plug, $20
5. Sexy Mood Lighting
According to Greenpeace (because where else are you going to get your “green” advice?), when it comes to setting your sexy time mood, you want a “beeswax or other form of sustainable candle, which is paraffin free, free of GMOs, and uses sustainably-sourced oils.” You also want to make sure that if you come across a palm oil candle you can verify that the oil was sourced without any deforestation. Although, if you want to be super green, you’ll just avoid lights and candles all together, opting to enjoy natural light instead.
Honey Candles 100% Pure Beeswax, $22.99
6. Vegan Paddle Silicone
Anyone need a proper spanking? From As You Like It, a "sex- and body-positive, eco-conscious, gender inclusive sex toy shop and educational center," comes the Vegan Paddle Silicone. It’s eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, boilable for when it needs a thorough cleaning, and exactly what every kinky (and green) sex life needs.
7. Naturals Sea Water Based Lube By Sliquid
If you’re someone who loves some lube with your sex and you want to keep things green, then this particular lube by Sliquid is for you. Not only is it water-based and blended with organic seaweed extract, but it’s good for you, too. The carrageenan in seaweed has be found to help reduce the transmission of HPV, while the nori and wakame in the seaweed are great for your skin, as a natural moisturizer and elasticity improver, respectively.
Naturals Sea Water Based Lube, $13.95
8. Jimmyjane FORM 6 Vibrator
Sick of seeing sex toys being made by toxic materials and just ending up in landfills when people were done with them, the creators of Jimmyjane sex toys (regarded as the greenest sex toys in the world FYI) wanted to do right by the Earth and their consumers. Their products are rechargeable, hypoallergenic, biocompatible, free of toxins, and Jimmyjane is strict in adhering to fair labor practices, insuring safe and healthy environments for their employees. Also, they’re really beautiful products and the FORM 6 has dual motors and a multi-purpose shape so it can be used anywhere and anyhow.
Jimmyjane FORM 6 Vibrator, $175
9. Do You Green Paris Lingerie
What’s a green sex life without some green lingerie to go with it all? Although there are many ethical lingerie brands out there, Do You Green Paris is eco-friendly, free of toxins and, get this — made of pine needles. If that’s not impressive enough, 70 percent of its profits go to the protection of its workers.
Do You Green Lingerie Set, 39.60€
10. Tantus Super Soft Cock Ring
Made of 100 percent ultra-premium silicone, this cock ring is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and since it’s not a vibrating ring, you don’t have to worry about batteries eventually ending up in a landfill. If you’ve yet to explore cock rings, then maybe you can make Earth Day your big day to do it — they’re ideal for men who tend to orgasm too fast and have a level of kinkiness to them, so that's fun.
Tantus Super Soft Cock Ring, $12
Images: Fotolia; NobEssense; LifeStyles SKYN; Leaf; EarthErotics; Honey Candles; As You Like It (3); Jimmyjane; Do You Green Paris
