Eco-Friendly Sex Toys

Healthy & Safe Sex Toys

The trend to make your sex life and sex toys green is becoming an increasingly prominent issue, and we are happy to see people finally coming on board. After all, we at Holistic Wisdom, Inc. have been educating consumers about sexual health and the environment since we began in June of 2000.

We sell only body safe sex toys, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands when you purchase one from us. But what about sex toys and the environment?

Safe and eco-friendly sex toys can allow for more profound pleasure, satisfaction, peace of mind, and prevention of health complications that may result from not using healthy products. It can also positively impact the environment by reducing the use of toxic chemicals in our bodies and our environment.

Although it is important not to get caught up in fear-based marketing either, see our Avoid Fear-based Marketing Hype Guide for more information about this.

Using Nontoxic Sex Toys

With over 43% of Americans having used a vibrator, sex toys are a prominent part of our sex lives. However, along with all the pleasure and sexual creativity they bring, some unwanted chemicals may come with them. Many educated consumers are now looking for green sex toys that are ecofriendly, hypoallergenic, and nontoxic, along with lubricants that are paraben and glycerin free.

Concerns come into play because the government has not been willing to work with the adult industry; rather, they attack and repress it. Instead of acknowledging sex toys as healthy sexual behavior, they insist that manufacturers label them as adult novelties or medical devices (the latter being quite a challenge and very costly for sex toy manufacturers to achieve).

Because the U.S. Government does not require sex toy regulations, sex toy manufacturers classify their sex toys as 'adult novelties' and avoid having their products regulated as well as you might think. This is also why it is rare to find user manuals on how to use sex toys, as this may define them as something for sexual health and possibly cause it to be defined as a medical device, which affects their product classification. It can cheat the consumer from enjoying their sex toy and being educated about it thoroughly.

Sex Toys & Phthalates

Many adult sex toys contain the same toxic substances that the European Union has banned from use in children's toys. When Greenpeace tested some of the sex toys on the market, they found that seven of the eight sex toys it had tested contained between 24 and 51 percent of phthalates. A problem many consumers are not even aware of when it comes to looking for nontoxic sex toys.

Phthalates may cause disruptions to the human hormonal system. It has been shown through testing to diminish fertility and have adverse effects on the liver and kidneys. Banning phthalates in sex toys would mean that all manufacturers would consider making nontoxic alternatives, which is pretty easy to do.

Safe Eco-Friendly Sex Toys

Look for toys made from lead-free annealed glass, 100% silicone, stainless steel, aluminum metals, phthalate-free plastics, or nontoxic elastomers. Put a condom over any dildos or vibrators that you are not sure of for protection. See more about determining if a silicone sex toy is safe through our Silicone Sex Toys Guide.

Since sex toys are used on intimate parts, you will want to make sure any sex toy you use is a high-quality product and as chemical-free as possible. The high-quality body safe sex toy brands are all we carry. We also carry eco-friendly sex toys such as glass dildos, wood dildos, and metal sex toys that can be recycled entirely.

Silicone is not a toxic material to aquatic or soil organisms. While it is not biodegradable, you can recycle it after a lifetime of use if your recycling center takes silicone. To learn more about biodegradable and recyclable sex toys, please see our Environmentally Friendly Sex Toys Guide.

Paraben-Free, Organic Personal Lubricants

We recommend organic, paraben-free, water-based lubricants because it is closer to your body chemistry and less likely to cause a reaction. We also offer organic lubricants and those that are safe for conception for those couples trying to have a baby. See our lubricant guide for more information.

Picking Eco-Friendly Condoms

Condoms are contributors to how big an ecological footprint you are leaving. There is still controversy about whether or not latex condoms are biodegradable and the effects additives and lubricants have on biodegradability.

Latex is biodegradable as it is an all-natural substance made from the sap of rubber trees. However, latex condoms are not composed of 100 percent latex, and latex does not biodegrade when it is in water, which is one reason why it is not good to flush your used condoms.

Used condoms are best sent to the landfill as flushing condoms down the toilet is not good. When you dispose of them this way, it can clog your plumbing, water treatment plants, and even get into waterways. Currently, there is no eco-friendly way to dispose of them.

The plastic and foil wrappers condoms are packaged and not biodegradable and should be considered.

Latex Condoms

Most condoms are made from latex. One thing to keep in mind when using them is that latex condoms can only be used with water-based lubricants, not oil-based lubricants, as they break down the latex and destroys the protective nature of the condom.

Polyurethane Condoms

People who have an allergic reaction to latex can use polyurethane condoms made of soft plastic. They are thinner than latex condoms and more expensive. Oil and some water-based lubricants can be used with them. Polyurethane condoms, a plastic material, are not biodegradable. Make sure to check the brand of lubricant as not all waterbased lubricants are compatible with polyurethane condoms. Also, see the Myth About Polyurethane Condoms & Lubricants.

Natural Condoms

Natural membrane and sheepskin condoms are made from the intestinal lining of sheep. This is the oldest type of condom still being, which is still used today. The natural membrane is somewhat porous and is therefore not recommended for protection against certain STDs.

This type does, however, protect against pregnancy and bacterial STDs. Some users find these condoms to be more comfortable than those made of latex. They have a strong odor that some find a bit overwhelming compared to latex or polyurethane. "Natural membrane" or "sheepskin," condoms are biodegradable, which makes them an excellent way to be environmentally conscious.

Lubricants & Spermicides In Condoms

However, lubricants and spermicide coated on and added to latex and lambskin condoms may alter their decomposition potential. And, no one has studied how long it takes condoms, lubricated or not, to break down. Condoms are an issue as many landfills are struggling to keep up with the demand for waste disposal, and because most are not, it is an issue to consider when it comes to making an effective product while keeping it earth-friendly.

Is There Such A Thing As Eco-Friendly Condoms?

Unfortunately, there is no green condom at this point, but we will keep you posted. Until then, experts recommend condoms be disposed of in a trash receptacle.

Birth Control Alternatives

Condoms are a great form of contraception and STI protection; however, if you're worried about accumulating extra trash, there are other options out there. If you and your significant other are both monogamous and have tested negative for STIs, you might want to consider a birth control method that produces less waste.

Holistic Wisdom Is An Eco-Friendly Sex Toy Company

As a leader in consumer education in all aspects of sexual health, our mission is to provide products and resources that are of high ethical standards and quality. This includes our commitment to offering only body safe adult toys and products. We celebrate being environmentally conscious and providing safe products for our customers and our lovely planet.

Holistic Wisdom, Inc. is a eco-friendly sex toy company and has a company-wide 'eco-conscious' green initiative. We believe it is our responsibility to the world to do our part in making a difference to reduce waste. With this commitment in mind, we have implemented several policies that reduce our carbon footprint, including eco-friendly sex toys. We will continue to search out new and improved ways to support a better world for all and future generations to enjoy.

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