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          Condoms & The Environment- Picking A Green Condom

Condoms & The Environment-

Condoms are contributors to how big an ecological footprint you are leaving. There is still controversy as to whether or not latex condoms are biodegradable and what the effects additives and lubricants have on their 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 as this clogs pipes, treatment plants, and rivers. As of yet, no one has taken up the job of recycling these plastic items along with soda bottles and such, so don't throw them in the recycling bin.

The plastic and foil wrappers condoms are packaged in are also not biodegradable and should be taken into consideration as well.

Latex-
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.

Allergies- Use Polyurethane
People who have an allergic reaction to latex can use polyurethane condoms which are made of a type of soft plastic. They are thinner than latex condoms and more expensive. Oil and water based lubricants can be used with them.

Going Natural
"Natural membrane," or "sheepskin," condoms are made from the intestinal lining of sheep. This is the oldest type of condom still being 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 Condoms
"Natural membrane," or "sheepskin," condoms are biodegradable which make them a nice way to be environmentally conscious.

Polyurethane Condoms
Polyurethane condoms, a plastic material, are not biodegradable.

Lubricants & Spermicides In Condoms
Lubricants and/or spermicide coated on and/or added to latex and lambskin condoms, however, may alter their decomposition potential. And, no one has studied how long it takes condoms, lubricated or not, to break down. Regardless of condom biodegradability, most landfills are over-capacity and do not provide the ideal environment nor the main ingredient, air, necessary for effective decomposition.

Green Condoms?
Unfortunately, there is not a "green" condom at this point, but we will keep you posted. Until then, experts recommend condoms be disposed of in a trash receptacle.

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.

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