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Recycling
Information On Condoms
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.
Are
There Green Latex Condoms?
There is still debate as to latex condoms being biodegradable.
Furthermore, it is unknown as to what effects additives and lubricants
might have on biodegradability. Green condoms are latex or natural
membrane condoms. Latex does not biodegrade when it is under water,
which is why it is not good to flush your used condoms. 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.
See
Our Condom Selection
Green
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