THE SILHOUETTE • C3
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
SEX and the STEEL CITY
Going green while gettin’ it on Protecting yourself may not always be protecting the environment
specialty stores that are food grade. (Yum.) Sex toys may be stimulating, but they contain chemicals that are a big downer Whether single and ready to mingle or in a for your body and the planet. In order to make long-term relationship, sex is something the plastic soft and pliable, chemicals called many people find both pleasurable and phthalates are added, which have shown important as a connection with their partner. hormone disruption properties in animal lab However, all the products that go along with studies. sex are rather unfriendly to the environment. A safer option is to look for glass or I am not advising that you forgo protection natural rubber toys, or those made of 100 per for you and your partner for the sake of the cent silicone, which have the same soft feel environment, but if eco-friendly products are and can be sterilized between uses – a very something you would like to consider, there important practice to prevent the transfer of are plenty of options available! STI’s and bacteria. Condoms are one of the most If your sex toy of choice has a effective ways to reduce the vibrating function, consider risk of contracting an STI, as using rechargeable batteries well as preventing pregnancy. or look for a toy that can be Latex condoms are recharged through a wall But, although they come made a natural in small packages, they are outlet. not always good things. Hormonal birth rubber substance, In the U.K., for example, control, commonly referred but the jury is still to as ‘the pill’, poses many the number of improperly disposed condoms is as high out whether they are concerns for the environment. as 60 to 100 million per year. biodegradable and Birth control must be taken Condoms flushed every day to replenish the how long it would hormones, because the down the toilet can clog pipes, requiring the use of take a condom to woman’s body regularly caustic chemicals to wash excretes the hormones decompose.” them down, or end up in through urine. All of these waterways where they excess hormones end up in the can affect wildlife that may mistake them water system, where they cannot be removed for food. Latex condoms are made from by treatment facilities. a natural rubber substance, but the jury is This affects both our bodies and still out whether they are biodegradable those of our water-dwelling friends. Studies and how long it would take a condom to have shown that fish populations are decompose. Polyurethane condoms are made undergoing genetic changes. This is a result of a petroleum-based plastic, so they are not of estrogen from hormonal contraceptives, biodegradable and rely on a notoriously eco- as well as estrogen-mimicking compounds unfriendly industry. found in personal care products such as A little extra slipperiness definitely shampoos and perfumes. This drastically isn’t unimportant when it comes to sex. But reduces fish populations, which in turn affect as with any product you are putting on your the sustainability of our aquatic food sources, skin, much less in a very sensitive region with as well as the populations of other animals highly absorbent tissues, it is important to that depend on fish for food.All hormonal take care and read labels. birth controls have a similar environmental Try to go as natural as possible effect, but it’s important to remember that the and avoid those products with petroleum environmental impact of having a baby is far by-products, as well as those with artificial greater! Regardless, have safe and enjoyable colours and flavours. sex, and if you’d like to be green, there are There are even organic lubes at plenty of resources available to keep it steamy. What method are you using to protect yourself and the environment? Meagan McEwen SHEC Media
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
EnviroTips • Wash your clothes in cold water using a cold water detergent; heating up water takes a lot of unnecessary energy. • Remember to turn off and unplug all of your appliances when you’re not using them. • Try to limit your showers to less then ten minutes; indulging in half hour bathing sessions have a larger impact on the environment then you would expect. • Use the compost bucket! Recyling only simply doesn’t cut it anymore. • Ride your bike everywhere possible. It’s not only great for the environment, it’s great for your physique.