Forum.RttP{ How to Green Your Sex Life}

I found this on msn.com at work, but now I can't find it, (they must've pulled it for some reason...) so here's part of the original from

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/how-to-green-your-sex-life.php

What’s the Big Deal?
Whether you’re single and playing the field, settled down with that special someone, or someplace in between, most of us consider good, satisfying, sexy sex an important part of this complete breakfast. It might not be the first thing we think of while working towards a sustainable and graceful life on this fragile planet, but there’s a lot we can do to make our sex lives greener. In the process of greening the ecological footprint of our love making, we might also open up some new doors to deeper pleasure, satisfaction, and romantic connection.

Sex toys

According to the Durex Global Sex Survey, 43% of Americans have used a vibrator. Dildos, vibrators, anal beads, cock rings, and the rest of the happy sex toy family can be thrilling and fulfilling, either alone or with a partner, but many store-bought sex toys contain, among other things, chemicals called phthalates, a substance used to soften hard plastics like PVC and provide that jelly feeling. There is quite a bit of concern about the toxicity and health risks of phthalates (in 2004, the EU banned a range of phthalates from children’s toys), especially in sex toys that are used in warm, moist places. One suspicious warning sign is the disclaimer you’ll find on most sex toy packages stating that the device within is for “novelty purposes only.” TreeHugger suggests playing it safe. Look for toys made from glass, metal, silicone, hard plastics, or elastomers. Putting a condom over a suspicious dildo is also a good move. If your sex toy of choice is a power tool, buy a rechargeable one or use your own rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable vibrating toys include the Aphrodite Wand, the Acuvibe, the Lily and Iris from Lelo, and toys from Fun Factory. Check out TreeHugger TV's How to Buy a Green Sex Toy for more.

1. Birth control

Your health and family-planning choices are the top priorities when it comes to birth control, but there are some notable things to consider when choosing how to go about it in a green way. As mentioned above, there are some vegan and more eco-friendly condom choices on the market, and buying in bulk, as always, saves on packaging. If you have a steady partner and you’ve both been tested for STDs, the pill is an option that can cut out the condom waste. Be aware that there are rising concerns about the hormones from birth control pills ending up in waterways and having serious effects on wildlife, both from pills flushed down the toilet, and from women’s urine. The diaphragm is another non-disposable method of baby-prevention. An IUD, or intrauterine devise, is a method of birth control that is inserted by a doctor into a woman’s uterus. The devise releases either a hormone or copper, which, oddly enough, has effective spermicidal properties. For monogamous couples not interested in any (more) kids, sterilization can be an option to consider. There are other methods as well, all of which a person should discuss with a doctor if there are doubts or questions. The rhythm and pull-out methods are notoriously ineffective and should not be relied on, no matter how green they might seem. Of course the biggest ecological impact resulting from sex is a baby. Human population is arguably the most threatening force on Earth, and with human population expected to reach 8.3 billion by 2030, reproducing is perhaps the largest impact any of us have.

2. Post-sex pee

Urinary tract infections are not uncommon for women, and after sex is a vulnerable time for our delicate little tubes. To avoid urinary tract infections and the not-so-friendly antibiotics that are often prescribed, women should pee after sex if they can. Another good reason to stay hydrated.

3. Go sexy, but go durable

Whether it’s lingerie or a new sex toy, things that are well made and even repairable are almost always the greener and more economical choice in the long run. High-quality sex toys tend to be pretty pricey, but will almost certainly last longer and give more pleasure. Keep this in mind when buying for yourself or for another. Also, note: inflatable sheep can easily be repaired with a bicycle patch kit if popped.

4. Throw a green sex toy party

Dildos are the new Tupperware. Get your friends together, get over your inhibitions, and trade ideas about healthy and eco-friendly sex and sex products.

5. Work it

Physical exercise is a well-known aphrodisiac and also something most of us probably oughta get more of. There are also plenty of internal exercises for men and women that can help make for better sex. Pilates and types of yoga both pay attention to sexual muscles, and the Chinese also have a long tradition of energy exercises, mostly for men, to build sexual health, enjoyment, and ability.

6. Personal lawn care

Some people definitely do go for the wild and untamed look, but many modern tree huggers do one thing or another to keep their body hair in check, especially when it comes to intimate moments. Shaving and waxing can do the trick, but especially waxing can be resource intensive and also expensive in the long run. Laser and electrolysis hair removal, after a number of treatments, can be more or less permanent, which might be greener over time. The Preserve razor from Recycline has replaceable heads and an ergonomic handle made from recycled plastic (mostly Stonyfield Farms yogurt cups). But don't stop there. The Razor Saver is a $12 device that resharpens dulled blade cartridges.

2. Lube

Whether you feel you need lube or not, a little extra slipperyness can add something extra to any roll in the hay. As you would with any other personal care product, go as natural as possible and try to avoid petroleum products, artificial scents, flavors, and colors. There are even organic lubes to be found. For more info on what to look out for, see How to Green Women’s Personal Care—advice also suitable for men).

3. Condoms

For safer, baby-free sex, nothing beats a latex condom. Vegans looking for a latex option (though derived from trees, most latex has a milk enzyme added) can check out Glyde condoms. The jury is still out as to whether latex condoms are biodegradable and what effects additives and lubricants have on biodegradability. According to most sources, lambskin condoms are biodegradable but are only effective against pregnancy, not STDs. Polyurethane condoms are essentially plastic and not biodegradable. Used condoms are best sent to the landfill. Flushing condoms down the toilet is definitely no good as this clogs pipes, treatment plants, and rivers. So let’s face it, reduce, reuse, recycle just doesn’t apply when it comes to the rubbers.

4. Sexy giving

Getting a stylish and useful gift is always a turn on. Organic massage oils, fair trade chocolate, or a bottle of biodynamic red wine are hot options. For Valentine's, you can even get an all fair trade goodie bag for your lovie. Of course, romance and good sex know no price, and a poem from the heart, a massage, some hot role playing, or a home-cooked dinner for two can be the hottest gifts of all.

5. Green and sexy fun

Sexy play can be green and efficient as well. As seen on TreeHugger TV, showering together can save water (if things get steamier, we suggest taking it to the bedroom and not leaving the shower running). In the winter time, some nice warm loving before bed can get the bedroom toasty, meaning the thermostat can be lower (see How to Green Your Heating, for more). A nice bike ride for two is a fossil-fuel-free way to get the blood flowing and can also be quite stimulating, especially for the ladies. And of course the classic candle-lit dinner is a delicious way to set the mood and save on energy bills.

6. Bamboo in bed

If you’ve never experience bamboo bed sheets, you’re missing out. Bamboo fabric is silky and slippery (but not so slippery you’ll slide out of bed), wicks moisture, has natural antimicrobial properties, comes from a rapidly renewable resource, and is super sexy.

7. Eco-undies

Slinky, slippery, sexy. These are all good things when it comes to some sassy skivvies for the bedroom. Organic cotton, hemp silk, bamboo, and other renewable fibers make ultra-sexy lingerie and underwear. When browsing around, go for quality, not novelty. Buying a bedroom outfit that will be used only a couple times isn’t a great buy. Face it, unless you're famous, nobody on Ebay is gonna buy those crotchless panties, even if you just wore them once. We suggest shelling out the extra bucks for something classy, sexy, and sustainable that can be donned when the mood is right for years to come. For something on the exotic end, check out Enamore and g=9.8. For sensible and simple, look at Buenostyle and American Apparel. For something in between, try GreenKnickers.

8. Sweeter juice?

There are some very strong rumors going around that vegetarians have the best tasting love juices (though some items from the vegetable kingdom you may want to avoid, like asparagus and garlic). If you aren’t already a veggie-lover and there’s a romantic occasion/hot date in your future, give the veggie or vegan diet a try. Even if it does nothing for your flavor, you may score points for being a good steward of the planet. The meat industry is immensely resource intensive and accounts for 70% of the water pollution in the US. Reducing your meat consumption is one of the greenest things you can do. Plus, many triathletes and other super-people swear by a vegan diet for prolonged endurance (always a good thing). For a very funny but totally explicit investigation of the food/body fluid connection, read Hank Hyena’s essay at Salon.com.

9. Natural aphrodisiacs

Since days of yore, lovers have turned to natural herbs and special foods to find stimulation, endurance, and sexual health. While we can’t vouch for any of these, and all supplements should be taken with caution and/or professional advise, it is rumored that herbs like ginseng, kava kava root, damiana leaves, kelp, tribulus, ginko biloba, rhodiola rosea, and of course horny goat weed can help stoke the flames of passion—even more so if certified organic. A host of foods are also used to stimulate the sexual senses, and of course organic wine and Champaign are trusted aphrodisiacs as well.

1. According to the Environment Agency of Britain, it is estimated that between 60 and 100 million condoms are improperly disposed of each year in the UK.

2.The research group TNO conducted a study for Greenpeace Netherlands and found 7 out of 8 sex toys they tested contained phthalates in concentrations ranging from 24 to 51 percent.

3. The US has one of highest rates of unintended pregnancies of industrialized nations: almost half of the six million pregnancies each year in the US are unintentional.

4. Worldwide, more than one in five adults has used a vibrator.

5. According to the 2005 Durex Global Sex Survey, 22% of people worldwide have had sex in the garden.