Pleasure products manufacturers have long taken care to use quality materials, and now some are starting to take more eco-friendly products in addition to taking serious steps to lower their carbon footprint and be kinder to the planet. Consumers can take steps as well to have greener sex and be more eco-friendly.
Extend a Sex Toy’s Life
Upgrade your existing sex toys with minor adjustments. Have a vibrator that has completely died? It still works as a dildo. Turn a dildo into a vibrator by adding a vibrating cock ring at the base. Blush Novelties’ Stay Hard Reuseable Cock Ring and RingMaster’s Clit Flicker Support Ring are great options since they are both super stretchy. Added bonus: they both have removable bullet vibrators that can be used on their own, increasing your sex toy count.
Mindful of Materials
Glass, wood and metal are good materials that will last for years if cared for properly. The Slimline G-Spot Glass Dildo is curved for better G-spot stimulation. The Firefly Glass Ace Buttplug from NS Novelties has the added draw of being glow-in-the-dark.
To Recharge, or Not to Recharge
Battery-operated toys have their appeal since there’s no wait time to use them and they can be pretty powerful. For guys, there the PDX Elite Moto Bator vibrating stroker from Pipedream Products. For women, Blush Novelties has the Sexy Things Butterfly Thruster Mini. Regardless of the product, just be sure to use rechargeable batteries.
Find Eco-Friendly Toys
This move is becoming easier every day as more companies start creating items using materials and manufacturing practices that are kinder to the environment. The Doxy Die Cast 3 Vibrating Wand has a aluminum/titanium alloy body that is less toxic. And the Gaia Eco Bullet from Blush Novelties is made from a plant-based plastic that is safe for the environment.
Check Out That Package
Keep an eye out for products with recyclable packaging. Sliquid’s Soak line of bubble baths come in completely recyclable plastic bottles. Jimmyjane works to use recyclable paper packaging for its products, including the popular Form 2 kegel Trainer massager.
Consider Going Vegan
More and more companies are using vegan ingredients in the products, making it easier than ever to be kind to animals. CalExotics used vegan leather to create the Her Royal Harness strap-on harness. Several lubricants also boast vegan ingredients, including Intimate Earth’s Pure Vegan Oral Pleasure Glide.
Care For Your Toy, Care for the Planet
Properly caring for your sex toys means they will last longer, so you won’t be shipping to the landfill as quickly. Keep them stored when not in use so they won’t collect dust. Lovehoney’s Happy Rabbit range features a number of silicone zipper storage bags, including the Happy Rabbit Storage Bag. BMS Entertprises has a larger storage option with its Lockable Toy Chest, which comes in black, purple or pink.
Avoid Phthalates …
Not to get too “science,” but phthalates are compounds created by reacting ophthalmic anhydride with certain alcohols. Studies have shown them to cause reproductive and developmental toxins. Tantus Inc. manufacturers silicone dildos that are phthalate-free, including the Tantus Acute Dildo. Vedo toys, such as the Vedo ROQ Rechargeable Vibrating Cock Ring, are made from silicone, are phthalate-free and are RoHS compliant.
… And Parabens Too
Parabens are synthetic preservatives and previously were used in many lubricants. Most manufacturers these days are creating formulas that are paragon-free, including Swiss Navy’s Paraben and Glycerin Free Lubricant, and Wicked Sensual Care’s Simply Hybrid Lubricant.
Don’t Panic, Just Take Precautions
If you are worried that your toy might not be the most eco-friendly option, there’s no need to pitch it out. The easiest step to take is to use a condom with your vibrator or dildo. One Super Studs Lubricated Latex Condoms amp up the fun with their extra large studs for added stimulation. Trojan Her Pleasure Sensations Condoms make it easy to use the toy with less muss and fuss since they are already lubricated.