We all know that individual action won’t dig us out of the environmental crisis we face. That shit is on governments and corporations. But with that being said, individual changes can still make an impact. Even if that impact is small, it is positive—and that has to count for something. So here’s a few tips for making a good time for you a good time for people and the planet too.
Ethical Lingerie
There’s nothing sexier than microplastics in your crack, right?! Ditch the $5 polyester thongs from H&M and invest in lingerie that is better for you, the people who make your clothes, and the planet! Anything you’ve heard about avoiding fast fashion and consuming clothing more ethically extends to lingerie. Generally, this includes buying pieces made in fair working conditions, buying pieces that are made with natural materials (like cotton, bamboo, or silk), and prioritising quality over quantity! Because let’s be real, human rights violations and wide scale fashion pollution are the antithesis of sexy.
Water-Based Lube
Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t really want petroleum up inside me. But as it would turn out, many lubes literally have petroleum in them!!! (Big Oil really wants to fuck us over in more ways than one). Opt for a water-based lube instead and find comfort in fucking without fracking.
Turn the Lights Off
Insecure people rise up! You can now tell your partner that you’re turning the lights off because you totally want to save the planet. There are other benefits to turning the lights off of course, limiting your visual sense can heighten your other senses.
Use Beeswax Candles
If you’re someone who likes to use candles: firstly, go you, you romantic sweetheart, and secondly, please make sure you aren’t increasing your partner’s risk of cancer. Some candles, especially those made cheaply, contain paraffin, a by-product of petroleum production that releases carcinogens when burned. Unless you’re using candles very often the risk is low, but opting for beeswax candles will be safer.
Make Shower Sex a Special Event
For those of you who like things extra wet… this one’s for you. If you can get your business done in 4 minutes, by all means, have shower sex every day! Otherwise, maybe view getting wet and wild as a special event so that you’re not using 10-20 litres per minute of sex.
Rechargeable Batteries + Toys
If batteries are not disposed of correctly (most are not) they end up in general landfill, leaching toxins into the ground. If you can, invest in some rechargeable batteries or rechargeable toys, or research the closest place to dispose of your batteries responsibly!
High Quality Toys
If you’re going to go for a plastic toy, choose something made from medical grade silicone. This will reduce the risk of infections and the chance of microplastics falling off your toy and onto you—ew! Toys made of more natural materials like glass or metal are also an option too! As with lingerie (and with literally anything you own) buy quality not quantity (because let’s be real, a $5 vibe probably won’t last long enough to make you cum).
Dispose of Your Condoms Properly
Make sure you throw your condoms in the bin and NEVER flush them down the toilet. I think sea creatures are probably already pissed off enough with pollution as it already is, let alone without accidentally eating your nasty used condoms because they’re mistaken for a beige jellyfish.
Date people who give a shit.
One of my friends says that if all women stopped having sex until the climate crisis was solved; it would be solved immediately (I hate to think she’s right). There’s nothing more attractive than someone who picks up litter from the street, recycles correctly, or goes to climate strikes. Dump the climate deniers and hyperconsumerists and choose the climate cuties instead.
Note: I absolutely draw the line at sustainability when it compromises health (like how disposable face masks are essential in a pandemic). If there are things suggestions here that would negatively impact your health, don’t feel pressured to follow them! Sex is also one time where you can forget about the state of the world for a moment, so please don’t let worrying over the environment dampen that.
