It’s not unusual to talk about being sexually responsible when it pertains to birth control or preventing sexually transmitted infections, but what about when it’s good for you, your partner, AND the planet? According to Hank Green, a blogger at EcoGeek.org, condoms are “the single most important environmental innovation.” He concedes they aren’t solar powered, reusable, or recyclable, “but they’ve made the environmental revolution possible. As simple birth control they leave behind happier, healthier societies with significantly less impact on the planet. That is the power of true innovation.”
Are Condoms Biodegradable?
The break down of condoms in landfills has never been studied, but technically, since latex is a natural substance made from the sap of rubber trees, both latex and lambskin condoms could be considered biodegradable. (See "What Are Lambskin Condoms?") Unfortunately, additives like spermicide or phthalates would impede the process. Recycling condoms by washing and reusing them is definitely not advisable because it can compromise their efficacy, and neither male nor female/internal condoms made from polyurethane or plastic is recyclable. Neither is the plastic or foil from the packaging. The best rule of thumb is to wrap any type of used condoms in tissue and dispose of in the trash. Never flush condoms down the toilet because they can clog plumbing or, worse, make it to our waterways. (Source: https://www.mywaste.ie/news/can-condoms-be-recycled/)
Sustainable Condom Brands
When condoms are manufactured, liquid latex must be heated to the point it becomes solid, and this process produces carcinogenic chemicals called nitrosamines. Factory workers are exposed to especially high levels. The good news is some condom companies are coming up with more environmentally friendly methods of manufacturing condoms.
Sustain Natural, a U.S. company, produces vegan “ethical condoms” that are processed safely from Fair Trade rubber plantations and without child labor. They are FSC Certified (Forest Stewardship Council), which refers to products that come from responsibly managed forests and provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. The founder says that although there is some waste from manufacturing condoms, “they’re still net-positive products because they’re preventing unplanned pregnancy and the spreading of STDs – and overpopulation is a huge driver of climate change.”
GLYDE,which also makes sustainable tampons, is a woman-owned company that makes ethical, Fair Trade condoms without nitrosamine, glycerin, parabens, talc, nonoxynol-9 spermicide, benzocaine, or animal by-products. Another perk is the consumer packaging is made with recycled materials and soy and vegetable inks.
What About Lambskin Condoms?
Naturalamb condoms, sold by Trojan, are made from sheep intestine, so they are biodegradable and boast a “skin to skin” feeling that transmits body heat well. The big caveat of lambskin condoms is that their natural pores are small enough to keep sperm cells out but large enough to let bacteria (like gonorrhea) and viruses (like HIV) pass through, so they are better for monogamous couples who mainly want to prevent pregnancy. Lambskin condoms are also more expensive, costing up to three times as much as latex. People who are allergic to latex like the option of lambskin (or polyurethane) condoms. This article compares latex vs. non-latex condoms.
For an article on how non-latex condoms are made, not to mention everything you ever wanted to know about condoms, go to condomdepot.com.
How Green Is Your Birth Control…and other social implications
"How Green Is Your Birth Control" heralds the IUD as the greenest, most effective and cost-efficient method of birth control because of its longevity and lack of hormones and excess packaging, A big “however” is that IUDs don’t protect you from STIs (sexually transmitted infections), what we used to call sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A lot depends on your personal health and medical history. Visit HERE for efficient, side-by-side comparison graphs of different birth control methods.
Sustainable birth control is a complex discussion because it involves weighing the effectiveness of preventing unwanted pregnancies with the environmental impact of different methods while also considering barriers that people, especially women, have in accessing and being able to afford medical care and prescriptions. The bottom line is any birth control is better than no birth control when you consider the impact every human has on the planet.
For more information on eco-friendly sex and birth control, check out these links:
"Birth Control For Mother Earth"
"11 Ways to Save the Planet While Having Sex"
"Best Eco-Friendly Condoms and Lubes According to Sex ExpertsBest Eco-Friendly Condoms & Lubes"
"How to Buy Sustainable Sex Toys"
Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies
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