Eco-Ordinary

You may or may not be the kind of person who sleeps under organic, unbleached cotton sheets.  You might not rest your head on hypoallergenic pillows.  But when it comes to the quality of certain personal items, everyday green consumers are showing great interest in being all-natural and eco-friendly in the boudoir.

If you like watching adult films, you’ll be happily surprised to note that most adult filmmaking is already green.  This didn’t happen on purpose; it happened because of budget constraints.  Adult films tend to have minimal sets and costuming.  They even save on paper because an extensive written script is probably superfluous.  If you download these (or any other) films directly, you also remove the environmental costs of creating a DVD.  Just make sure you download films from a reputable source!

Women are concerned with having toys that are phthalate-free, all-natural and hypoallergenic.  This is especially important for pregnant women as exposure to phthlates may cause damage to the fetus.  Many items now use rechargeable batteries, and some are recharged using solar power.  There are organic personal lubricants with ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera, and labels such as “vegan” or “cruelty-free” are popping up everywhere in the industry.  As with anything, look for high-quality products that will last for years.  Buying one well-made item, even if not made using eco-friendly practices, will make up for its environmental impact by replacing several cheaply made products that continually have to be replaced.  Consider buying educational products; they teach practices of increased intimacy that may result in couples not needing artificial aids or supplementation.  Couples courses designed to further communication between partners can also be wonderful in supporting a loving and healthy relationship.

There’s even a way to recycle your unwanted adult toys safely and without the ‘eww’ factor.  Dreamscapes LLC, an eco-friendly adult-products company, started an innovative program where you send in your unwanted or broken toys.  It began because of a 90-day return policy on their own products (an almost unheard of concept).  President and CEO David Kowalsky wanted to be greener in handling these returns, rather than wastefully throwing the used product out.  The products are first cleaned and then dismantled.

Using the example of a programmable personal massager, Kowalsky says, “The plastic shell is removed.  The silicone computer chip is taken out, the motor is put into a separate bin, the rubber or silicone is separated from that, and then after we have 100 weight of different materials, we send it off to recyclers.”  The recycled materials are made into an assortment of objects, from tables to purses.

Hundreds of people have used the service since its startup in December.  For returning their old toys, participants receive a $10 coupon good for any Dreamscapes product.

“Our recycling program is the first of its kind in the United States.  We were able to identify the need and work out a way how we could help,” said Dreamscapes Vice-President Jean Kozlowski.  “We encourage consumers and businesses alike to take whatever steps they can in hopes of a better environment for the generations of tomorrow.  It may be some work in the beginning, but its well worth the efforts.”

You really can be environmentally responsible in all aspects of your life.  Protect your health now by being safe and responsible with your actions, and protect the health of future generations by limiting your exposure to hazardous chemicals.

REFERENCES:

(please note that some of these sites may not be family-friendly)

Original Alternet Article

Hazards of Phthalates

http://www.sliquidorganics.com/index.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/321038.stm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcanized

http://www.dreamscapesfl.com/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LOW IMPACT FILMMAKING, VISIT:

http://www.glasseyepix.com/lowimpact/