Don't Be Silly, Wrap Your Willy!
/The most frequent and simple method of protection during all types of sexual activity is the use of a condom, which is available in two varieties: the internal condom (for bodily openings that are penetrated) and the more commonly known external condom (for body parts that penetrate). Despite the existence of other contraceptive methods, condoms remain the only method of birth control that also helps to decrease sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission. Although latex condoms are the most common type purchased (Orrell, 2021), alternative materials are also available for allergy and sustainability purposes. Society places a great deal of importance on the use of condoms, which, when used correctly, have very high rates of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and the transmission of STIs (Birnbach et al., 2019). Condoms of all kinds are accessible and affordable, but there are still many criticisms surrounding their use. The most frequent criticism of condoms is that they are uncomfortable to wear and that they dull the sensations of sexual activity. However, there are many different condom materials and lubes that can help with these complaints, which may involve some trial and error when experimenting with what works best for you. In addition, some people with eco friendliness on their minds are also aware that condoms contribute to filling up the landfill. More and more products in the world are becoming sustainable and the movement towards sustainable sex products is also on the rise.
A Condom’s Environmental Footprint
The whole process of many condom brands, from the manufacturing process to disposing, has made and continues to produce negative environmental impacts around the world. Birnbach et al. (2019) suggest that the biggest contributors are the manufacturing of condoms, which involves the use of packaging materials and energy, among other things. Most condoms are made from synthetic rubbers that are non-biodegradable (e.g., polyisoprene), and the processes involved have been claimed as significantly damaging to the environment (Campbell, 2019). Because most condoms are composed of synthetic latex and include additives and chemicals, they cannot be recycled and end up in landfills (Orrell, 2021). Campbell (2019) explains in her blog that these materials take years to break down and create negative impacts on the environment. In addition, rubber plantations can present dangers to the surrounding area, and some include deforestation and loss of biodiversity, loss of soil productivity, and poor water quality and quantity (Birnbach et al., 2019). Adding to environmental concerns is the fact that most condoms are made using casein, an animal by-product made from goat or cow milk; thus, they are not vegan or guaranteed to be cruelty-free (Campbell, 2019).
But it is not all “doom and gloom.” There are now options to help people “stay clean while going green” and help decrease the environmental footprint associated with condoms. There are many different ways sex can be made environmentally friendly, such as organic lubricants, hand cranked vibrators, and more specifically, organic condoms (Kingsbury, 2009). Sustainable solutions like waste-free contraceptive methods and vegan condoms have been slowly increasing in popularity in recent years.
Alternative options
To many people’s surprise, vegan condoms have been shown to have the same efficacy for STI transmission and pregnancy as non-vegan condoms (Moore, 2022), although efficacy rates, like non-vegan condoms, rely on the individual's usage of the product. According to Abby Moore's (2022) medically reviewed blog on vegan condoms, many condom brands claim to be vegan but are no better for the environment than non-vegan condoms. This is because the main ingredient is still latex, and it is ends up in landfills. Fortunately, this situation has sparked interest in many to create both a vegan and ecological alternative that is as effective as traditional condoms. In an interesting New York Times article, an eco-friendly, non-toxic, and vegan condom created by father and daughter team Jeffrey and Meika Hollender exists (Gelles, 2017). The company that sells this product is called Sustain Natural, and it is an excellent example of a product that is available as a replacement for environmentally harmful condom brands. Gelles (2017) notes in her article that this all products sold by this company are environmentally friendly, right down to the manufacturing that is carried out in Southern India at a Fair-Trade rubber plantation factory that is entirely solar powered. The condoms produced by Sustain Natural are nitrosamine-free (a carcinogenic ingredient found in many other condom brands) and does not use casein, making them vegan (Gelles, 2017). Several other environmentally-friendly condoms exist as well, like GLYDE, which offers plant-based latex that is free of casein and harsh chemicals and is manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner (Moore, 2022).
Vegan and Ecofriendly Condoms Versus Other Brands
When people hear about vegan, natural, and organic condoms, hesitation about their effectiveness is often experienced. This makes sense as many people trust the most popular products in stores as they recognize the brands and find it possibly scary to try a lesser-known brand. Moore (2022) explains in her blog that the efficacy rates for STI protection and pregnancy prevention of both vegan and non-vegan condoms are the same, and both depend on the way the products are used. There are a few factors that people may question if it is worth switching over, such as accessibility and the price point. Many stores carry this greener type of condom, and if not, there are many websites online that have tons of options. For the price point, the high production and labour cost to manufacture these products in a more environmentally friendly manner leads to the products being slightly more expensive than brands that do not.
Food for thought
Overall, condoms are important to use for many reasons, and they are good at what they do in terms of increased protection from STIs and pregnancy. With the rise of global environmental concerns, many companies have begun to adapt and create more environmentally friendly products that yield the same efficacy rates as one-time-use products. There are many greener alternative options that do not use potentially harmful ingredients used in many traditionally produced condoms. This is important to highlight, as simply making a switch like this can positively impact the environment while making sex safer.
Erin Hislop (she/her) Queen’s University, Sociology BAH (Min. Psychology), Class of 2024
References
Birnbach, M., Lehmann, A., Naranjo, E., & Finkbeiner, M. (2020). A condom’s footprint - life cycle assessment of a natural rubber condom. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 25(6), 964–979. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-019-01701-y
Campbell, M. (2019, August 8). Eco-friendly sex life: Are condoms good for the environment? ONE Only Natural Energy. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.onlynaturalenergy.com/eco-friendly-sex-life-are-condoms-good-for-the-environment/
Gelles, D. (2017, February 17). Eco-friendly, nontoxic and vegan: It's a condom. The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/business/condoms-nontoxic-vegan-.html
Kingsbury, K. (2009). Sex and the Eco-City. Time (Chicago, Ill.), 174(16), 51–.
Moore, A. (2022, January 14). Yes, condoms can be vegan - here's what that means + 9 brands to try. mindbodygreen. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/vegan-and-organic-condoms
Orrell, H. (2021, October 26). Eco-friendly sex: What is it and how does it impact on climate change? BBC News. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-59046518