Zero Waste Sex

Sex. A slightly different way to awaken spring fever. But it can be quite effective. Here too, we put on our sustainability glasses and look to see if there are environmentally friendly alternatives. Spoiler: There are.

condoms

Safe sex without any waste is actually difficult. And we don't think twice about it. Health comes first, regardless of waste.
There is a huge selection of condoms. Sometimes it's hard to decide. Just go for the most environmentally friendly one, then it'll be easier. We've been unicorn fans since day one. The unicorn condoms are made from 100% natural rubber. The outer packaging is made from recycled paper. You're also supporting a company that's committed to nature and the environment. 50% of their profits go to social and sustainable projects.
Whether it's a classic condom or the natural rubber version, be careful when disposing of it. The packaging goes in the yellow bag, the condom itself goes in the general waste.

Natural contraception

It's basically possible. Zero waste pro Lauren Singer swears by period tracking. She uses an app to track her cycle. When she's not in a relationship, she asks her sexual partners to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases before she sleeps with them.
However, if the cycle is irregular, it is difficult for an app to predict. By measuring the temperature, examining the cervical mucus or measuring hormones, natural contraception becomes safer. It is a little more complicated to use than hormonal contraception and mistakes can be made more easily. However, with strict measurement and observation, the method is just as safe as hormonal contraception.

Sustainable Sex Toys

Stay well clear of cheap plastic toys. You can usually tell cheap sex shops by their smell. If it smells of plastic and cheap perfume, it's best to get out of there as quickly as possible. There are now many alternatives that offer high-quality, sustainable sex toys. Our founder Milena Glimbovski swears by the Other Nature store. Other Nature is a feminist, sex-positive and vegan store in Berlin. The company Gaia has developed a vibrator that (apart from the electronics) is made of organic plastic. So it's sustainable. Unfortunately, you can rarely avoid the packaging.
When the sex toy has reached the end of its life, it should be recycled. It can often be sent back to the manufacturer, otherwise it goes to the local recycling center.

lubricant

If you buy lubricant, it is almost impossible to be completely plastic-free. But there are more sustainable alternatives. Choose a lubricant that is organic, vegan and water-based. The BIOglide brand, for example, also compensates for the CO2 produced.

Instead of buying pre-packaged synthetic lubricants, there are some natural options that work for certain applications. Coconut oil, for example. However, this should only be used externally. If combined internally with condoms, it can dissolve the latex and damage the condom.
Aloe vera is another natural alternative. With a little time and effort, you can even make pure aloe vera jelly yourself by peeling and squeezing the leaves of the plant. Be careful with purchased aloe vera gels. Fragrances or preservatives can irritate the mucous membrane.

And what about saliva? It is often used, but is actually not ideal. Saliva does not promote lubrication, or only for a very short time. Saliva does not make things glide any better, and it dries out faster than the body's natural lubricants.

No Gos:

Sex in the shower: A real waste of water. And if you turn the water off in between, the excitement somehow disappears.

Paper tissues: Cloth tissues, socks, underwear, whatever you want to use, as long as they are not disposable. The stains will come out when you wash them. I promise.

Dispose of condoms in the toilet: They don't belong there! Condoms are bad for the sewage system and terrible for marine life.

Cheap disposable plastic toys: These are often made of jelly rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which contain plasticizers. And yes, disposable is nonsense anyway.