Keeping it Green in the Bedroom

You’ve filled up both recycle bins, you’ve replaced all your incandescent bulbs with energy-saving fluorescents, your car is hybrid, and the last time you took a hot shower was 2004. You’ve been looking for ways to go even greener, but are at a loss. We have your solution: The last green frontier is the bedroom.

There are many earth-friendly ways to make the beast with two backs, and we’re not even suggesting harnessing the power of your lovemaking to generate electricity for your toaster, but just some simple ways to save money, power and space in the landfill.

According to the Durex Global sex survey, 43 percent of us use sex toys – manual, automatic and everything in between. Some of these toys can contain chemicals called phthalates, which are used to soften hard plastic. And when these toys are used as they’re supposed to, they can release toxins and potentially cause long-term health issues. Because of these concerns, folks on the green side of the bedroom have been moving toward toys made from glass, metal, silicone and hard plastics. It ain’t easy being green, and comfort might be a necessary sacrifice if you want to go that extra mile for Mother Earth.

But if your toy buzzes and swirls with the aid of a AA Energizer bunny, then rechargeable vibrators are the way to go. Some suggestions include the Aphrodite Wand and Acuvibe Softtouch massager, which can be found on Amazon, along with hundreds of reviews of these products. And then there is funfactory.de, based in Germany, which is seemingly the online Wal-Mart of sex toys. Award-winning products are listed on its website, and there is an entire rechargeable section, plus all the products are German made so they’ll hopefully last longer than that North Korean assembled Jack Rabbit collecting dust in your bedside nightstand.
When your lovemaking involves two people but is made just for the fun of it, a condom might be the only thing that separates you and a future filled with dirty diapers and burp cloths. So make sure your love sheath works as advertised. Latex is the material of choice for most and is naturally derived from rubber trees. If you’re of the vegan persuasion, however, a normal condom might not do the trick, as there is a milk enzyme that’s added to the latex. Instead, check out Glyde condoms, the only vegan condom available.

Next stop on the green train are those sheets that you’re rolling around in with your spousal equivalent. The cutting-edge fiber these days is bamboo. It is nothing like the razor sharp reeds taking over your backyard, but instead is silky soft with natural antimicrobial qualities and moisture-wicking properties for when things get sweaty between the sheets. The experts say it’s one of the softest fibers in the world, softer than cotton with a drape like silk. Plus, it’s more mainstream than you might think; you can pick up a set from Bed Bath and Beyond these days. Bamboo isn’t just for the bed sheets either; it is making its way into your pants, literally. Bamboo skivvies and clothes are becoming popular, as well.

So whether you’re having a one-person party or entertaining that lovely lady in your love shack, there are many ways to make sure Mother Earth is protected while you get your rocks off.

~ Todd Trimakas