There appears to be no limit to which facets of life are infiltrated by the ecological mindset. Consumers are in a market that targets this mindset by “greenwashing” products. “Greenwashing” is branding an unsustainable product in a fashion that boasts an earth-friendly image. Think images of landscapes on laundry detergent, forests on drawing pads, or perhaps on a larger scale, British Petroleum’s adoption of a green and yellow sunflower logo in 2000. Consumers are slowly questioning their products with a keen eye and mind. Greenwashing, however, has been drawn to new levels outside of general advertisement: think of an entire industry being greenwashed.

Sex is typically viewed as a low carbon dioxide emitting activity. In lieu of some heavy breathing, which equates to about the same carbon dioxide output of an average American scaling a couple flights of stairs, sex doesn’t appear to be an industry that requires reinvention to be sustainable. Nonetheless, every market seems to have potential for a sustainable-revamp.

This revamping has taken numerous forms for the sex industry. From natural lubricants and vegan condoms to solar-powered vibrators and hemp rope for bondage play. While some of these items may seem extraneous, the ideas that support the green sex movement are the same ideas of improved human and environmental health that founded the encompassing green movement.

Common sex toys are known to contain potentially toxic chemicals known as phthalates. These chemicals are used to soften plastics such as PVC for bedroom use. Because phthalates are not chemically bound to PVC, they can break apart from one another with use. Other toys may contain blends of silicone that can degrade under a similar process. While it is unlikely that any of the degradation would be harmful enough to cause adverse health effects, studies of high concentrations of phthalates presented to animals has shown potential for negative side effects.

In response, the European Union has banned many phthalates from children’s toys. Many sex toys are sold for “novelty purposes only,” which allows companies to bypass many regulations and continue to manufacture and distribute their products. Even though there are methods of softening plastics without the use phthalates, manufacturers maintain their current production methods because the alternative is more costly.

While much of the industry is avoiding health-related concerns, non-toxic products have been continuously available for the conscious consumer. With regard to sex toys, the industry is being driven by consumer-oriented advertisements from green organizations. These organizations encourage buyers to seek alternatives and purchase toys made from glass or materials that have not undergone the softening process by use of phthalates.

Is there even a market for sustainable products in the sex industry? The carbon footprint reduction achieved when replacing a battery-powered vibrator with one powered by the sun is trivial compared to choices in transportation or heating a home. Even with companies such as Dreamscapes, which sponsors a sex toy-recycling program, there is little opportunity for the business of business to be business-worthy. There exists, more likely, a market for items that are naturally replaced in the course of sex-related activity, such as lubricants or condoms.

Natural and organic lubricants are promoted by eco-groups while simultaneously advising consumers to avoid petroleum-based products and those containing parabens, glycerin, hormones or silicon. Conventional lubricants contain toxins that have been associated with proliferation of cancerous cells. Condoms are offered free of animal-derivatives for vegan lovers. The availability of natural lubricants feels like a more legitimate attempt at propagating the idea of healthy societies and environments in the sex market. The greening of the condom, on the other hand, seems excessive when the product already helps prevent reproduction – a felony in the world of eco-crimes.

The revamping of the sex industry is just one example of “green” spinning out of control. While some choices may be useful in preventing harmful side effects, the idea that ecologically sound sex paraphernalia mitigates burning oil to power a daily routine is senseless. Even if change were required in every aspect of one’s lifestyle, a market that exploits a trend should be approached with caution. As with many other aspects of sex, it boils down to a personal choice: Is the hemp rope really necessary or will your old rope do the trick?

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