Theoretically, condoms are great for the environment. The fewer humans taking up planet space, the less emissions!
However, as perhaps the only essential single-use waste item that you should never re-use or recycle, there is a direct environmental impact: from the production of raw materials, manufacturing and distribution to the rubber production associated with tropical deforestation.
Even though latex is a natural material, made from the sap of rubber trees, it’s incredibly slow to decompose. So most condoms end up in landfill. Non-latex condoms are even worse — polyurethane is plastic and therefore non-biodegradable.
The most environmentally friendly condoms are made of lambskin. But these only protect against pregnancy, not STDs. And being made of membrane from sheep’s intestines, they’re not for vegetarians, let alone vegans.
But some brands are greener than others.
The latex in Sustain Natural condoms comes from a Fairtrade rubber plantation in Southern India. The factory is solar-powered, and the condoms are free from nitrosamines – possible carcinogens found in many popular brands. Sustain has removed casein, a milk protein commonly found in traditional latex condoms, making them suitable for vegans.
GLYDE condoms are made from natural rubber latex and thistle extract, which is also paraben- and glycerin-free. They are certified by the Vegan Society.
Einhorn is a fun, eco-friendly German condom brand. Decorated with unicorns and packaging not dissimilar to a packet of sweets or crisps, clearly they have sex on the brain! Watch the brand’s amusing video.
HANX is a brand dedicated to creating a range of sexual health products that are gynaecologist-approved, and are designed to sit unashamedly in our bags and on our bedside tables. If you like your condoms the same as your sexual partners – smooth, clean scented, vegan, with great contours, and er… lubricated with a 52mm nominal width – look no further!
Fair Squared makes condoms from fairly traded natural rubber, and they are certified by the Vegan Society. It also participates in sex education at schools.
Realistically the least we can all do is buy fair trade and vegan condoms, and buy in bulk to minimise packaging.
further reading…
Theoretically, condoms are great for the environment. The fewer humans taking up planet space, the less emissions!
However, as perhaps the only essential single-use waste item that you should never re-use or recycle, there is a direct environmental impact: from the production of raw materials, manufacturing and distribution to the rubber production associated with tropical deforestation.
Even though latex is a natural material, made from the sap of rubber trees, it’s incredibly slow to decompose. So most condoms end up in landfill. Non-latex condoms are even worse — polyurethane is plastic and therefore non-biodegradable.
The most environmentally friendly condoms are made of lambskin. But these only protect against pregnancy, not STDs. And being made of membrane from sheep’s intestines, they’re not for vegetarians, let alone vegans.
But some brands are greener than others.
The latex in Sustain Natural condoms comes from a Fairtrade rubber plantation in Southern India. The factory is solar-powered, and the condoms are free from nitrosamines – possible carcinogens found in many popular brands. Sustain has removed casein, a milk protein commonly found in traditional latex condoms, making them suitable for vegans.
GLYDE condoms are made from natural rubber latex and thistle extract, which is also paraben- and glycerin-free. They are certified by the Vegan Society.
Einhorn is a fun, eco-friendly German condom brand. Decorated with unicorns and packaging not dissimilar to a packet of sweets or crisps, clearly they have sex on the brain! Watch the brand’s amusing video.
HANX is a brand dedicated to creating a range of sexual health products that are gynaecologist-approved, and are designed to sit unashamedly in our bags and on our bedside tables. If you like your condoms the same as your sexual partners – smooth, clean scented, vegan, with great contours, and er… lubricated with a 52mm nominal width – look no further!
Fair Squared makes condoms from fairly traded natural rubber, and they are certified by the Vegan Society. It also participates in sex education at schools.
Realistically the least we can all do is buy fair trade and vegan condoms, and buy in bulk to minimise packaging.