Eco-Conscious Sex Toys & Products: It’s Sexy Being Green!

Just as you might look for organic or sustainable choices at the grocery store and think about carbon footprint when you travel, enjoying sex toys and body-focused products might make you think about the earth and how to be kind to it. We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this too! We were the very first sex toy store to remove products with phthalates from our shelves. While it isn’t always easy or intuitive to know what’s the most eco-friendly choice, we can definitely point out things to look for.

First—how long does an item last? Will it be headed to the landfill soon or is this an heirloom to cherish? In general, dildos and other toys that don’t contain a motor will last longer than ones that vibrate. Metal, glass, and wooden toys don’t break down the way some plastics do; silicone is a much more stable material than many other flexible or soft ones. (But don’t forget that if an insertion-friendly vibe stops buzzing, it doesn’t have to go into the trash—it’s still going to be a great dildo!)

Other factors to consider:
Body-safe - Sex toys are made from many different materials, with varying amounts of information available about them, and many have not been tested for safety during sexual use. We always choose better-quality items, and we give special attention to those materials, like silicone, metal, and glass, that we know to be safer.
Made without animal products - You might be surprised at how many items contain animal products. We know some of you are vegans and we’ll tell you if an item like lubricant or faux leather is safe for you.
Rechargeable - Toys that can be recharged reduce the number of batteries that end up in landfill. Many are also longer-lasting, an eco-conscious plus since they won’t need to be replaced as often. We also encourage you to use rechargeable batteries if your favorite vibrator is battery-operated.
Natural ingredients – Some body-care products and lubricants are made from natural ingredients. Less processing and fewer artificial materials means more eco-consciousness.
Recyclable packaging/materials - When product packaging and/or materials can be recycled, you can reduce the impact of your purchase on the environment. Though most toy companies aren’t using easily-recyclable materials yet, some do make it easier to separate and replace components, and one is making vibrators out of industrially-recyclable plastic made of cornstarch.
Made in the USA (aka Think Global, Shop & Play Local!) - Many sex toys and products are produced overseas. Choosing one that's manufactured and assembled in the United States reduces shipping and has a lower carbon footprint.

You can celebrate Earth Day every day by making eco-conscious choices when you shop and travel. When we buy any kind of product, we are having some kind of impact on the earth. We can practice harm reduction in our shopping choices just as we can in our sexual decision-making by selecting better-quality and greener items whenever they are available. When we do, manufacturers get the message that Good Vibrations and our customers care not only about quality, health and pleasure, but also about the planet.