Homo. Bi. Hetero. Now a new label for sexual preference that connects to the environment: eco-sexual. Image via gribanov.
The Middle East is rife with labels that divide. And now, just when we thought another couldn’t possibly be invented, those who are bringing the green movement into our bedrooms have a new tag for us to wear: eco-sexual.
With Earth Day quickly approaching (April 22, 2010), and the recent publication of the book Eco-Sex: Go green between the sheets and make your love life sustainable (March 2010) by Jewish author, Stefanie Iris Weiss, expect to hear more about how you can green your love life in weeks to come. (Stay tuned for a review in a future column.)
What exactly is eco-sexuality? The idea is simple. Every aspect of your personal life – from birth control to your bedding to the bling you wear – has an impact on the environment and your health and well-being.
Consider the pill. According to the Weiss, the author of Eco-sex, “The EPA has found that excreted or discarded birth control pills are ending up in our waterways, where they have a DNA-altering, gender bending effect on our fish and wildlife.”
But the problems go deeper than that. When you trifle with nature, and in this case, the reproductive health for humans as well as other species, long term health consequences are unforeseen and unavoidable.
A more environmentally friendly alternative for those who want to limit the number of children they have (something Weiss argues is in the planet’s best interest) is the IUD.
Surprised? We certainly were.
The concept of eco-sexuality is still in its infancy stage, which means we get to explore it like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Previous discussions fit under its lush canopy including our column on greening your pillows, and making sure your adult novelty items are eco-friendly.
Let’s get a little personal and consider the intimacy products you buy. According to Good Clean Love, 90% of the OTC personal lubricants include chemicals initially invented for the auto and oven-cleaning industries.
If something was made to grease your car’s engine, do you really want to use it to grease your own? And carcinogens like dioxin (commonly used to bleach personal hygiene products and diapers) have no business near your nether regions, if you ask us.
It’s important to keep in mind that the topic isn’t limited to your intimate lives. The food you eat, the dates you go on, the makeup you wear – all leave a mark on the planet directly or indirectly, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, as they say.
Even the pretty baubles some folks like to wear need an environmental makeover. The movie, Blood Diamonds, did a good job of showing just how tainted that industry is. A more environmentally appropriate and no less attractive alternative to your favorite bling: Estate or heirloom jewelry. Gives recycling a whole new glow.
Now that lovers are awakening to the idea that sustainability can be sexy, Earth Day and your personal lives to take on a fresh new hue, where green is the new red when it comes to love.
Are you an eco-sexual? Find out. Buy the book at Amazon:
Eco-Sex: Go Green Between the Sheets and Make Your Love Life Sustainable
Author: Tinamarie Bernard
Tinamarie combines her interests in two of her favorite topics – relationships and the environment – for Greenprophet.com. As our eco-sexpert, she explores ways to make our personal lives more sustainable, whether it’s between a couple, the sheets or our ears. While eco-sexuality is a new term and still unfamiliar to many, being conscious about what we use in moments of intimacy is connected to better stewardship of the planet. The idea that green is sexy and sex can be green is one she is thoroughly enjoying discovering. This married mom of two also believes we owe it to our children to teach them to love themselves, each other, and the environment for futures to come. Intimacy isn’t something we are born knowing. Neither is good stewardship of the earth. In her spare time, she muses about sacred sexuality, conscious love, intimacy, feminism and parenting as the top-rated Modern Love column for Examiner.com and several other media outlets. She composes poetry (mostly in her heart), mediates (when time allows), rides horses in the Galilee, and searches for delicious parve dessert recipes. She considers chocolate a righteous sin, and won’t give up a single pair of red shoes. You can find...
This is such an important point. And it doesn’t go away with the need for birth control. I’m on HRT and feeling really uncomfortable with the idea that this stuff is going into the water supply.
Excellent question, and one best answered by your partner! 🙂
I think I am an eco sexual. Does that make me sexy?