Commanding Your Sexual Footprint
Photo by Markus Spiske
“Even if you eat organic, buy sustainable products, reduce, reuse, and recycle, on a daily basis, can you look at your sex life and say that that’s eco-friendly, too?”
- Amanda Chatel
Today, on Earth Day, while we are excited to give attention to our environmental footprints, we also wanted to share a concept from Al Vernacchio’s TEDx about being aware of our sexual footprint and what that means for the world.
Al Vernacchio explains in his talk:
“I want you to think about your sexual footprint as the path that’s created by the decisions we make and the actions we take regarding our sexual selves. And I don’t just mean sexual activity. I mean the way we think about gender and sexual orientation and relationships and love and pleasure and intimacy and sexual activity. All of that together.”
“...Thinking about sexual footprints is important because the path we create can lead to a world where sexuality is seen as a positive force. One that leads to a world that’s more open and loving and accepting. One where we feel good about our bodies as they are and we understand them. And a world where we make decisions about sexuality deliberately and thoughtfully…”
At My Sex Bio we believe that how we act and think about sex and sexuality is fundamental to creating a joyful, sustainable world. We invite you to consider this and celebrate Earth Day by taking command of your sexual and eco footprints individually, and where they intersect. Here are some ways you can get started.
Action Steps to Start Today
1. Know the path you’re making
Pulling from Al Vernacchio’s talk, think about the sexual footprint you would like to have - what does it look like in its best version? With that defined, you can think about the path that’s right for you to get there.
2. Condoms sans chemicals
One of the most important things you can do for your sexual safety is to use a condom, but what exactly are we putting in and on such sensitive parts of our bodies? Read up on what many condoms are made of and it might make you check out eco-brands like Sustain Natural, Lovability, and Glyde who are committed to making non-toxic condoms (and some are vegan and compostable)!
3. Nature-based lube
Like the condoms, keep an eye out for glycerin, paraben, and silicone free. Some people use around the house goods like aloe vera and coconut oil, but if you do make sure you know oil and condoms don’t mix! There’s also brands like Queen V making a raved about aloe-based lube with a great name, “P.S. I lube you.”
3. Ethical toys
Go USB rechargeable with glass, silicone, and/or leather free toys. With big sex toy retailers saying the future is eco and ethical, excuses are waning to find what you want. I mean, there’s a whole category of vegan sex toys on Etsy!
4. ISO: Organic undies
Like lubricants, underwear might contain unwanted components. Look for underwear made of organic cotton and with fair trade certifications.
5. Enjoy consciously
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? The saying doesn’t work as well when it comes to toys, lube, and contraceptives so we’ve come up with a different saying: Decide, Apply, Enjoy (consciously). Without going over all the various “needs” that this implies, here’s the overview:
Decide - choose the most ethical product(s) that fits your need(s)
Apply - use the product
Enjoy (consciously) - keeping your partner and the planet in mind
We hope this has provided you some extra food for thought today (and hopefully everyday)!
With love to you and our home, Earth,
—The My Sex Bio Team
P.S. If you haven't read it yet, everything we've talked about here directly ties into our topic from April 2019 around Sustainable Sex -read more here.
