Spring is here! With all the trees budding, flowers blooming and bees buzzing, our thoughts naturally turn to the environment around us. In Fantasy Gifts' over 30 years of business, we have seem many trends in sex toys come and go. The green trend, however, looks like it's here to stay and we for one couldn't be happier!
Nothing is so personal as what you put in or on your body. When sex toys first became mass-produced for popular consumption in the 1970's, they were primarily made out of hard ABS plastic. This material is still readily available. As sex toys evolved, so did consumer demand. Customers started requested softer, more life-like materials. The soft, pliable "jelly" type became a popular material for many vibrators, dildos and love dolls. Made of some form of plastic, PVC plastics suppliers began to incorporate one or more members of a family of compounds calls phthalates.
Phthalates are everywhere. They are used in perfumes, hair sprays, plastic raincoats, carpet backing, paints, medical devices and many other items. They are responsible for that "new car smell," which goes to show you how much plastic is in your car. So if phthalates are so prevalent, how dangerous can they really be?
A 2004 study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed urine studies from 2,450 people ages six and older. It found phthalate metabolites (left over phthalates) in over 75% of the subjects. While we know phthalates are toxic in animals, it is not yet known how adversely phthalates affect humans. It is believed that there may be a connection between phthalates and the human hormonal system. Testing has shown that it many diminish fertility and negatively affect the liver and kidneys. With so many green sex toy options on the market, why take any chances?
 |
Silicone is another great alternative for those consumers looking for a green sex toy. Medical grade silicone is a chemically inert substance. This means there are no toxic ingredients that can be gassed or leached from the substance. Silicone is not toxic to aquatic plants or animals and does not have a negative effect on soil organisms. Although it is not biodegradable, it can be recycled. One of our top choices for a silicone product is the We Vibe 4. Made of medical grade silicone, it is fully rechargeable, takes no batteries, and can be used during intercourse.
Just because a sex toy is made of a jelly-type plastic, does not mean that it contains phthalates. More and more sex toy manufacturers are recognizing the potential health-hazards associated with phthalates and are voluntarily using other materials. This is impressive because sex toys are not regulated by any governmental agency. They are not required to limit any materials in their product, however, recognizing consumer's concerns, they are self-regulating. The majority of Doc Johnson's products are made of sil-a-gel, which is anti-bacterial, non-toxic, latex, cadmium and phthalate free.
Of course, there are always a few products containing phthalates on the market. They are usually inexpensive and give off a clear odor (think new car smell again). If you ever have any questions as to whether your products contain phthalates, you can always ask a clerk at Fantasy Gifts.
Finally, be just as green with the lubricants and toy cleaners you use too! System JO has a great line of organic lubricants and toy cleaners. Certified organic by the USDA, the water based lubricant is made with aloe vera and acai, making it silky smooth and long lasting. System JO Organic Toy Cleaner is an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral cleaner that is alcohol free and free of petrochemicals such as parabens and glycerin. So Go Green this Earth Day and all year long!
PLEASE HELP US SHARE THIS ARTICLE
About the Author
0Awesome Comments!