THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

There is currently no way to recycle or compost latex or polyurethane condoms. All condoms are intended for one-time use, and any condoms ( even unused, unopened ones ) or sex toys you toss into your normal recycling bin will be sorted into the trash at your local recycling plant. Conventional latex and polyurethane condoms are only semi-biodegradable and non-biodegradable, respectively. However, there are lots of sustainable sex materials on the market that you can buy!

Glyde condoms are vegan, come in assorted flavors, feel thinner than most conventional condoms, and are actually recommended by PETA. Eco-friendly companies like Lelo ( www.lelo.com ) and CoCo de Mer ( www.coco-de-mer.com ) make their toys exclusively out of sustainable and/or recyclable materials like glass, metal, hard plastics, and elastomers. There are lots of green and affordable vibrators that run on rechargeable batteries and/or solar panels — take the Acuvibe ( www.acuvibe.com ) and the Sola ( www.shop.libida.com ) for example. Earth Erotics ( www.eartherotics.com ) makes whips out of recycled inner tubes for eco-friendly S&M play, as well as non-toxic, non-PVC dildos, butt plugs, and cock rings.

One very easy way to incorporate sex into your overall eco-friendly lifestyle is to purchase an organic, non-petroleum lubricant. There are organic lubes sold at competitive prices, including Sliquid Organics lubricants ( www.sliquidorganics.com ) , which contain restorative natural ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and green tea; as well as Firefly Organics lubricants ( www.organiclubricant.com ) , which contain no glycerin, parabens, or petroleum.

While you shouldn't toss your existing sex toys into your recycling bin, there is a service called Sex Toy Recycling that you can use instead. They sanitize and disassemble used and/or broken sex toys and form them into brand new ones for purchase. In fact, for each sex toy you send in, you receive a $5 coupon towards your next purchase from Sex Toy Recyling's recycled toy line ( www.sextoyrecycling.com ) .

Be well,

Peter Pointers

Peter Pointers is an online, gay health educator and is assisted by a group of qualified health specialists who work as a team to answer your health questions. Check out Peter's Question/Answer forum at www.lifelube.org/experts.php for more pointers and to ask your own questions.