The most common and simple method of protection during all types of sexual activity is the use of a condom, which comes in two varieties: the internal condom (for penetrating body openings) and the more familiar external condom (for penetrating body parts ). Despite the existence of other contraceptive methods, condoms remain the only birth control method that also helps reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STDs). Although latex condoms are the most common type purchased (Orrell, 2021), alternative materials are also available for allergy and sustainability reasons. Society places great importance on the use of condoms, which, when used correctly, have very high rates of effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and STD transmission (Birnbach et al., 2019). Condoms of all kinds are accessible and affordable, but there are still many criticisms of their use. The most common criticism of condoms is that they are uncomfortable to use and that they dull the sensations of sexual activity. However, there are many different condom materials and lubricants that can help with these complaints, which may involve some trial and error as you experiment with what works best for you. In addition, some people with eco-friendliness in mind also know that condoms contribute to filling up the landfill. More and more products in the world are becoming sustainable and the movement towards sustainable sex products is also on the rise.
The environmental footprint of a condom
The entire process of many condom brands, from the manufacturing process to disposal, has caused and continues to cause negative environmental impacts around the world. Birnbach et al. (2019) suggest that the biggest contributors are condom manufacturing, which includes, among others, the use of packaging materials and energy. Most condoms are made from non-biodegradable synthetic rubbers (eg polyisoprene) and the processes involved have been claimed to significantly harm the environment (Campbell, 2019). Because most condoms are made of synthetic latex and include additives and chemicals, they cannot be recycled and end up in landfills (Orrell, 2021). Campbell (2019) explains in her blog that these materials take years to break down and create negative effects on the environment. In addition, rubber plantations can present risks to the surrounding area and some include deforestation and loss of biodiversity, loss of soil productivity, and poor water quality and quantity (Birnbach et al., 2019). Adding to environmental concerns is the fact that most condoms are made with casein, an animal byproduct made from goat or cow’s milk. As such, they are not vegan nor guaranteed to be cruelty-free (Campbell, 2019).
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are now options to help people “stay clean while being green” and help reduce the environmental footprint associated with condoms. There are many different ways sex can be made environmentally friendly, such as organic lubricants, hand-held vibrators, and most notably, organic condoms (Kingsbury, 2009). Sustainable solutions, such as zero-waste birth control methods and vegan condoms, have been slowly growing in popularity in recent years.
Alternative options
To many people’s surprise, vegan condoms have been shown to be just as effective for STD transmission and pregnancy as non-vegan condoms (Moore, 2022), although effectiveness rates, like non-vegan condoms, depend on the use of product from the individual. According to Abby Moore’s (2022) medically reviewed blog on vegan condoms, many condom brands claim to be vegan but are no better for the environment than non-vegan condoms. This is because the main ingredient is still latex and it ends up in landfills. Fortunately, this situation has sparked the interest of many in creating a vegan and eco-friendly alternative that is just as effective as traditional condoms. In an interesting New York Times article, there is an eco-friendly, non-toxic and vegan condom created by father and daughter team Jeffrey and Meika Hollender (Gelles, 2017). The company that sells this product is called Sustain Natural, and is a great example of a product marketed as a replacement for environmentally harmful condom brands. Gelles (2017) notes in her article that all products sold by this company are environmentally friendly, down to the manufacturing that takes place in South India in a Fair-Trade rubber plantation factory that is entirely solar powered. Condoms made by Sustain Natural are nitrosamine-free (a carcinogenic ingredient found in many other condom brands) and do not use casein, making them vegan (Gelles, 2017). There are also many other eco-friendly condoms, such as GLYDE, which offers plant-based latex that is free of casein and harsh chemicals and is manufactured in an environmentally friendly way (Moore, 2022).
Vegan and eco-friendly condoms vs other brands
When people hear about vegan, natural and organic condoms, they are often hesitant about their effectiveness. This makes sense as many people trust the most popular products in stores as they recognize the brands and find it potentially intimidating to try a lesser known brand. Moore (2022) explains in her blog that the effectiveness rates for STD protection and pregnancy prevention of both vegan and non-vegan condoms are the same, and both depend on how the products are used. There are some factors that people may question whether it’s worth switching, such as accessibility and price. Many stores carry this greener type of condom, and if not, there are tons of sites online that have tons of options. In terms of price, the high production and labor costs of making these products in a more environmentally friendly way results in the products being slightly more expensive than brands that don’t.
Food for thought
Overall, condoms are important to use for many reasons and are good at what they do in terms of increased protection against STDs and pregnancy. With the rise of global environmental concerns, many companies have begun to adapt and create more environmentally friendly products that deliver the same efficiency rates as disposable products. There are many greener alternatives that do not use potentially harmful ingredients used in many traditionally produced condoms. This is important to point out, as a simple change like this can positively impact the environment while making sex safer.
Erin Hislop (her) Queen’s University, Sociology BAH (Min. Psychology), Class of 2024
bibliographical references
Birnbach, M., Lehmann, A., Naranjo, E., & Finkbeiner, M. (2020). Condom footprint – life cycle assessment of a natural rubber condom. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 25(6), 964–979. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-019-01701-y
Campbell, M. (2019, August 8). Eco-friendly sex life: Are condoms good for the environment? A Only Physical Energy. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.onlynaturalenergy.com/eco-friendly-sex-life-are-condoms-good-for-the-environment/
Gelles, D. (2017, February 17). Eco-friendly, non-toxic and vegan: It is prophylactic. The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/17/business/condoms-nontoxic-vegan-.html
Kingsbury, K. (2009). Sex and the Eco-City. Time (Chicago, Ill.), 174(16), 51–.
Moore, A. (2022, January 14). Yes, condoms can be vegan – here’s what that means + 9 brands to try. mindbodygreen. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/vegan-and-organic-condoms
Orrell, H. (2021, October 26). Ecological sex: What is it and how does it affect climate change? BBC News. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from
