Green Options » condoms

New Gel Prevents HIV Infection

Daniel Hohler — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:45:29 +0000

Scientists out of the University of Utah have created a new substance, heralded as a molecular condom, which blocks HIV from entering the vaginal tissue. HIV infection is a huge problem in Africa, and other impoverished areas, mostly because of a taboo or unavailability of condoms. The gel is meant to give woman a way to protect themselves from infection without any approval of their partner.

“This is important – particularly in resource-poor areas of the world like sub-Sahara Africa and south Asia where, in some age groups, as many as 60 percent of women already are infected with HIV. In these places, women often are not empowered to force their partners to wear a condom.” - Patrick Kiser, an associate professor of bioengineering at the University of Utah

5 Steps to a Greener Wiener (err…love life)

Joe Mohr — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:13:15 +0000

Our love lives can be physically, emotionally, and environmentally taxing. You’re on your own with the first two issues; I’m here to offer suggestions for the third…

Step One: Meet
You’ll save precious time if you know where to find an equally environmentally-conscious mate. Some suggestions–head to your local farmer’s market or Green Drinks chapter, you’ll likely find a same-age/same-beliefs lover there. Other suggestions include your local library, bookstore, or Whole Foods.

Step Two: Think
After a bit of courting thoughts may turn to the bedroom. Plan for this! Even if you leave your house thinking “there is no chance I am getting lucky tonight!” Plan for ‘it’ anyway. Bring protection! Children are wonderful, especially when two people who love one another bring one (or more) into the world. So unless this is your mate for life and you are both well prepared to love your child/children together forever–bring protection (more on this below).

Wondering why this is a green tip? Visit this site.

Everything You Wanted to Know about Green Sex… but were Afraid to Ask

Jeff McIntire-Strasburg — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:47:01 +0000

From lubricants to condoms to things that go “bzzzz,” Planet Green has the lowdown…

Safe Sex with Amazon Rainforest Condoms

Jennifer Lance — Tue, 13 May 2008 04:28:39 +0000

Last month, the Brazilian government began producing condoms using rubber from trees in the Amazon in an effort to preserve the world’s largest rainforest and cut dependence on imported contraceptives to fight AIDS. Brazil’s first government-run condom factory will produce 100 million condoms a year from latex harvested in the Chico Mendes Reserve, named after a conservationist and rubber tapper killed by ranchers.

Image: The Guardian

Natural Contraception, Brazilian-Style

Shirley Siluk Gregory — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:20:51 +0000

Brazil’s health ministry has announced a plan aimed at reducing its dependence on imported goods, fighting AIDS, providing contraception and … preserving the Amazon rainforest. The highlight of the plan? Natex, a condom to be made from latex from Brazil’s rubber trees.

Safe, Sustainable and Supportive Sex

Brady Swenson — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:10:37 +0000

Safe sex will soon be greener and more fair. The French Letter Condom Company, based in the UK, will open for business at the end of this month offering Fair Trade latex condoms. The latex used to make the condoms is sourced from rubber producers in India and Sri Lanka who have been working with FairDeal Trading, makers of fine Fair Trade sports equipment, for years.

FairDeal Trading is the only company in the world paying a Fair Trade premium for latex rubber. Shymala, a trade union leader at New Ambadi Rubber Estate in India, works with her co-workers to manage an education fund eastablished using the Fair Trade premium. The education fund makes it possible for New Ambadi employees to send their children to more expensive private schools that give the children a good chance to move up the socio-economic ladder. The Fair Trade premium has also allowed New Ambadi to maintain certification with the Forest Stewardship Council for sustainable production.

The French Letter (the name plays off an old British slang term for condoms) has found that 35 per cent of women buy condoms, and the company is convinced that both the feminine design and the ethical aspect of the condoms will appeal to women. Rebecca Taplin from The French Letter Condom Company says: "Our motto is ‘Fairplay’ - so we’re saying have fun, be ethical, be safe and do it with style."

Upon launch of the company at the end of the month you will find more information at www.frenchlettercondoms.co.uk.

via New Consumer