Yes, zero waste affects all aspects of life! So we’re going to talk without filters, without taboos and a little muy caliente today…
Why all of a sudden do I want to talk about sexuality here? Well, I have a friend who came to see me quite embarrassed and who, after a few minutes of beating around the bush, asked me the question: “but what do you do after the act to… well you know… when that flows… well that’s what so as not to use disposable paper…for…to…wipe yourself…?”.
Well yes, what a good question in the end!
Well quite simply I replaced my paper towel/handkerchief with a washable fabric handkerchief which goes into the laundry bin directly afterwards. I have several planned for this purpose and it works perfectly.
So just to give a little context to my status, I have been in a relationship for almost 6 years with the same darling and my zero waste transition took place 3 years ago. So this story of changing habits on disposable paper we both experienced it together.
As a feminist, I find it very important that women free themselves from prejudices and taboos around their bodies and their sexuality and are not ashamed to ask questions on these subjects. We’re talking more and more about menstrual cups, everywhere and without taboos and I think that’s great! Besides, if you didn’t know, there is a site which lists all the “cup safe” places to wash your cup in the world and of which I am one of the ambassadors 😉
So, I realized that in addition to the cup and washable tissues, there are 2 other aspects of sexuality that can be zero waste and better for your health.
(Please note, these are just tips, I am not a gynecologist and what works for me may not work for others.).
CHANGE CONTRACEPTION:
After years of hormones, pills and other crappy contraceptives, I had a hormone-free copper IUD inserted 7 years ago. I kept it for 6 years (changed the module after 5 years) and I must say that it is a great means of contraception. It even works for nulliparas because there are versions in smaller sizes.
No risk of forgetting pills, no hassle, no waste, no hormones, no urine polluting groundwater… A very good alternative for your health and the environment.
Today I follow a more natural method, which is more suitable for people in a single-partner relationship: symptothermy . Compared to other so-called natural methods, it is the only contraception that is based on at least two criteria to determine the fertile and infertile phases: cervical mucus, position of the cervix, internal sensation + temperature. It’s been almost a year and I find that this method, in addition to being effective, has really reconnected me to my female body. But be careful, this requires precision and a little organization. You will find very good explanations here or here .
BUY ECOLOGICAL CONDOMS:
MEGA DISCLAIMER : zero waste in condoms, we don’t care!! Don’t go and say to yourself “I don’t want to produce waste so I don’t wear a condom when I should have one”. It’s really the waste that you really need to have nothing to do with! I’m not going to lecture you about AIDS, STDs…
On the other hand, we can choose better condoms, natural, healthy, fair and good for the planet.
Today, 4 billion condoms made from petroleum are produced per year. Condoms are made of plastic (polyurethane) or synthetic latex. Mostly manufactured in Thailand, preservatives, flavorings and other chemical stabilizers are added to them, which can cause irritation, allergies or fungal infections. Without forgetting that these condoms are therefore full of endocrine disruptors…