The adult toy industry is estimated to be worth £36.1 billion by 2027 and encompasses electronic products, clothing, lubricants and contraceptives within its remit. All of these products will have a carbon footprint and an impact on climate change. Clearly some more than others – 10 million latex condoms are reportedly manufactured each year and disposed of in landfill after a single use. Many water-based or organic lubricants cannot be used with most condoms because of the risks of breakages.
So there lies a problem. Being responsible and protecting ourselves (i.e. using proper methods of contraception) can be in direct conflict with protecting our planet. The environmental costs of contraception will need to be off-set but it is our choice as a consumer if and how we choose to do this. For example, pledging a meat-free day, walking instead of using the car, showering instead of using the bath can all act as carbon offsets in exchange for our extracurricular activity!
Many pleasure product manufacturers are now considering ethical design – rechargeable toys and ethically made lingerie now feature in the majority of online and bricks and mortar retail outlets. Manufacturing poorly designed and poorly made novelty products is not justified. Not only does this damage the reputation of our industry but these products are manufactured waste products that shamefully clog up the planet.
We touched on the latest ISO 3533 safety standards for sex toys in our last article. Although voluntary, these standards will help set a quality bar within the industry.
At Sated Design, we can do our bit by ensuring that every product we design has a purpose and is designed with quality and longevity in mind. We invite our clients to think about the bigger picture too through their innovation.
It isn’t always possible to do the best thing for our planet in order to protect our own selves, however by being design savvy and off setting with ethical consideration we will go a way towards reducing our carbon footprint.
If you have an idea for a new adult toy or wish to review a current one we’d be happy to discuss this with you. Contact us today.
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