If you have ever wondered about how your sex life is impacting the planet, then vegan condoms could be the answer to having a more sustainable time in the bedroom
Most of us would assume sex is about as organic an activity as you can get. However, a lot of the contraceptives that we’re using aren’t – namely condoms. Most single-use contraceptives are made using non-biodegradable materials, meaning when we toss them away after their 5-minute intended usage, they don’t disappear.
Even more worrying, a lot of condoms are made using animal derivatives, meaning they’re not vegan either. Given that 15% of UK Gen Z are planning to go vegan in 2025, this poses a huge issue for those looking to practice safe sex alongside their new lifestyle.
But before any vegans or environmentalists gasp in horror, there is a solution. (And, no, it’s not resorting to the pull-out method.) The answer lies in the little-known vegan condom. But what exactly makes them vegan? And how are they a better option for the planet?
Safe sex advocate Susan Allen-Augustin, founder of the vegan condom brand XO! by Flo, explains how her condoms are made – and why they’re a better choice, even for non-vegans.
She explains, “Unlike many traditional condoms, ours are free from animal-derived ingredients like casein. Let’s keep that in the cheese, not in our condoms! And they contain no harmful chemicals or additives, making them a safer, cleaner choice.”
It turns out that most condoms use latex that is processed using casein – a milk derivative that helps make the latex smoother. However a downside of this is that casein can actually be incredibly irritating for many people’s skin, which can cause skin irritation, hives and swelling.
This means that even for meat-eaters, opting for a vegan condom can have the added benefit of a more comfortable experience. As Susan adds, since the vegan contraceptives are made from natural ingredients and don’t include known irritants like casein, they’re less likely to cause irritation.
Plus, as Susan points out, safe sex shouldn’t just be safe for the people directly involved, but for the planet, too. “Safe sex is sustainable sex, and that’s why we’ve created a product that’s aspirational, fun, and accessible to everyone,” she says.
It turns out that condoms pose a shocking but serious threat to our natural habitats. According to an estimate by the British Environment Agency, Brits discard between 61 to 100 million condoms per year, which typically end up polluting our rivers, seas and beaches
Susan explains how she helps combat this negative environmental impact by sourcing the main material for her condoms through the Regenerative Rubber Initiative, which consists of a small agroforesting collective who harvest rubber straight from the trees. Plus, they’re also made in solar-powered factories, which means there’s less fossil fuels involved in their production.
Purchase vegan, sustainable, ethically-made condoms online from XO! by Flo.
