At a time when we are facing monumental challenges to clean up the environment and reduce our individual carbon footprint, every aspect of ones life is fertile ground for review and revision – including our family planning and intimate health regime. When making bold and sweeping changes by purchasing the expensive hybrid vehicle or getting off the grid by installing solar panels on the roof, it is easy to overlook the less obvious and familiar aspects of personal care choices. However, it is these small changes that often make the biggest impact on health and environment. 

Here are some simple, cost-effective and pleasurable ways to manage and preserve your fertility while preserving the planet.

• Green your period – Over 12 billion tampons and 13 billion sanitary pads are used
   annually. The average woman’s contribution to that number is a stunning 11,000 tampons
   that she will personally purchase over her lifetime! If every woman chooses a natural
   alternative like Natracare 100% organic and chemical-free cotton tampons and pads
   instead of conventional brands that are made of chemical-laden materials, together we
   could prevent 6.7 million pounds of pesticides from polluting our rivers, lakes and streams.

• Vegan love – Glyde vegan condoms are produced from natural latex rubber tapped from
   trees and natural thistle extract as opposed to other mainstream brands that use animal-
   derived casein. Glyde is the first animal-friendly cruelty-free condom boasting the Vegan
   Society’s seal of approval and their manufacturing process is certified Fair Trade.

• Go natural – For decades millions of women have used a natural approach to birth control
   that is not just healthier (side-effect free) for ones body, it is healthier for our ecosystem
   too. Numerous studies show that synthetic hormones from birth control pills and other
   forms of hormone-based contraception are not only risky for women in terms of possible
   dangerous side-effects, but also devastating to the fish population. Millions of women are
   excreting hormones from birth control pills, and these hormones are leaching into our fresh
   water supply and devastating fish populations. Chronic exposure to synthetic estrogen
   results in the “feminizing” of male fish and diminished reproductive maturation of female
   fish. Lady-Comp  fertility tracking technology has transformed the traditional Natural Family
   Planning method making it an easy, reliable and sustainable alternative to taking the pill.
   The average lifespan of Lady-Comp ranges between 8-10 years and unlike other fertility
   monitors, it doesn’t involve purchasing any refills or producing ongoing waste. 

• Just say YES – Yes personal lubricants are 100% organic and natural, completely free of  
   parabens, petrochemicals, dyes, perfumes, flavors and other potentially toxic agents found
   in many common brands.

• Stretch your legs – We’re all aware of the countless environmental and personal health  
   benefits of opting for a stroll instead of the steering wheel but it always bears repeating.
   Regular moderate exercise increases energy, boosts fertility, increases libido and will keep
   you in tip-top shape to enjoy play dates with your lover.

• Clean up your act – A recent consumer product safety study conducted by the Ecology
   Center identified over 900 toxic chemicals in a variety of household products we take for
   granted. From conventional cleaning agents, to cosmetics, to the numerous consumer
   products we use every day we are overexposed to dangerous chemicals, many of which
   have been linked to reduced fertility, reproductive problems, adrenal compromise and
   cancer.