Sex and anything related to sexual health has always been considered taboo in Indian households. Although sex-related topics aren’t talked about and are socially frowned upon, India ranks 3rd globally in total cases of HIV with about 21 lakh cases. Besides this, about 23lakh unwanted pregnancies were projected due to the nationwide lockdown in 2020. When talking about a sustainable lifestyle, anything related to sex is not discussed much. However, these women-led start-ups have redefined the norms of sexual wellness by launching products for safe sex.
While it is one of the largest manufacturers of condoms due to its sheer population, India reports a low usage of condoms at only 5.6% (National Family Health Survey 4). Condoms are by nature single-up, condoms made up of non-biodegradable materials end up becoming a menace to landfills and oceans. All the more reason for the need for eco-friendly alternatives.
Bleü, India’s first began condom brand launched by Komal Baldwa, uses latex that can be recycled from pesticide-free forests and comes in fully biodegradable packaging.
A female-led start-up named Salad created by Delhi-resident Aruna Chawla has successfully manufactured vegan condoms made out of sustainable rubber and sourced from fair trade rainforests in Kerela. Salad’s packaging is also both recyclable and degradable. It also uses peppy and colourful designs instead of the typical pornographic illustrations associated with condom advertising. The company also does not even use fragrances and other irritating ingredients which can often lead to yeast infections.
Sexual lubricants free from phthalates and infused with plant-based elements like aloe vera, flaxseed, and lemon extracts are produced by That Sassy Thing founded by Sachee Malhotra. As they are just starting, their bottle packaging is not 100% sustainable so to do their bit, they partner up with an NGO that employs women waste pickers and have since launched a recycling program by the name Green Qween, and as they scale up, their priority is switching to sustainable PCR packaging.
Many of the products used during sex, such as lubricants, condoms, and polyester costumes, generate waste and degrade the planet’s condition, especially when and thinking about the entire life cycle degrades,women-led start-up,s are do about art in fighting the global scale crisis and all the while empowering women and creating awareness amongst the general public.