The best thing we can do for the environment is to use a condom and practice safe sex. The worst thing we can do is to not dispose of it properly. It is conclusive that the condom is helping to prevent the dire consequence of over population but is it as significant a contributor to pollution?
But first the question – Are all condoms biodegradable?
Most condoms are made of latex, which means that they are made from rubber and they will biodegrade. The bad news however is that latex has a tendency not to degrade when it is under water. Also, the stabilizers, preservatives and vulcanizing (hardening) agents may affect the biodegradability of the condom. These days’ biodegradable latex condoms are available with some retailers but that it is still a rarity.
More popular than the latex condoms are the polyurethane condoms. The polyurethane condoms on the other hand are plastic and will not degrade. Most female condoms are made up of polyurethane. Condoms are also packaged products and the package / wrapping is usually polythene which does not biodegrade.
Then what is the best way to dispose of a condom?
The best way of disposal is to wrap the used condom in a tissue paper or toilet paper and throw in the garbage bin. Flushing it down the toilet is a strict no-no. It will not only clog the sewage lines but also clutter the environment. Improper disposal of used condoms has been an oft litter problem for long.
The environmental impact of condom-waste
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has expressed repeated concern over the dangers posed by the slipshod disposal of condoms. According to the watchdog agency, animals frequently mistake condoms for food and ingest it.
In 2006, Ocean Conservancy beach cleaner-uppers picked up 30,252 condoms. Their efforts will never be enough. Around the world condoms are one of the components of sea trash, affecting coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Their mass consumption also contributes to urban litter problems. Ultimately, because of its un-biodegradability condoms end up in land fills.
The contributory benefits of condoms are thought to offset its environmental impact. The condom conundrum thus remains to be solved. We have to promote its use, we cannot reuse it and there is no recycling available yet. Till that time let’s try to find some more ways to make our love turn ‘green’.
Image:Flickr.com
