Marital Aid Test Kitchen: “Greening” Our Sex Lives

In honor of Earth Day (and general good lovin' all year round) I sampled some of Babeland's certified vegan, eco-friendly sex aids. They certainly do get the job done, and how!

First up is the Birds 'N Bees condom by the Swedish Association for Sexual Enlightenment — a sexual health organization known as RFSU for short. Despite the big name this condom comes in a tiny package which opens to reveal a pale green, lightly studded condom. The pink, be-flowered and bumblebeed packaging makes this little guy feel more special than your run-of-the-mill Trojan, but my ever-willing partner did say it was a bit more difficult to open than the traditional square packet.

Nevertheless, once unfurled it makes for a quite dapper-looking member. The Birds 'N Bees condom comes lightly pre-lubed, and is extra sheer for the most delightfully natural sensations. And despite its ultrafine nature this condom held up to some hearty thrusting and kept everything where it should be and out of where it shouldn't. I didn't notice the studs and ribs too much, but during our test run it nearly felt as if the condom weren't even there — so good! This certified vegan condom gets my seal of approval.

The second green product on my Earth Day agenda is Babelube Natural, made by Babeland. It's a gel made of almost all organic ingredients including aloe, hibiscus, flax and green tea. This lube is also vegan, is cruelty-free, paraben and glycerin free, and has no artificial sweeteners or sugar. Despite having all that goodness squeezed in, the lube is clear, odorless and tasteless. It's super slicky, not gloppy or runny, and lasts through tight squeezes and lively pumping.

These products make going vegan in the bedroom easy and satisfying, and no more expensive than comparable non-vegan options (condoms are $1.15 each, and a 4 oz. lube runs $12). Also, if you purchase any products from Babeland's special Green selections, they'll donate 10% to Grist, an environmental news and commentary magazine. Who knew being green could feel so sexy?

· Buy the Birds 'N Bees condom and BabeLube Natural (babeland.com)