Eco-consciousness and creative thinking have apparently resulted in the first ever vibrating wooden sex toy. While the first two words that come to mind after the mention of “wood” and “sex toy” in the same sentence may be “ouch” and “splinter,” these new sex toys have been developed using a unique hybrid material of wood and urethane that aside from being phalate free is also hypo-allergenic, nonporous, waterproof and, of course, splinter free.
These toys, sold under the brand name Treeze, are manufactured in the USA and also revolutionary in the industry because the modular vibrating system used allows you to simply replace the vibrating motor, not the whole toy.
The importance of sex toy being non-porous is that any semi-porous materials can too easily serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and thus become a nidus for bacterial infections. Certain chemicals, however, pose an even greater concern in regards to sex toy manufacturing. Exposure to phalates, chemicals used to soften plastics, have been linked to both hormone dysregulation and cancer. Thankfully legislation banning the use of phalates has already been instituted in the EU and California for use in children’s toys but recently phalates were also found in 7 out of 8 sex toys tested, in concentrations as high as 51%, according to a new report released by Greenpeace last year.
According to Nicole McIrvin, CEO of AdultSexToys.com, large online retailers welcome the change. “We are glad to see manufacturers who are now offering more environmentally friendly options and have plans to create an educational outlet on our retail side for consumers to learn more about environmentally friendly sex toys. The more consumers are aware of the risks and choices available the more toys made of materials now considered healthier for consumers both personally and environmentally will become available as sales rise and other manufacturers follow companies like Don Wands (producer of Treeze), Tantus, Vixen Creations and the growing list of others. Aside from materials used for the Treeze products, we really liked offering something with a replaceable motor.”
“The Treeze products have been great and they show well. Most of them are covered in an intricate and colorful design. Like many of the eco-friendly glass toys they look like both a vibrator and a work of art” according to Rebecca Young, who conducts eco-friendly sex toy parties for out of her home to help educate women about their options when it comes going “green” with sex toys..
While many might argue that few dildos will every reach artistic status, if there is a market for a wooden vibrator then we believe the industry is changing. Maybe Kermit was wrong and its actually easy to be green.