Is Plastic Killing Your Sex Drive?

imagesWarnings about the danger of phthalates in plastics are once again in the news by way of a study recently presented by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

This time researchers have found a link between soft plastics such as those found in raincoats, rubber duckies, shower curtains and air mattresses* (PVC) and a reduced sex drive in women.

The primary reason for this is due to phthalates, which are already known to be endocrine disruptors that reduce testosterone levels in men, women and children and are associated with overall reproductive toxicity. However, the findings that women’s libidos can also be affected was revealed in a study by University of Rochester School of Medicine.

The findings noted each of the 360 women who participated in the study showed traces of phthalates in their urine. Those with the highest levels of phthalates were found to be two and a half times as likely to have lower libidos compared to those with the least. “They are throughout our environment and every single person studied showed measurable levels of these chemicals. So even at the levels found in the environment every day we are seeing an association with interest in sex,” said lead author, Dr. Emily Barrett, about the study’s findings.

If testosterone levels, declining sperm quality and feminization of males, early puberty in girls and an increased risk of diabetes weren’t enough to make all of us rethink what kind of plastics we use and bring into our homes, this new information will hopefully sway people to start rejecting these dangerous products by avoiding PVC and plastics marked with recycling label #3.

*Read our article about PVC-free air mattresses

Simple and Sustainable

4001org_03.jpgMy favorite onesie of all time is this 100% organic cotton onesie from American Apparel’s Sustainable Edition line, made in Los Angeles. I just love how simple and soft it is, and they work great as undershirts in the winter. But as much as I love this onesie, I really dig the company’s fair-wage practices. The average experienced sewer makes about $25,000/yr and receives company-subsidized, affordable health insurance, parking, subsidized public transport, subsidized lunches, a bike lending program, paid days off, and ESL classes. Oh, and how could I forget the free on-site massages? Yeah, they get those too. No joke.

Find it Here: American Apparel