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Rafe Swan
Plant-based contraception, get around it.
Raise your hand if you avoid products containing parabens.
Keep it raised if you knew that not even your condoms are safe from such nasties. And keep it raised again if you were aware that the majority of condoms and lubricants on the market contain animal products.
Animal products like the animal protein casein.
Almost two decades ago, researchers found the milk protein to be a hidden allergen in natural rubber latex gloves and go figure, it's still present in our condoms today.
Though Dustin Leonard, founder and CEO of HERO Condoms, a social enterprise aiming to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS wants to change that with the launch of a vegan range of condoms and lubricants in Australia.
HERO
So what exactly makes a vegan condom?
Well, it doesn't contain any animal products or byproducts for starters. Nor have any of the components of the condom or lubricant been tested on animals.
"Because condoms are a 'medical device' government organisations often require stringent testing and some companies test on animals to acquire the relevant certification," Leonard told The Huffington Post Australia.
Instead, HERO uses natural plant based (aloe vera) lubricant which is pH balanced. It's also petrochemical and paraben free.
What's more for every bottle of lubricant and condom sold, HERO donates products to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in Botswana.
Across the globe, HERO joins the likes of Sir Richard's Condom Company, which offers a vegan-only product line and Durex's non-latex condoms line.
All those in favour of safe (vegan) sex, say aye.
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