No, “zero waste” is not a good reason to ditch condoms

I read an article recently, in which a famous zero waste influencer said she practices the rhythm method so as to avoid condoms and other forms of contraceptives, and I thought: Gee, just how far are some people willing to go?

In brief, the rhythm method (also called fertility awareness method) works like this: a woman tracks her menstrual history (and/or body temperature etc) to predict ovulation, so she can abstain from sex during this 7-10 day period around ovulation when she is likely to conceive. There are good reasons for this method: an allergy to copper IUD, a medical history that limits the use of hormonal birth control, or a religious prohibition of contraceptives…But to me, “zero waste” just doesn’t make the list of good reasons.

Because how hard it is to precisely predict ovulation is, the rhythm method is one of the least effective birth control methods. The CDC cites a failure rate of 24%, compared to say…an IUD (0.8%), pills (9%), or male condoms (18%). Even the withdraw method fares better, at an average failure rate of 22%.

So here is my qualm: she cares about the environment, but is willing to risk the chance of pregnancy…? What about the environmental footprint of an unplanned child? Worldwide, 225 million women in developing countries say they want the ability to choose whether and when to become pregnant but lack access to effective contraception, and we are over here telling people to track their period on an app so they can avoid a bunch of unrecyclable pill packets and condoms?!

The point is: don’t forget the big picture. Nobody likes trash – I get it – but a tunnel vision of “individual zero waste” can lead us to bigger problems.

Driving miles to buy one thing unpackaged (vs. a packaged version within walking distance) and forgetting about the emission that comes with driving. Buying milk in glass (instead of plant-based alternatives in cartons) and ignoring the impact of animal agriculture. Spending hours researching a “zero waste swap” when the time could be used to advocate for solutions of systematic issues that led us to this environmental mess in the first place.

Of course – despite my very dramatic declaration – what is a “good” reason is entirely up to you, and the choice of contraceptives is as personal as it gets. Just promise me you won’t let any influencer convince you that you are a “bad environmentalist” if you still use condoms, plastic (gasp!), or whatever the next trendy eco-villain is, please?

(Header image by Markus Spiske via Unsplash)