Since you opened Pandora's Box with this subject matter, I will offer a comment.

For some kinky folk, a large amount of CRISCO (or other vegetable shortening) is used as a result of some serious recreational SEX.

With strong soaps, it is washed down the showers or by washing machines in some kinky households.

I fretted over WHAT this would do to my SEPTIC SYSTEM.

When I sold that house in the Palm Springs area, one requirement of escrow closing was for a Septic System Maintenance company to come out, open the tank up and pump out the contents, giving the new occupants a 'fresh start' so to speak.

I was AMAZED to find the tank nearly empty. I'd expected huge 'ice bergs' of coagulated CRISCO to be floating about in a sort of hideous Sargaso Sea. But that was NOT the case. I asked the guys doing the pumping and they said the VEGETABLE FAT is a favorite food of the bacteria in septic systems.

I imagine that is much the same with sewer systems and treatment plants.

I guess I should send an E-mail to Proctor & Gamble to add something to their Crisco website...

As far as dildos, my girlfriend has a beautiful glass dildo that is not toxic at all, and which she says is better than any rubber or plastic one she's come across.  :-)  They're not as fragile as you might think, either.

Hats off(or is it pants up) to you for mentioning the birth  control issue and the reduction of consumers as key to solving all of our problems or at least ameliorating them. When will Gore and all those other politicos start acknowledging this step toward a greener planet? Do they dare attack the sacred cow of dependents deductions, etc?

I'd just like to give a shout out to IUDs. The IUD involves very little packaging waste, since once it's inserted it stays for five years or more - no monthly supplies to get rid of. No hormones junking up rivers, either - it's just a little squiggly device knockin' around your uterus (IUD = Intra-Uterine Device). It's not too common in the US (we prefer the convenience -insert laugh here- of the Pill), but other than us it's the most popular form of birth control in the world, according to Planned Parenthood. And the kicker: It's super effective, more than 99 percent. I swear I don't work for a company that manufactures IUDs or anything - I've just spent waaaay too much time researching birth control. :P Have a nice day.

I just wanted to add a few words about the Fertility Awareness Method (no people, this is not the rhythm method of yore) By using this method of self-monitoring, I am able to avoid (most)condom use, artificial homones, invasive procedures and unwanted pregnacy.  It has the added bonuses of getting you more in touch with your female cycle and providing an awareness of your body that can alert you to many female issues.  It is definitely NOT for everyone, but it is worth looking into for those who want another option.