Ecosexuality: Between Sex And Environmental Activism
Photo by Malvestida Magazine on Unsplash
Ecology and sexuality. What on earth could bring these two together?
Let's start by saying that ecosexuality is a movement at the intersection of many dynamics—sensuality, mindfulness, sexual identity, environmental activism… And so much more.
But the core idea is that an ecosexual is someone who is in a relationship with the earth, seen as a lover.
Now, if you imagine naked people running around in the forest, kissing trees and rubbing on leaves… Hold on a minute.
Let's dive into this exciting movement with an open mind!
Ecosexuality, what's the hype all about?
It all started with the ecosexuality manifesto, written by the feminists Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens.
"The earth is our lover. We are madly, passionately, and fiercely in love, and we are grateful for this relationship each and every day. In order to create a more mutual and sustainable relationship with the earth, we collaborate with nature. We treat the earth with kindness, respect and affection." — Extract of the Ecosex Manifesto
By combining different concepts, ecosexuality established itself as a movement deep-rooted in social problematics.
To raise awareness on these matters, they use arts and performance to spread their message, including films and theatre.
Let's break down this movement to make it more understandable.
Ecosexuality: another way to look at sexuality?
"We make love with the earth"
For ecosexuals, nature is a sensual being.
They advocate giving love to the earth. Loving the elements, loving the shapes of the landscapes… It is all about sensuality and aesthetics! Essentially, connecting with nature through our senses.
Who's never felt hypnotized by the sound of running water? Ecstasy while swimming in a crystal clear river?
Their point is pretty simple. From a place of love and personal pleasure, maybe people would feel the urge of protecting nature...
Then, ecosexuality is also a sexual identity. And at its core, a complete dissociation from the normalization of sexuality: there is no one way to have sex, or to be sexual.
Ecosexuality: another approach to ecology?
According to the founders, ecosexuality's definition is "a new field of research exploring the places sexology and ecology intersect."
And sexual freedom and environmental preservation make the essence of the movement.
But to tackle global issues, ecosexuals think that it all starts with personal awareness. Being grateful, pausing and looking around you, feeling and experiencing nature, understanding your relationship with it.
When we consider nature as a resource, we are in a one-way relationship. We only take. On the contrary, ecosexuality advocates a collaborative relationship: giving and taking.
This vision brings joy to the cause, instead of seeing ecology as something saddening. While ecosexuals are well aware of the environmental situation, they decide to honor nature positively.
How to practice ecosexuality?
As the concept is pretty new to most of us, let's dig into concrete examples of what ecosexuals integrate into their lifestyle. Who knows, it might give you some inspiration...
Prioritizing self-care
Spending lots of time outside!
Camping as a way to fully immerse themselves in nature
Swimming and being naked in the wild! It does miracles for body acceptance and grounding
Going on walks without bringing their cell phone, and listening to nature's sounds
Having a relationship with a plant (among other ideas) and being aware of the interconnectedness of all beings
Using their senses consciously (looking, listening, touching, smelling, tasting) to connect to the earth
And yes… Some love having sex in nature, orgasms in waterfalls, rolling in the mud — why not?
The beauty of this movement is that ecosexuals incorporate sensual experiences into their activism. For that, connection with the earth is essential!
Like most activists, staying aware and informed of what's going on in the world is crucial. They often define themselves as mindful consumers, believing in minimalism and buying ethical, for example, as a way to take action.
This approach of ecosexuality is well explained in the book Eco-Sex: Go Green Between the Sheets and Make Your Love Life Sustainable, written by Stefanie Iris Weiss.
Committed to spreading the word on the environmental impact of sex-related products, she denounces, for instance, the harmful additives used in condoms and lubes, the invasion of plastic in our lives with short-lived sex toys that end up in landfills... Among other things.
Being ecosexual: where to start?
Without the need to label yourself as ecosexual, exploring your relationship with nature can be a valuable source of personal growth.
Sounds interesting? Before anything else, we invite you to take some time to get outside, and write to clear your head:
What is my relationship to the earth?
What do I appreciate in nature?
How does that make me feel?
Where does my pleasure come from?
What will come out might surprise you...
Ecosexuality as a self-empowering practice
Our modern lifestyle continues to keep us away from our bodies, our senses, and nature. Chronic stress, sedentary lifestyle, information overload, unhealthy diets, increasing time spent on screens… These are only a few examples of what prevents our wellbeing.
Hence, it's crucial to adopt practices that take us outside and make us come back to our bodies — instead of living in our heads ♥︎
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