Condoms to Save the Environment

No mammal population has ever grown to as great a size or consumed as many resources as human beings do today, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) announced on January 27, 2010. More than 6,700,000,000 of our species now occupy Earth, according to the most recent government census information—and with our vehicles, buildings, technology, and emissions, an enormous strain is being placed on the other animals with which we share this planet, including endangered species. And with 80 million new humans being brought into the world each year, the C.B.D. is doing everything in its power to raise awareness of the need for population control—including distributing endangered-species-themed condoms for free!

Kierán Suckling, the executive director of the CBD, is calling for local volunteers to assist in the distribution of these animal-themed prophylactics. Since they first put out the call two weeks ago, she said, “more than 900 people have volunteered to help distribute condoms in their hometowns—an incredible response. I’m so impressed by our supporters’ readiness to step up to tackle threats to endangered species.” The last day of signup for new volunteers is Monday, February 1, and the group has voiced a need for 300 additional signups before that time.

Homo sapiens’ overpopulation is becoming a cause for concern not only because of our own crowded cities, but because of the devastating effects it can have on our Earth’s wildlife. Human beings limit populations of various species all the time; the CBD is encouraging us to take an inward look and help to correct our own problem. The animal-themed condoms are designed to make an individual think about the consequences of a pregnancy, but also to begin a conversation about the environmental effects that our overpopulation is having on endangered species.