And I could continue on and on with things that pop up when you start drafting a list of what's involved when hunger or romance or both touch us.
Stefanie Iris Weiss recently published Eco-Sex (Ten Speed Press) her How to Guide on 'Going green between the sheets and making our love lives sustainable'.
Eco-Sex is chock full of information and published as a paperback so it will not break the bank.
Before picking her brains on the why, when, where in an hour long chat, I took the time to read what was between the covers.
I can hear some of you wondering what has this to do with 'Serge the Concierge'.
Well speaking for the guys, we do take her out to eat or cook for her, open a bottle of wine, buy perfume, flowers, pick her up even travel with the lady sometimes and all this has a green or not so green footprint.
Here's what transpired from my conversation with Stefanie as reported in my own words.
Q: Stefanie, did the idea of the book come from your Elle UK column or any other writing gigs you have?
Not really, my Elle UK column is on Astrology. I am passionate about green issues and since many aspects of our love life can have negative impacts on the earth. I thought I would highlight some problems and solutions on the premise that if love and affection cannot lead us to make changes, what will?
Q: The title is a bit of a tease, isn't it?
When your book stands there on the shelves, you need to get people's attention otherwise you will never have a chance to share what you have to say with readers. I also did not want to write a boring tome so I kept it light and sexy.
Q: How come so many more consumer products than we realize are petroleum based?
In the US especially, our economy is oil based yet when we talk oil we think cars, energy but rarely perfumes, plastics that are used for bedroom furniture, condoms, beauty products, toothpaste…
Q: You cover so many facets of our love life that conflict with the environment, are you afraid that it might overwhelm the reader?
No, the book is designed to be explored in small bites, you don't have to read it cover to cover.
Q: Are you comfortable with the fact that readers will pick some areas they will act upon but not embrace the whole thing?
Any positive change that 'Eco-Sex' brings into a person's life, I will be happy with. I am looking for qualitative rather than quantitative change. Start small, with personal care for example.
Q: You mention 'babies' for their impact on the planet. Many childless people turn to animals. Are animals less of a danger to our environment?
For sure, a lot of urban dwellers infantalize their dogs or cats which is not healthy as for how green products and services for animals are, I don't know that area well enough to assess.
Q: Under 'major turnoffs' you mention products' life cycle assessments, do these topics come up during courtship?
The opening pages where intended as a summary of what it means to be green, not something to talk about on the first date.
Q: Do you think that greening your love life has to be part of a broader approach?
Not necessarily, it can be a starting point, a bridge to change in other areas. If it is done only to be healthier, feel better that's fine. It is a good place to get the conversation going.
Q: Are some areas of Eco-Sex easier to tackle by those who are in a steady relationship?
Things like birth control are easier to manage in a monogamous relationship. I would suggest that health and safety come first before green attributes.
Q: Where passages like Living in Sin a way to break the overall theme into practical pieces?
Yes, it lists in a clear way the Top 15 Toxic ingredients
Q: You offer DIY beauty tips, bath oils and the like, was it because you realize that some 'green' products have a higher price tag?
Definitely, this is not a book for Yuppies. I personally buy elements I use for these DIY tips in bulk. It drives the cost per use down. The mixes I wrote about in the book will fool many people, so good they are.
Q: Did the same thinking inform the inclusion of 'Aphrodisiac' recipes?
The 'Serving Up Seduction' is as much about taste as it is about earth friendliness. Raw vegan fans will enjoy Sarma Melngailis 'How to seduce a man' contribution while South Asian food lovers will learn a thing or two from Bryant Terry's spiced up supper in 'How to seduce a woman'.
I also suggest a few organic wines.
Q: Regarding food you share only vegetarian recipes even though you write briefly about fish and oysters, should we look at what we eat in a one size fits all approach?
I've been a vegetarian for 20 years and think this is the best approach. If you eat meat, you could at least have Meatless Mondays.
Q: You also promote the 'locavore' concept, why?
Knowing the farmer whose produce you buy puts a humane face on it. Growing your own grub is also healthy, even if only marginally. We are out of touch with our bodies and also lost track of the origins of food, how it grows, looks…
Q: Does organic food or wine shipped from California has less impact than one coming from Europe?
The only way to make good decisions on what to buy is to increase your knowledge. When shopping ask the produce or fish guy questions about what you plan to purchase. You'll learn along the way.
Q: You write about 'sleeping with the enemy' as related to chemicals in bedding, do many committed vegetarians consider sleeping with a meat or fish eater a date breaker?
I respect raw vegans and 'radical' vegetarians dedication. It does not mean one should be intolerant. I live with a meat eater.
Q: How is what we eat, wear and cleanse our bodies with having an impact on our immediate environment?
On a personal level, in this allergy season, I've been sneezing a lot and found that the pollen count had gone through the roof.
Q: Staying 'chemical and oil free' you list 'scents to seduce' as an alternative to fragrances, why is patchouli included, it reminds me of the late 60's, early 70's?
Patchouli is not a favorite of mine, a bit too pungent. It is popular with some. Personally I like more subtle tones.
Q: Was your book written more with women in mind?
Even though a number of issues I cover relate more to women, my goal with Eco-Sex was to help anyone, male or female, live a better, healthier life.
Q: To conclude, what drives your writing?
I stick to subjects I am passionate about.
Thanks Stefanie for taking an hour out of your afternoon to share your thoughts and to Rebecca for making it possible.