When one thinks of a Web site called VegPorn.com, horribly depraved acts involving innocent vegetables might come to mind.
But fear not, veggie lovers. Although the site's models are naked, no vegetables were harmed in the making.
VegPorn.com prides itself on being "the first and only adult site made by and for plant-eaters," according to the Web site's "About" section. The recurring theme is not blonde hair and gigantic boobs, because the models are not chosen by appearance. The site says it does not focus on gender, size, race or overall appearance, but is based on the lifestyle choices of vegetarianism and veganism.
For $12 per month, visitors can become a member of the site and gain access to more than 3,400 pictures of the site's 34 models, whose genders range from male and female, to "transgenderqueer boydyke." Membership also allows you to peruse the naked vegan recipe collection, which features the models making vegan dishes … naked.
VegPorn.com also has a store called The Sensual Vegan that sells all-natural lubricants, "playthings," and books on the subject of environmentally friendly sex.
Other Web sites, like Norway-based FuckForForest.com, use revenue from members of the site to protect the environment. FuckForForest.com recently purchased forestland in Costa Rica in order to protect it from building and also work with locals in the area to reforest.
The site also donates to environmental protection agencies that raise awareness of deforestation and work to reforest. Though some environmental protection agencies are very receptive to donations from FuckForForest.com and similar sites, some consider the donations tainted. Some of the biggest environmental agencies, such as the World Wildlife Fund, according to the founders, feel that the way the donations are generated, through porn, invalidates the cause.
"The sites are certainly a unique and bold approach," says Katie Divine, a biology and society junior. "Whereas most people become members of porn sites just to watch porn, people on these sites ... become members to give money and raise awareness."
The self-described "only 100 percent karma improving, eco porn site" features about 300 male and female models, age 18 and older, displaying naked pictures and having sex in the forest.
"It is sexual education and environmental consciousness combined," say Leona Johansson and Tommy Hol Ellingsen, the founders of the site, in an e-mail. "In this world of commercialized sexuality, it is important to show that it is possible to have fun with sex and [support] a good cause."
