Earth Erotics makes its whips out of recycled inner tubes. Other companies are creating items that do not contain phthalates, which are used to soften plastics and have been linked to premature puberty in girls and low-sperm production in boys. "Our taboos prevent us from having the same consumer-safety conversations that are commonplace when you're making a toothbrush, sneaker or baby bottle," says Ethan Imboden, founder of Jimmyjane, a luxury adult-toy maker based in San Francisco.