What are the issues with disposable razors?
Disposable plastic razors are comparable to single-use plastic straws. Incredibly wasteful and damaging for the environment, we see about 2 billion razors thrown away annually—this creates about one million pounds of plastic waste. As with most plastic this ends up in waterways and ultimately in the ocean, where it breaks down into tiny particles that last hundreds of years or are eaten by wildlife. The goal of this post is to help you choose environmentally friendly razors.
Heard enough? Jump ahead for our recommendations!
Another Downside
Disposable plastic razors is that most cannot be recycled because they are made from several different materials making it challenging for waste management to sort. Typically, there is the handle (plastic), grip (rubber), head (metal in plastic frame). They can also pose a threat to waste workers. There isn’t really a market for the material razors are made from so they are deemed un-recyclable.
Yet Another Downside
As if we needed more cons, yet another downside is that they are expensive to replace. Though it may seem they are cheaper up front it actually ends up being more expensive in the long run.
What Are My Razor Options?
Being the environmentally-woke earth warrior that you are, with shaving you really have three options for environmentally friendly razors that will contribute to a healthier planet (unless you want to just quit shaving or get waxed).
Option #1: The Best Option—Ditch plastic razors altogether and finally make the switch to a safety razor (more below).
Option #2: Focus on companies that use recycled plastic or natural materials such as Preserve where you can at least recycle the handle.
Option #3: Keep using single use plastic razors but send them to TerraCycle, a program that focuses on un-recyclable products and will take any razor.
Safety Razors seem intimidating, how can I transition?
We’ve all been there. It is so easy to whip out that easy-to-maneuver plastic razor and do a five-minute rushed shave with minimal cuts before leaving the house. But guess what? It is just as easy to use a safety razor. Because we love transparency in products, we will break it down for you.
Pros
- Incredibly close shave
- Cheap and replaceable blades
- Base lasts forever, blades cost $1
- Hold and shave like normal razor (but apply less pressure)
- Better for sensitive skin
- Cheaper in the long run
- For women & men
Cons
- A bit heavier than plastic handle (may take some adjusting to)
- Head does not pivot
- Swap out blades, not entire head (don’t be scared, it’s very easy!)
- Pay more upfront
Click the images below for our top picks
A Few More Notes About Safety Razors
The safety razor does not mean you will get more nicks and cuts. In fact, a single bladed safety razor is easier on the skin. Multiple razors lift the hair up and cut it and then rake over the skin often causing irritation. With a safety razor as long as you apply oil or shaving cream, you use less pressure and glide over the skin getting an even closer shave.
The Good News!
Standard double edge safety razors are fully recyclable and eco-friendly! Most waste management doesn’t want small pieces like blades to be recycled individually, so it is better to make a blade bank and recycle the whole container when finished.
Tips If You Must Keep Using Disposable Razors
If you just can’t manage to make the switch we totally understand, and no judgement is passed! Here are a few options that can reduce the plastic waste. Every little thing you do counts. Just remember, even if you use plastic blades with replaceable heads or recycled plastic parts, it eventually ends up back in the environment anyways. It is better to eliminate altogether!
Click the images below for our top picks
Quick List of Eco-Friendly & Vegan Shaving Cream Options & Alternatives
In addition to your environmentally friendly razors, you can actually use aloe vera or coconut oil to make shaving easy and cheap. If you want something a little fancier try these plant-based options:
For Men (left) & Women (right)
Click the images below for our top picks
If You Want to be Super Classy….
Try a straight razor. You will feel sophisticated af and can turn your shave into a slow Sunday morning ritual, just don’t watch Sweeney Todd first.
Need more eco-friendly advice? Check out these posts: