Did you know the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that 2 BILLION disposable razors a year are thrown away?!?! I can’t even wrap my mind around what that looks like. Those razors are most likely never going to breakdown- and that doesn’t even count the disposable razor blade heads on refillable razors!
Fortunately, there are easy and convenient options which reduce waste! Preserve makes a totally recycled and totally recyclable refillable razor. The blades, however, are not recyclable.
Safety Razor
A safety razor (aka straight razor) is another great option. They have a bit of a learning curve but give you a super close shave allowing you to shave much less often. The blades are tiny and recyclable in a number of areas. These razors are awesome and the handles last for decades- my Grandfather still has his from 50+ years ago! There are also models specifically for women. The blades last MUCH longer than blades from disposables (most people only use 6-12 per year, and they’re about the size of a postage stamp).
Shaving cream is a product that’s not really necessary. Cream from a can is full of chemicals and is typically aerosol (which is not so great on the environment). There are a number of recipes online for homemade shaving cream or try an olive oil or coconut oil soap bar. Just lather it up and put the lather on your legs and shave away. My hubby and I use the bars I mentioned last week- Hubby often uses a shaving brush with it, creates a nice lather and slathers is all over his face.
With a couple economical changes your shaving routine can get faster, cheaper and more eco-friendly! Did you ever think about the environmental impact of shaving? Do you have any other tips to make shaving more environmentally friendly? Let me know in the comments below or email me at blog@keeper.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband and 4 year old son. She enjoys spending time in the mountains, studying about essential oils, natural remedies and herbs, as well as upcycling/ DIY projects. Olivia’s family made the move last year towards becoming a Zero Waste household. They have gotten down to one bathroom sized trashcan a month of garbage but hope to be totally Zero Waste by the end of 2015.
Like this? Check out the rest of our Waste Less and Be Green in 2015 series for more tips!
I’ll def. be looking into the safety razor as a better option.
I haven’t used a safety razor, but I think I’m going to give it a try now! Thanks, this was a very helpful post!
I have not used a safety razor and honestly have never thought about reducing waste when shaving. I have, though, thought about purchasing a safety razor for my hubby just because I think it would save us money since he uses one disposable blade only one time before tossing
Thia is awesome. I never thought about my razors being so wasteful but they totally are! I’ve never tried a Safety Razor but I think I’ll convert now!
I love my safety razor. I’ve been using one for months and will never go back. I actually wish for a straight razor, but for now, the safety razor was affordable and still exiting.
I’m definitely looking forward to using a m. cup. The only thing I’m not sure about is which size to get. I’ve had a c section, but he crowned before getting stuck. That was 6.5 years ago and I’m now 30. Idk what size to say I should get. But I suppose all cups are suited by trial. : )
Happy to have found this page n blog. : )
My best cleaning tip is make it simple. I use Norwex and my cleaning time has significantly lessened. No harm chemicals. No worries of toddlers getting into cleaning products because Norwex is 100% safe and kid friendly. I clean one room a day (except on bathroom day, I clean both) and I vacuum everyday to cut down on dust and dog hair
We compost and use glass.. Also NO chemicals and rairly ANY FORM of plastic (everything has its place we OVER USE plastic and for things WE SHOULD NOT) .. Also cloth diapers!
I buy produce, meat, and nuts in bulk