All About Razors – a More Sustainable Shave

Are you thinking you might need to restock your shaving supplies soon?

Perhaps, you need new razors and are excited to buy those sleek, Schick razors you like? Or maybe, you are just looking for the cheapest option you can find?

What razor you buy might seem like an insignificant choice at first. But, even if you are not considering a plastic-free or zero-waste lifestyle, the following information may be relevant to you.

Plastic Razor Production and Waste

In 1990, the United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Environmental Consumer’s Handbook. In this report, they estimated that about 2 BILLION disposable razors and blades were produced EACH YEAR. And that is just in the US!

Fast forward to 2020, and it is safe to say that the number has grown wildly larger (not to mention figures from the rest of the world). It is also a strong bet to say that most of those disposables have ended up in landfills due to the difficulties and laxity in recycling the intricate razor components.

Thankfully, we are in an evolving time in history, when sustainable and eco-friendly options are coming to the forefront of consumer trends. Companies are starting to take notice and adjust their business practices to meet new pressures for ethical and sustainable products, packaging, and shipping.

The Focus of this Post

The following paragraphs will describe the basic types of razors, as well as ways to go razor-free. Extra sections may include a relevant example or two of products that are effective, comfortable, affordable, and sustainable.

We will also focus in on a few companies that champion sustainability by contributing to recycling and take-back programs, that use recycled and/or recyclable materials, and that balance their carbon footprint.

We will go over different kinds of materials, initial and long-term costs, the advantages and drawbacks in shaving performance, and their level of eco-friendliness. Hopefully, this will make it easy for you to choose what fits your needs and goals best.

The Disposable Razor

The well-known brands of plastic, disposable razors include the likes of BIC, Schick, and Gillette. They have a huge market share in shaving products, which can be found at practically any grocery, drugstore, big-box store, or local shop that sells personal care items.

These types of razors usually have 3 to 5 blades, a pivoting head, an easy-to-grip handle, and a lubricating strip. They provide a close, comfortable shave for all areas of the body. They are designed to be used about 3 to 5 times before the blade becomes dull and you need to replace with an entirely new razor.

They are cheap, convenient, user-friendly, and acceptable for carry-on baggage on airlines. The downside is that you must keep trashing dull razors and buying new ones. Consequently, the plastic waste, as well as long-term cost, keeps growing. Most of these types of razors are made with new plastic.

Pros: travel-friendly, easy to use, cheap

Cons: more likely to cause skin irritation and ingrown hair due to the super close shave, high long-term costs, lots of plastic and metal waste

The Cartridge Razor

This type of razor is like the disposable razor in several ways. The handle and head are usually made from plastic. The 3 to 5 blades on the flexible head are usually stainless steel, sometimes coated with other materials. They are also travel-friendly and easy to use.

Cartridge razors can be used about 5 to 10 times before the cartridge (head and blades) needs to be replaced. Long-term costs are close to disposable razors due to the recurring cost of replacing the heads. The initial cost is also going to slightly higher than disposable razors because you keep the handle for multiple uses. Specific brands of handles almost always require the same brand for the cartridge (that is how companies make their money after all).

Pros: travel-friendly, easy to use, multiple-use handles reduce waste

Cons: high long-term costs, still some plastic and metal waste from the disposable cartridges, design can contribute to irritation and ingrown hairs

A Better Cartridge Razor

One company called Preserve offers a lot of enticing features for those looking for a more sustainable razor. They are a verified B Corporation, which means they are certified by a third-party non-profit (B Lab) for the highest standards of sustainability, transparency, and accountability.

The handles for Preserve’s cartridge razors are made entirely from recycled plastic yogurt containers. Preserve’s products are BPA-free, made in the USA, and all vegan (no animal testing). The plastic handles can be recycled in your local bin or through Preserve’s “Gimme 5” Recycling program.

The POPi (Preserve Ocean Plastic Initiative) version of Preserve’s Shave 5 razor is made from plastic recovered from the ocean and beaches. Twenty-five percent (25%) of proceeds from sales of this product are donated to non-profits that “clean up oceans and beaches, support marine conservation, and research plastic pollution.”

“Preserve” Razors at EarthHero

Head over to EarthHero.com and search “razors” to find Preserve’s Triple Razor or their regular Shave 5 razor. You might even find other eco-friendly shaving products, such as travels cases, creams, kits, lotion, oil, and soaps to add to your order to get free shipping. EarthHero packs all items in recycled/recyclable materials and utilizes carbon neutral shipping.

Use the coupon code “wealhouse” to get an additional 10% discount on regular priced items.

“Preserve” Razors on Amazon

If you shop on Amazon, here are the links for Preserve’s Triple Razor and Shave 5 Razor, as well as their POPi option. The prices on Amazon are generally lower, but not by much, so the main differences between EarthHero and Amazon will be shipping costs and packaging/shipping practices.

Triple Razor with 3 blades, titanium-coated, comes with 2 cartridges.

Shave 5 razor has 5 blades, ceramic-coated, with a cocoa butter and aloe lubricating strip. (The ceramic-coated blades are perfect for people that have skin irritation due to nickel allergies.)

POPi Shave 5 razor is the same as the regular Shave 5 but made with recycled plastic from ocean; plus, 25% of the proceeds are donated.

The Safety Razor

This razor type (specifically the double-edged razor) was popularized by King Camp Gillette at the start of the 1900’s. It is making a modern comeback due to its more sustainable features.

This style of razor only has one blade on a fixed head, where both sides of the blade may be used. The use of the single blade does not cut as close as the previously mentioned razors which have multiple blades. Whereas a disposable or cartridge razor lifts and cuts the hair slightly below the surface of the skin, safety razors cut slightly above. Safety razors still provide a good, smooth shave and can help those people that tend to get ingrown hairs.

You can find razors made with bamboo or coated-metal handles (steel, silver, rose gold, brass, etc.) Some are very ornate and expensive. The blades are generally 100% stainless steel and are relatively inexpensive to replace after 5 to 7 uses, compared to cartridges.

With proper care, safety razor handles can last a lifetime, but they can also be recycled if need be. Collect your used blades in a glass bottle or metal tin and take the full container to your local metal recycling depot. Some razor companies might also offer a blade safe (or blade bank) or have a mail-back program.

The non-flexible head on the safety razor does make it harder to use on curvy areas of the body and takes practice to use well. You must allot more time for your personal care routine as this razor needs more shaving time than the quick, multi-blade disposables and cartridge razors.

Pros: long-lasting handle, low long-term costs (inexpensive blades), completely recyclable

Cons: higher initial cost, NOT travel-friendly (must pack in checked baggage), higher learning curve, takes longer to shave

Three Metal Options

The blade and handle for the Albatross safety razor are 100% stainless steel. The set comes with 10 extra blades and a hemp/jute storage bag. A box of 20 replacement blades is only about $5. And they have a take-back program for all brands of blades.

The Well Kept brand sells safety razors with a solid brass handle and high-quality steel blades. They also offer a blade bank, or safe, that can securely store up to 100 used blades before being handed in to a scrap metal recycler.

Search “Albatross” or “Well Kept” at EarthHero. 

And, we cannot forget the classic, German-made Merkur razors. These razors are the result of high-quality materials and craftsmanship. They are great for newbies. You can find them on Amazon with a starting price a little under $30.

Two Bamboo Options

NetZeroCompany offers a beautiful rose gold or silver safety razor head on a bamboo handle. The initial purchase is $24.99, with a 5-pack of blades for $4.99. Replacement blades are about 35 cents each. As you shop here, your eye might catch on other eco-friendly products, too!

Another gorgeous bamboo razor is offered by Bambaw. They are a company based in Europe that is a certified member of the carbon neutral supply chain. They package all their products in sustainable (recyclable or compostable) materials. Get their bamboo safety razor for $17.99 on Amazon. Or, check out their black, silver, and rose metal razors for $17.49 each; you pay $20.99 total with the stand included.

Bambaw bamboo razor on Amazon

Bambaw metal safety razor on Amazon

The Straight Edge Razor

This old-style razor requires professional-level skill to get the best shave. 

Straight razors consist of one blade, sharpened on one edge, that is attached to a handle. They must be honed (sharpened) and disinfected regularly (unless you get a “shavette”, which allows the blade to be switched out with a new one). 

They can be autoclaved, boiled or wiped with alcohol. If cared for well, a straight razor can last a lifetime and is your best option in terms of long-term cost. 

Do not make this purchase lightly, as they are the most expensive types of razors (sometimes above $200) and need lots of practice to use properly.

Pros: very long-lasting, lowest long-term costs, one of the best quality shaves

Cons: must be in checked baggage, highest initial cost, very steep learning curve, needs proper maintenance

Shop on Amazon for the Feather Straight Razor, a stainless-steel blade with silicone grip handle starting at $65.

Electric and Other Methods

I will briefly mention some other eco-friendly options that you may want to consider.

One of these options is to invest in an electric razor or clippers for your shaving routine. The good things about electric shaving tools are that they can last up to 10 years and can be recycled at the end of their life. 

They do need good maintenance to last long and need to be cleaned and disinfected between uses to protect your health. The energy consumption of electric razors is about equal to the water consumption with hand razors (as long as you are not a water hog).

Of course, the cheapest and most eco-friendly method is to go au naturel, but I leave that to each person’s hygienic and aesthetic preferences. Maybe you still want to shave but can go a more conservative route and just shave less often? 

If you want to go the most expensive route, while still being eco-friendly, you can research professional services, such as waxing, “sugaring” or laser hair removal.

Recycling Razors

To recap, here are the companies that will take back your used razor handles or blades.

Preserve Gimme 5 Program – recycles #5 plastic handles (no cartridges) through the mail or at community recycling bins. Check for collection boxes at your nearby Whole Foods store.

Albatross Mail-In Program – accepts all brands of metal safety razor blades (no cartridges).

And, finally, the GAME CHANGER in keeping plastic disposable razors out of the trash and out of landfills. Have you heard about Terracycle, yet? They have dozens of various recycling programs that take hundreds of hard-to-recycle items and turn them into money for charity. They have teamed up with Gillette and Venus to accept ALL BRANDS of disposable razors, plastic handles, cartridges and razor packaging. Sign up on their website to participate in their recycling programs. Find a recycling location near you or become a collection partner for your community.

So, whether you decide to finish up your leftover disposable razors and invest in a new, eco-friendly safety razor, or whether you keep opting for the convenience of plastic razors, make sure you RECYCLE!