Yes, this article focuses on environmentally friendly razors, but it could easily be an article on how to save money on razors.

I haven’t bought razors or cartridges in years because I use a double-edged safety razor and never looked back.

However, the other day my brother asked me to pick him up some cartridges for his razor (he uses a reusable handle with disposable cartridges).

I have to tell you, the razor blade aisle is intimidating! There are so many brands and types to choose from, it’s unbelievable. 

Despite my brother showing me exactly what he wanted, I ended up getting the wrong type of blades for his razor. WHOOPS!

Honestly, just the advantage of not having to deal with the razor aisle should be enough for anyone to switch to a more sustainable razor.

Now, talking about price. Wow! It was $10 for a set of 5 disposable razor cartridges. And that was not the name brand, it was the store brand equivalent which is even cheaper than the name brand. Still way too much money if you ask me.

If you’re stuck on the disposable razor merry-go-round like my brother, this article will put you back on solid ground so you can stop spending your hard-earned money on disposable razors and do some good for the environment in the process.

What is the most environmentally friendly way to shave?

As far as razors go, there are two methods of shaving that come to mind that are environmentally friendly. One method requires a bit more skill (or courage) than the other.

Let’s start with the beginner model, the kind that my husband and I use on a regular basis.

Double-edged Safety Razorbambaw safety razor

A safety razor has a permanent head and handle that requires only the blades to be replaced. 

Blades are relatively inexpensive and last a lot longer than disposable razor blades. 

A lot of the time you can find a deal that includes the razor handle and blades together, like this one here,  which is a great package for a beginner.

A set of 100 blades has lasted me over 2 years already. Now, I don’t shave that often so it is probably safe to say that 100 blades will last at least 1 year with regular use. At around $25-$30 per package, it’s a steal!

Are Reusable razors for women too?

Yes! For the most environmentally friendly reusable razor for women, just use a safety razor. It’s the best plastic free option for a women’s razor.

Seriously, it may be marketed more towards men but hey, hair is hair right? As I said earlier, I use a safety razor for my occasional leg and underarm shave.

Not going to lie, I was hesitant at first to use one. Razor blades are intimidating! But I sucked it up and gave it a try because the thought of spending any more time in the razor aisle at Walmart was enough to push through the fear of using a safety razor.

I admit, the first time I nicked my knee but it wasn’t any worse than a disposable razor nick. I simply learned to adjust the angle of the handle when going around curves.

Helpful hint: A longer handled safety razor is easier for shaving legs since we have to reach so far down.

Within a few shaves, I was not fearing the razor at all. Using the safety razor became the norm.

So give it a shot, ladies, you won’t regret it.

This bamboo razor from bambaw is a great choice for your shaving needs. It has a long handle that makes it easier for shaving legs. As well, it looks chic and is well made. Just order a box of blades, as it doesn’t come with any.

Now, for those of you courageous folks, we move on to the next, perhaps even more, ecofriendly razor.

Straight edged razor straight edge razor kit

Straight edge razors are for the bravest humans. I have not personally tried one as I do not trust my knife skills at all.

My husband, on the other hand, bought a straight-edged razor after using the safety razor for a while. I guess he thought he was ready to move up in the shaving world.

Well, it didn’t quite work out for him. He used it a couple of times and gashed his face up pretty good one day. He did not have quite the skilled hand as he thought he did. I have not seen him use the straight edge razor ever since, and this happended over a year ago.

Moral of the story, walk before you run. By no means am I saying don’t try a straight edge if you really want to, as it is probably the most environmentally friendly razor you can own, just exercise caution. That’s all I’m saying. 

Straight edge razors are one of the most eco-friendly options out there. With proper care, they can last a lifetime which means no replacement waste. 

I would even go as far to say that straight edge razors are the only zero waste razors on the market (or at least as close as you’re going to get at any rate).

One caveat with a straight edge razor is that you do have to hone them to keep an edge on the knife, which will include buying a leather strap along with the razor.  You can buy a kit that includes the razor and leather hone (among other useful things) here.

Now, if electric razors are more your cup of tea, you might be wondering……

Are electric razors eco friendly?electric shaver

Electric razors are more ecofriendly than traditional disposable razors as they do not get thrown out every couple of weeks. 

The batteries for electric razors can most likely be recycled at your local home hardware or battery drop-off area. If you’re not sure, just google your municipality, they generally all have an electronics drop-off site somewhere.

Also, check the manufacturers website to see if they have a mailback recycling program for their razors. If not, you could take the razor apart and recycle each section appropriately, eg. plastic parts can be recycled in your plastics bin, etc. Not comfortable taking it apart? Recycle the battery at the very minimum, that way it won’t leach into the soil at the landfill.

So, don’t fret if you use and love your electric shaver and care about the environment. Electric razors are way more environmentally friendly than their disposable counter parts. 

One suggestion is to buy a higher quality electric razor so it lasts longer and has less of a chance of ending up in the landfill.

So there you have it, your 3 best options of environmentally friendly razors in 2020.

What do you use to keep your body hair in check? Let me know in the comments below.

Cheers, and have an awesome day!

1 Comment

  1. Eco Razor

    I’m happy I purchased this razor! I always felt guilty buying disposable ones and not being able to recycle any of them. Thank you for this great guide! I wanted to make the switch for a while but I was too scared I might not be able to use it, haha this answered most of my questions.

    Reply

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