5 Tips to Reduce Plastic Waste When Shaving
Although it wasn’t always around, plastic has become one of the most important commodities in everyday life. Almost every product and packaging you see has some element of plastic.
That said, plastic isn’t the healthiest thing for our environment.
Plastics aren’t biodegradable, so they stay in the environment for far longer than the average human being. In fact, surveys show that around 79% of all plastic that has ever been created lingers in the environment to this day.
Most plastics contain toxic chemicals and ingredients that can endanger wildlife and plant life.
If we don’t come up with a plan to reduce plastic waste in our environment, it may mean catastrophic end results for society as we know it.
Why go Plastic-free when Shaving?
Although the biggest culprit of plastic waste pollution are water single-use plastic bottles, plastic bags, and straws, a good portion of these plastic wastes are made up of disposable plastic razors.
In 1990, the EPA reported in the Environmental Consumer’s Handbook that the USA produced 2 billion disposable razors and blades annually. That was more than 30 years ago! Can you image now?
It’s time to take action and use more sustainable shaving products in our everyday lives.
5 Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste when Shaving
Luckily, there are several tried and tested ways to reduce plastic waste when shaving.
By practicing them, you can help the environment recover from the rampant plastic waste pollution and (hopefully) create a safer, healthier world for everyone today and in the future. Here are 5 tips to reduce plastic waste when shaving.
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. This helps us continue the hard work we put into researching products and solutions to plastic/ microplastic pollution.
1. Switch to a Reusable Safety Razor
Image by Rockwell Razors.
We are all for waste reduction with our I’m Plastic Free project, as we believe it is the basic principle of a functioning circular economy. Switching to a non-plastic safety razor is a great option to reduce waste and save money at the same time.
The most popular razor type is often the double-edged safety razor, which is made of metal (usually stainless steel) that’s carefully coated with rust-resistant material to preserve its quality over the years.
But — let’s face it — the blades are made of metal and that’s bound to develop rust over a short period of time, considering it regularly comes in contact with the oils and liquids on your skin.
Luckily, you can easily replace your razor blades with new ones, which you can buy in packs for $10 to $15, depending on where you buy them from.
Shop stainless steel reusable safety razors on Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia
Related: 7 Best Plastic Free Razor Options for Zero-waste Shaving
2. Invest in a Shavette/ Straight Razor
If you’re not so keen on replacing your razor bleeds as often, then a shavetter or straight razor is a great option to consider. It has a single blade, so that’s one less blade that you need to maintain and replace.
Most shavette or straight razors don’t even need blade replacements. You can simply get the blade resharpened once it becomes dull.
The only downside to using a shavette is that it does present a steep learning curve for people who haven’t tried using the tool before.
You don’t want to accidentally cut yourself will shaving, especially not with sharp equipment like a shavette.
Take your time to learn how to properly hold and wield a straight razor.
Shop shavettes / straight razors on Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia
Related: 12 Plastic Free Shampoo Brands You Can Feel Good About Using
3. Switch to Plastic Free Shaving Creams that come in Solid Bars
Image by Eco Roots
You can also easily eliminate waste from your bathroom by switching to plastic free shaving creams. Shaving creams often come in cans, plastic containers, and tubes often end up in landfills due to a lack of proper recycling options.
Many shaving creams also contain chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can harm the skin, while some components can pollute water systems when washed down the drain. Additionally, with growing awareness about health and environmental issues, there is increasing demand for zero-waste and eco-friendly body care products, including shaving creams in solid form. People are now seeking options that minimize waste, avoid toxic ingredients, and align with a healthier lifestyle.
Shop zero waste shaving creams on Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia
Related: Plastic Free Shaving Creams: 8 Zero Waste Options
4. Switch to an Epilator for Zero Waste Shaving
Why did we include a plastic product on this list? Because we’d like to share our own experience! We purchased a Braun Epilator Silk-épil over 15 years ago, and it’s still working perfectly (see our image above). Instead of shaving every day, you can choose to epilate your legs and stay hair-free for up to four weeks. This is because the tiny tweezers remove hair from the root, leaving your skin smooth.
Over time, you’ll notice your hair becoming thinner, and you’ll become quicker and more efficient at epilating. Plus, it’s painless. When it comes to reducing waste and being practical, think outside the box. Using an epilator helps you avoid single-use plastics and saves you money in the long run! No more disposable plastics, no more blades, and no more trips to the beauty salon for waxing appointments. Are you ready to give it a try?
Shop for an epilator on Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia
Related: 6 Eco-Friendly Hair Brushes Not Made of Plastic
5. Use Paper Razors
When we first heard about paper razors we also greeted them with disbelief. Can paper razors really be an effective alternative to plastic razors?
The answer is: yes.
Its body is made entirely of paper, which is recyclable and compostable. Thus, it doesn’t stay in the environment for as long.
It uses the typical metal blade that you find in razors, so you can still get a clean, smooth cut from this bad boy.
Now, we know what you’re thinking:
Won’t it fall apart when it gets wet?
Well, no.
The world’s first paper razor is made of the same materials you find in paper spoons. So, your razors getting wet isn’t something you should be worried about. It was invented in 2021 in Japan and won the GOOD DESIGN Award in the same year.
Please note: Though made of primarily paper, this product is still disposable, therefore, we included as the last tip. We think it is a great option in case of travelling and while not having access to power. For daily use though, reusable shaving products are to be preferred.
This video explainer below clarifies hpw the paper razor is assembled and used.
Related: Easy DIY Zero Waste Beauty Recipes
FAQ
Why do we Not Recommend Recycling Disposable Plastic Razors?
The simplest and most obvious way to reduce plastic waste when shaving is to recycle your disposable plastic razors. However, this doesn’t reduce waste and this is why we do not recommend this. Bic and Gillette have set up recycling programs, but we don’t think this is how we get out of the plastic waste pollution crisis. Have you ever track down what they are making out of those disposable items?
We were never able to find out. If you do, please comment below with an example.
Can I Recycle Reusable Razor Blades at their End of Life?
Yes, you can. You can collect your used razor blades in a metal blades tin, or you can repurpose a mints tin. Once full, you can recycle it at your local metal scrap recycling facility. Don’t throw the tin with your steel recycling as Councils usually don’t recycle these items.
The Bottom Line: Plastic Free Shaving is Absolutely Possible!
Although it’s impossible to remove plastic completely from society, there are ways for us to reduce plastic waste when shaving, minimize its use and prevent it from causing more damage to the environment.
The tips we mentioned above are just some of the ways you can start to reduce plastic waste when shaving.
If you have more ideas to share, please feel free to share it with us in the comments section!
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