Five Alternatives to a Disposable Razor

Photo by Voyagerix on Depositphotos

First of all, you have to realize that the average human face grows 615 hairs per square centimeter, and we need to find better disposable razor alternatives to manage it (well, some of us do—respect to the bearded men).

I never thought much about it until I read the crazy statistic that 2 billion razors are thrown away yearly, which is crazy. That is 'B' for billion.

In a 1976 video, Gillette told you to just throw the disposable away—that's a lot of throw-away since 1976.

I am a surfer and have been fighting the plastic war¹ for most of my adult life. After seeing the increase in plastic around the ocean for the last two decades, I started to look more intently at what I used and how I used it.

I don't really like to shave, and if my wife was into it, I would just go straight up with a full beard. But, you know, life is about compromise, and I like to keep her happy because my entire world is better that way.

I had to shave, but also wanted to do my part for the planet, so I looked around for the best options. I came up with five ideas and wanted to share them with you.

1. Get an Electric Shaver
2. Buy Disposable Recycled Razors
3. Use a Straight Razor
4. Buy Reusable Razors and Replace the Blades
5. Get Divorced and Grow a Beard

1. Get an Electric Shaver

I tried this, and it sucks. Now, I am not saying it would suck for everyone, but my face doesn't like electric shavers at all. I even ponied up and bought the most expensive one I could find.

After each shave, my face looks like my yard after the wind blows—piles of leaves (or stubble) all over the landscape of my rosy cheeks. I just never felt like I could get the proper shave from it.

2. Buy Disposable Recycled Razors

This is the most effortless change you could make. You might need to plan and buy your razors from somewhere that sells recycled ones.

Preserve offers a razor made from recycled materials. This BPA-free Triple Razor², now called Preserve Shave 3, comes with two replacement blades and an ergonomic handle made of 100% recycled #5 plastic, which is completely recyclable after use.

Schick has also moved to zero-landfill production³ after it realized it was sending more than 4 million pounds of waste materials per year for off-site disposal.

However, you are still throwing away a bunch of crap that doesn't necessarily need to end up in the landfill—that razor you’re done with is still not getting recycled. Good on you if you do make this minor adjustment.

3. Use a Straight Razor

This is definitely a win-win: You get a closer shave, and your throw-away shavers disappear for good. I wonder what the impact on that 2 billion would be if a ton of men switched to straight razor shaving.

Now, the transition does take some time, and you will need a few more gadgets in the bathroom for your shaving ceremony. You may also have trouble packing it for vacations, but it's doable with this guide. Nonetheless, taking the hair off your face should be a celebration and not some mundane routine that society forces you to do.

Oops, the rebel in me got out of the box for a minute, but you get what I mean. Using a straight razor is a terrific option; it sure is better on this planet.

BONUS: Switch from canned shaving cream to non-canned shaving soap. You’ll decrease unnecessary spending and waste from shaving cream cans.

4. Buy Reusable Razors and Replace the Blades

If you want to reduce your waste, consider using a safety razor.

What is a safety razor?

It's a reusable and more portable razor that typically has a metal handle and a replaceable blade. You'll still have to buy and throw away the blades, but it is much better than throwing away all that plastic after every shave.

5. Get Divorced and Grow a Beard

Well, I didn't say all the options would be easy, but this would be awesome.

After she took all my money, I likely couldn't afford to shave anyway, so not shaving fits this option for sure. I am not quite ready for this one, but an option is an option.

I looked it up on Google, and wikiHow.com⁴ says it is easy, with only six steps. The pictures are hilarious. I added a 7th one that you can start way before you file, but you better make sure that's your direction.

1. Visit the court clerk's office in the county in which you live.
2. Obtain the forms necessary to file for divorce.
3. File the necessary forms with the clerk's office.
4. Pay the court's filing fee.
5. Always keep copies of all documents.
6. Stay organized.
7. Grow a beard.

Whatever method you choose, it's worth considering. If you can rethink “disposable” or even try to reduce it a tad, the planet will thank you. 

When so many things with that label are destined for landfills and our oceans, why not take the next step and shave sustainably?

More Naked Armor Reads

Safety Razor Vs. Cartridge: Which is Better?
Best Straight Razor for Sensitive Skin Vs. Disposable and Safety
Which is Better: Straight Razor Vs. Modern Safety and Cartridge?

References

1. Turning Film into Action to End Plastic Pollution. (n.d.) Plastic Oceans International. https://plasticoceans.org/
2. Shave 3 razor system: Handle and 2 blades. (n.d.). Preserve. https://www.preserve.eco/products/shave-3-razor-system-handle-and-2-blades
3. Bachman, K. (2013, May 21). Zero Landfill: the Closest Shave of All. Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. https://www.fmamfg.org/blog/zero-landfill-closest-shave
4. Sandvick, C. M. (2024, July 9). How to file divorce papers without an attorney. wikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/File-Divorce-Papers-Without-an-Attorney