Subscribe
Follow
Welcome back to my blog
A few weeks ago I posted a poll on my Instagram story voting for my next blog post. This poll was between zero waste oat milk and zero waste hair removal. By a landslide zero waste hair removal was the winner!
The history of the disposable razor
King Camp Gillette was the inventor of the disposable razor, he found it far too time consuming to sharpen his cut throat razor. With the help of William Emery Nickerson, the disposable razor was born! The razor’s blades were made from thin steel, and they could be used for up to 20 shaves. King Camp Gillette patented the razor in 1901 and then it went on sale in 1904.
disposable razors & the environment?
That humble disposable razor sitting in your bathroom is not causing harm to the planet, or is it? You would be surprised at how something so small can have such a big impact on our planet. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates around 2 billion razors are being thrown away each year. Plastic razors can not be easily recycled so they are destined for the landfill.
Another problem is that plastic products are finding their way into the ocean. 80% of plastic in the ocean is surprisingly coming from land! But how on earth is it getting into the ocean? I hear you ask! Lets discuss:
How is plastic getting into the ocean?
- Landfill – When rubbish is transported to landfill, the wind picks up the plastic because it is so lightweight, which can blow it into the ocean.
- Littering – Once litter has been dropped onto the street, it is then carried by the rain and wind, down the drains into rivers and steams, and eventually makes its way into the ocean.
- The toilet – Products we use in our every life such as cotton buds, menstrual products and wet wipes which are flushed down the toilet.
- Beach goers – Rubbish left behind on beaches can be blown into the ocean.
These are just the tip of the iceberg as there are more ways in which plastic finds its way into the ocean.
Sustainable hair removal
We’ve discussed the environmental impact of disposable razors, so does this mean you have to stop shaving altogether? Well this is an option (see below), but of course you can still be environmentally conscious, and have a smooth face, legs or wherever else you like to shave!
1. Don’t shave
One of the most environmentally friendly way to deal with body/facial hair, is to leave it be. This requires nothing going to landfill, no product use such as shaving foam and no water waste. This isn’t for everyone and that’s okay!
2. Safety razor
A safety razor is a double edged razor. Whereas a disposable razor has multiple blades, the safety razor has a single blade.
Benefits:
- Good for your wallet – Even though a safety razor is initially more expensive, they are cheaper in the long run.
- Looks good– A safety razor looks very vintage and sophisticated compared to a disposable razor, whilst sitting in your bathroom.
- Better for sensitive skin – Closer shave & less irritation because of less blades.
- Unisex – Women don’t need to spend more money on razors.
- Long lasting – If looked after properly a safety razor can last you a lifetime and beyond!
- Eco friendly– Unlike disposable razor blades, safety razors can be recycled (Check with your local recycling center (usually comes under scrap metal).
PRICE COMPARISON Disposable razor vs safety razor
| Type of razor | Gender | Initial cost | Long term cost | Individual Blade cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety razor | Unisex | Mutiny Razor £15 | 100 Replacement blades £12 | £0.12p per blade |
| Disposable razor (Cartridge) | Men | Gillette Fusion 5 £20 | 4 replacement razor blades £13.49 | £3.38 per razor blade |
| Disposable razor (cartridge) | Women | Venus & Olay Comfort glide Women’s Razor £11.55 | 3 replacement razor blades £11.55 | £3.85 per razor blade |
Please note: I am in no way sponsored by Mutiny Shaving. I already own one of their safety razors, which I bought with my own money and I highly recommend them! P.s. I really love the pirate theme!
3. Epilator (device)
An epilator is a handheld device with several rows of tweezers, which once held against the skin pulls the hair out from the root.
Benefits:
- Unisex – That’s right men can use an epilator too! Learn more.
- Hair free for longer – Hair takes a few weeks to to grow back (varies from person to person).
- Eco-friendly – Nothing is thrown away, apart from hairs!
- Long lasting – An epilator will last you a long time! (It’s recommend to replace them every 2 years; but I have found old epilators still work).
- Money saving – After the initial cost you don’t need to pay for anything else but electricity to run it. Also you don’t need to spend money on shaving gel!
- Budget friendly – There is an epilator to suit every budget.
Electric razor
BENEFITS:
An electric razor is an electronically charged handheld device, which trims away the hair. They can be cordless or corded. They are available in either in a foil or rotary style, this applies to both men and women’s electric razors. Lady shavers are also a form of electric shaver.
- Unisex – Available for both men and women.
- No nicks or cuts – There is no sharp blade.
- Saves you money – After the initial cost (budget friendly options available) there are no costs part from replacing the foil.
- No shaving foam or water needed – Which saves you both money and water!
- Eco friendly – No blades to throw away!
Straight razor
A straight razor (also called a cutthroat razor) is a straight razor with folds down into its own handle.
BENEFITS:
- Unisex – Yes you read that right, women can also use a safety razor.
- Long lasting – If looked after well it can last a lifetime and beyond!
- Eco-friendly – There are no blades to throw away!
- Very close shave – Gives a smoother shave than other razors.
Summary
In this blog post we discussed the history of the disposable razor, which was sold in 1904 by King Camp Gillette (with the help of William Emery Nickerson). The environmental impact of the disposable razor because they are ending up in the landfill, and making there way into the ocean (along with other plastic pollution).
There are different ways of sustainably removing hair. The safety razor is one of the best options because it is a beginner friendly option when compared with the straight razor. It will last a life time when compared to an epilator or electric razor. As well as being good for the planet its a dirt cheap to run, making it good for your wallet!
Are you surprised at the price comparison of the safety razor Vs the disposable razor? Are you thinking of trying the safety razor? Let me know in the comments below.
Did I miss something? Are there any other sustainable hair removal options, I didn’t mention? Please let me know!
This Weeks Challenge! This week I challenge you to finish using your disposable razors and then replace them with an sustainable alternative. Please don’t throw away perfectly usable items! Let me know how you did in the comments below.
Sharing is caring! If you enjoyed reading this blog post please share it with a friend!
How Can I help? Is there a personal care or beauty related area of zero waste you are struggling with? Let me help you by commenting below!
Stay Safe,
Stacey @ The Green Sheep Blog
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Here at The Green Sheep Blog I support The Black Lives Matter movement. Please donate if you can to Black Lives Matter, Black Visions Collective, or The George Floyd Fundraiser.
For more resources and petitions you can sign. Please visit my blog Anti-Racism Resources & why I cancelled this weeks blog
FOLLOW MY BLOG
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
The Green Sheep Blog 
Like!! Thank you for publishing this awesome article.
LikeLike
Thank you for reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome website, thanks a million for showing us
LikeLike
Great information, thanks for showing us
LikeLike