The Environmental Cost of Shaving: How Switching to a Safety Razor Reduces Waste

Every year, billions of disposable razors and plastic cartridge refills end up in landfills, taking hundreds of years to decompose. The environmental cost of shaving is staggering, but many people are unaware of the hidden impact of their daily grooming routine. From non-recyclable plastic handles to excessive packaging, the conventional shaving industry has long prioritized convenience over sustainability.

Fortunately, a growing movement toward zero waste shaving is gaining momentum. By switching to a reusable safety razor, you can drastically reduce your personal waste footprint while enjoying a closer, more comfortable shave. In this article, we’ll break down the environmental toll of cartridge razors, compare them to sustainable alternatives, and show you how easy it is to make the switch.

The Hidden Plastic Problem in Your Bathroom

The average cartridge razor is made of multiple types of plastic, metal, and rubber that are fused together, making them nearly impossible to recycle. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over 2 billion disposable razors are thrown away each year in the United States alone. Most of these end up in landfills or the ocean, where they break down into microplastics that harm marine life and enter the food chain.

Beyond the razors themselves, the packaging for cartridge refills is often excessive. Each refill comes in a plastic blister pack with a cardboard backing, and those packs are frequently sold in multi-packs inside even larger plastic shells. This creates an enormous amount of waste for a product that is designed to be thrown away after just a few uses.

• 2 billion disposable razors discarded annually in the U.S.
• Cartridge handles are typically non-recyclable due to mixed materials
• Blade refill packaging often includes non-recyclable plastic and foil

How Safety Razors Slash Your Waste Footprint

A traditional double-edge safety razor is built to last a lifetime. Made from metal — often aluminum, brass, or stainless steel — these razors have no plastic components and require only the thin steel blade to be replaced. The blades themselves are 100% recyclable, and many brands now offer blade recycling programs or mail-back envelopes to ensure responsible disposal.

For example, the Henson AL13 in Tan is precision-machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, meaning it will never rust or degrade. You use it for years, even decades, with only the blade needing replacement. And because double-edge blades are sold in simple paper or cardboard packaging, there’s virtually no plastic waste. Over a lifetime, switching to a safety razor can prevent hundreds of pounds of plastic from entering the waste stream.

• One safety razor handle lasts decades — no more buying plastic handles every few months
• Blades are recyclable steel, often packaged in recyclable paper or cardboard
• Zero plastic in the razor itself

Comparing the Carbon Footprint: Cartridge vs. Safety Razor

A lifecycle analysis of shaving products reveals that the manufacturing and transportation of cartridge razors generate significantly more greenhouse gas emissions than safety razors. Producing a single plastic cartridge requires petroleum extraction, refining, molding, and assembly — all energy-intensive steps. In contrast, a machined aluminum safety razor like the Henson AL13 in Steel Blue is produced with fewer materials and less energy over its lifetime because it is used repeatedly.

Additionally, the weight and volume of cartridge refills contribute to higher shipping emissions. A pack of 10 cartridge refills weighs as much as 100 double-edge blades, meaning more fuel is required to transport the same number of shaves. By choosing a safety razor, you’re not only reducing waste but also lowering your carbon footprint.

• Cartridge production uses petroleum-based plastics; safety razors use machined metal
• Double-edge blades are lighter and more compact, reducing shipping emissions
• A reusable handle eliminates the need for repeated manufacturing of plastic handles

Zero Waste Shaving: More Than Just the Razor

To truly embrace sustainable shaving, consider the entire routine. Start with a pre-shave cleanser that comes in recyclable or refillable packaging. Many brands now offer solid shaving soaps in compostable wrappers or reusable tins, eliminating the need for aerosol cans and plastic tubes. A simple brush and bowl can replace canned foam, and an alum block or natural balm can serve as a plastic-free aftershave.

A great first step is to pair your safety razor with a pre-shave cleanser. The Cleanse Pre-Shave Cleanser prepares your skin for a smooth shave while being gentle on the environment. By choosing products with minimal or recyclable packaging, you can achieve a nearly zero waste shaving routine that feels luxurious and responsible.

• Use a pre-shave cleanser in recyclable packaging
• Swap aerosol foam for a shaving soap and brush
• Finish with an alum block or natural balm instead of plastic bottles

Making the switch to a safety razor is one of the most impactful changes you can make for the planet — and your skin. By eliminating plastic waste, reducing manufacturing emissions, and choosing products with sustainable packaging, you can enjoy a superior shave while helping to protect the environment. Start your zero waste shaving journey today with a precision-machined safety razor and feel good about every shave.