A Call to Rethink Disposable Razors
The environmental hazard that is disposable razors; it’s bad for the environment and your wallet
Razors are an essential. I used to not really care much about razors (I prefer waxing for the most part) — so I used to buy the disposable ones that I’d use when in a hurry and needed a quick removal of hair. Consequently, I didn’t think twice of what razor to buy and usually went for the easiest option available — disposable ones — until now.
Some industry insights
- Based on the U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS), 158.10 million Americans used disposable razor blades / shavers in 2020. This figure is projected to increase to 160.16 million in 2024.
- In the UK, in 2019, an estimated 5.5 million people used disposable razors.
- The global disposable razor blades market size is expected to reach USD 4.31 billion by 2027. The market size stood at USD 3.39 billion in 2019.
- As per the report Award Catalogue 2020 of BEYONDPLASTIC, about 5,000 billion disposable razor blades are used per year globally.
- BIC group which is ranked number two in the global one-piece razors market produces around 2.6 billion shavers along with 4.9 billion blades every year to serve the needs of the consumers.
Looking at these massive numbers and to think that all those millions and billions of razors manufactured and used ends up in the dump…
- A key development has been Gillette’s recycling programme in the UK. Instead of throwing away used cartridges, collect them and ship them off to Gillette completely free of cost.
The metal and plastic is separated and sent their own way to being reused and recycled. Check it out here.
There are three compelling reasons that’ll help make up one’s mind about disposable razors.
1. They’re not great
From the view of shaving, they really suck. After two strokes, they seem useless.
2. It’s a really bad investment in the long run
I’ve tried quite a few disposable ones. On average a pack (containing 4 –10 razors) ranges from 1£-2.50£. This is the one that I usually would get→ Gillette Venus 3 Blade Disposable Razors 4 Pack→ costs 2.50 for a pack. I’d buy two or three of these packs a month. Let’s assume three.
So a quick calculation gives us a monthly cost of: 2.5 * 3 = 7.5
Over the course of 12 months → £90!
Even if we calculate using two packs: 2.5 * 2 = 5
Over the course of 12 months → £60!
For someone who uses shaving as main method of hair removal may be buying and spending much more than just two or three packs.
We don’t realise we’re spending that much because the short-term cost is so low. Just £2.5 for a pack of four blades — what can possibly be wrong with this purchase?
3. They’re an environmental hazard
The next thing is the environmental cost. By the same calculation if I’m using 2 packs each month, I would be going through 8 * 12 = 96 blades a year! And all of them ending up in the bin. Plus the packaging.
Disposable razors are not easily recyclable. The different parts are made from different materials. The handle is mainly plastic and some sort of rubber for grip and the head is a mix of metal blades in a plastic frame. The sharp nature is hazardous and so they end up in landfill sites.
The alternatives
Cartridge razor blades
This is an option I’d looked at but is not much different than disposable razors with the only exception that the handle isn’t thrown away.
The issue of recycling the cartridge is again a major problem with almost all being thrown away in the trash.
The handle of the razor is again a mix of plastic, rubber and metal, which will surely find its way to a landfill, if not as quickly as disposable razors.
And of course, cartridge replacement costs are much much higher than the disposable ones.
Safety razor
All the above leading up to this — the safety razor! This has been one of the best purchases I’ve made, which is sure to last a lifetime, without leaving a trail of plastic waste.
The safety razor is completely metal. It’s so good to hold and its weight does all the trick of shaving; no applying pressure ourselves.
It uses a doubled edged razor blade — again all metal — and so the razor can be used by both sides. These blades can be recycled with other metals and, if allowed to rust and break down, decompose naturally over time without leaching toxic chemicals into waterways, soil, or the air.
It is truly an absolute zero-waste tool.
The cost? A pack of 100 safety razor blades on Amazon cost around £9 and the razor itself around £20. And that’s it. A total of £30 and you’re set for a very very very long time.
I’d highly highly recommend this to anyone to switch up their bathroom routine to be more eco-friendly. This is the best bet for one’s wallet, the environment and for the quality of shave. A win win win!
Switching to a safety razor, you can calculate how many disposable razors or cartridges you’ve prevented from reaching landfills and give yourself a big pat on the back for that! Because it does make a difference.
