Swap disposable razors for a safety razor
A metal safety razor lasts decades and takes recyclable steel blades that cost pennies — one of the cheapest long-run swaps there is.
2bn
disposable razors landfilled yearly in the US
~£0.10
per replacement blade
20+ yrs
life of a brass safety razor
TL;DR
Best replacement right now: Ethique Eco-Friendly Mint & Ginger Shampoo Bar by Ethique (98/100 ethics). Runners-up: Ethique Body Wash Bar, Solid Shampoo & Body Bar (The Original), RSPO-Segregated Organic Intimate Care & Menstrual Set.
How to make the switch
- Let the razor's weight do the work — no pressure, short strokes.
- Collect used blades in a steel tin and recycle the tin when full.
- Pair with a shave soap in a tin to drop the last plastic.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Expect a short learning curve; go slowly for the first few shaves.
- Loose blades are hazardous — never put them in a kerbside bin.
Top-scoring replacements
- 1
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVeganClimate Neutral+2 more4.5 (8,200)A zero-waste, plastic-free solid shampoo bar that replaces three plastic bottles, featuring fair-trade ingredients and a focus on water conservation.
- 2
ExcellentB CorpVeganCruelty-FreeFair Trade+2 more4.6 (4,200)A zero-waste, plastic-free body cleanser bar that replaces three bottles of liquid soap and uses regenerative fair-trade ingredients.
- 3
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVegan1% for the Planet4.5 (18,500)A zero-waste, plastic-free solution for hair and body, specifically curated for the minimalist traveler looking to bypass liquid restrictions.
- 4
ExcellentB CorpGOTS Certified1% for the Planet4.9 (89)A UK-based, women-owned B Corp offering the highest ethical standard in menstrual care. This bulk 'Sisterhood' bundle features GOTS organic cotton tampons and pads with RSPO-segregated inputs, ensuring zero deforestation.
- 5
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVeganClimate Neutral+2 more4.5 (6,400)A plastic-free, highly concentrated shampoo bar that replaces three plastic bottles, featuring fair-trade ingredients and carbon-neutral shipping.
- 6
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVeganPETA Approved+1 more4.5 (18,000)A revolutionary zero-waste alternative to traditional toothpaste. These dehydrated tablets eliminate the need for plastic tubes while providing essential dental care ingredients like Nano-Hydroxyapatite.
- 7
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeLeaping Bunny1% for the Planet4.7 (12,400)A high-performance, medical-grade silicone menstrual cup from a women-owned B Corp dedicated to period equity and sustainability.
- 8
ExcellentB CorpRed Dot Design AwardCircular Economy Foundation4.7 (840)A 100% biodegradable air purifier that replaces plastic HEPA filters with natural materials like moss, coconut, and charcoal.
- 9
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVegan1% for the Planet+2 more4.5 (8,200)An innovative, zero-waste alternative to traditional toothpaste. Bite eliminates plastic tubes and harsh chemicals, offering a dry-tablet format that is travel-friendly and carbon-neutral.
- 10
ExcellentB CorpFSC CertifiedVegan4.8 (22,000)A plastic-free, highly sustainable alternative to traditional wood-pulp toilet paper that donates 50% of profits to global sanitation projects.
- 11ExcellentB CorpVeganCruelty-FreeLeaping Bunny+2 more4.8 (18,500)
A plastic-free, waterless alternative to traditional toothpaste, featuring Nano-Hydroxyapatite to strengthen enamel without fluoride.
- 12
ExcellentB CorpCradle to CradleGlobal Recycled Standard4.5 (850)A revolutionary carbon-neutral alternative to single-use cotton pads, designed to be used up to 1,750 times and fully compostable at the end of its life.
- 13ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVegan1% for the Planet+1 more4.7 (12,450)
A high-performance, waterless shampoo bar from a New Zealand B Corp, perfect for carry-on only travel and strictly Halal-compliant with no alcohol or animal derivatives.
- 14
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreePlastic Free4.5 (412)A viral TikTok favorite for zero-waste enthusiasts, this WELDENTAL bundle replaces plastic tubes and synthetic floss with glass jars, compostable refills, and hydroxyapatite-based oral care.
- 15
ExcellentGOTSOEKO-TEXClimate Neutral1% for the Planet4.9 (440)A premium, hypoallergenic lumbar support pillow made from 100% GOLS organic certified latex and GOTS organic cotton, ideal for posture correction during downsizing transitions.
- 16
ExcellentVeganPETA Approved1% for the Planet4.8 (3,200)A potent, microplastic-free serum bundle from a leading German clean-beauty brand, focusing on pure ingredients and amber glass packaging.
- 17
ExcellentUSDA OrganicCruelty-FreeB Corp4.8 (420)A farm-to-bottle organic lip treatment crafted on a sustainable homestead in Washington State, focusing on pollinator protection and medicinal herbs.
- 18
ExcellentCruelty-FreeLeaping Bunny1% for the Planet4.8 (5,200)A women-owned, small-batch magnesium lotion designed specifically for pregnancy-related aches and insomnia, using 100% natural ingredients.
- 19
ExcellentLeaping BunnyVeganPETA ApprovedCruelty-Free4.7 (110)A studio-crafted concentrate featuring upcycled pomegranate rinds from juice processing, blended with Wild Rose from the Indian Khadi tradition.
- 20
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreeEWG Verified4.9 (480)A pure, cold-pressed facial oil made from wild-grown camellia seeds on Jeju Island, designed for deep repair and environmental protection.
- 21
ExcellentB CorpUSDA OrganicFair TradeLeaping Bunny+2 more4.6 (3,100)A highly ethical, multi-use lotion crafted with organic oils and fair trade ingredients, setting the industry standard for supply chain transparency and regenerative agriculture.
- 22
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+2 more4.9 (22,500)The gold standard of ethical cleaning. A highly concentrated, multi-surface liquid soap made from organic oils and fair trade ingredients in 100% PCR packaging.
- 23
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicB CorpLeaping Bunny+2 more4.8 (4,500)An ultra-ethical, multipurpose skin salve made with organic oils and fair-trade beeswax, setting the gold standard for corporate responsibility.
- 24
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicB CorpLeaping Bunny+2 more4.9 (22,000)The gold standard of ethical soaps, featuring regenerative organic palm oil and a legacy of fair-trade advocacy and radical transparency.
Categories in this swap
Frequently asked questions
Are safety razors safe for beginners?+
Yes, with light pressure and a 30° angle. Most nicks come from pressing, which the razor's weight makes unnecessary.
How do I dispose of blades?+
Keep a dedicated steel blade tin; once full, seal and place it in metal recycling — never loose in the bin.