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), Ethique Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bar.
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 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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
- 8
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.
- 9
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.
- 10ExcellentB CorpVeganCruelty-FreeLeaping Bunny+2 more4.8 (18,500)
A plastic-free, waterless alternative to traditional toothpaste, featuring Nano-Hydroxyapatite to strengthen enamel without fluoride.
- 11
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.
- 12ExcellentB 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.
- 13
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.
- 14
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.
- 15
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.
- 16
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.
- 17
ExcellentCruelty-FreeLeaping BunnyVeganEWG Verified4.4 (5,200)A BIPOC-woman-owned brand that revolutionized the natural deodorant market with an activated charcoal formula that actually works without synthetic chemicals.
- 18
ExcellentLeaping BunnyPETA ApprovedCertified Humane4.2 (480)A plastic-free, vegan mineral sunblock housed in an infinitely recyclable aluminum tube, perfect for sensitive skin.
- 19
ExcellentGOTSOEKO-TEX1% for the Planet4.9 (85)A high-end, sustainable alternative to plastic space blankets, crafted in Japan from organic cotton to provide warmth and skin-safe comfort during recovery or crises.
- 20
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.
- 21
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.
- 22
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.
- 23
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.
- 24
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicRegenerative OrganicB Corp+1 more4.9 (8,200)Quite literally the gold standard for ethical sourcing, this coconut oil supports regenerative agriculture and fair wages for thousands of farmers in Sri Lanka.
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.