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: The Single Edge SE Razor Starter Kit by Supply (94/100 ethics). Runners-up: RSPO-Segregated Organic Intimate Care & Menstrual Set, Ethique Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bar, The Re-Usable Round.
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
ExcellentPETA ApprovedClimate NeutralAn ultra-premium, zero-waste shaving system designed to eliminate ingrown hairs and plastic waste, featuring a lifetime-guaranteed alloy handle.
- 2
ExcellentB CorpGOTS Certified1% for the PlanetA 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.
- 3
ExcellentB CorpCruelty-FreeVeganClimate Neutral+2 moreA plastic-free, highly concentrated shampoo bar that replaces three plastic bottles, featuring fair-trade ingredients and carbon-neutral shipping.
- 4
ExcellentB CorpCradle to CradleGlobal Recycled StandardA 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.
- 5
ExcellentGOTSOEKO-TEXClimate Neutral1% for the PlanetA premium, hypoallergenic lumbar support pillow made from 100% GOLS organic certified latex and GOTS organic cotton, ideal for posture correction during downsizing transitions.
- 6
ExcellentVeganCruelty-FreePlastic FreeThis WELDENTAL bundle replaces plastic tubes and synthetic floss with glass jars, compostable refills, and hydroxyapatite-based oral care.
- 7
ExcellentCradle to CradlePETA ApprovedB CorpA bulk-buy subscription staple for period care made from organic Oeko-Tex bamboo, featuring 100% plastic-free packaging.
- 8
ExcellentGOTSOEKO-TEX1% for the PlanetA 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.
- 9
ExcellentFair TradeCruelty-FreeGOTSNon-GMOA traditional Geisha-inspired exfoliation set using Kyoto-sourced silk and pure botanical balms, ideal for hormonal acne and dullness during pregnancy.
- 10
ExcellentGOTSOEKO-TEXVeganCruelty-Free+1 moreLunette’s organic cotton period panties offer a reusable, low-waste solution for heavy/overnight flows. Machine-washable, leakproof, and made ethically in Finland.
- 11
ExcellentFSC CertifiedVeganA professional-grade styling set featuring FSC-certified bamboo handles and heat-resistant natural bristles, crafted by one of Germany's oldest heritage brands.
- 12
ExcellentB CorpFair TradeUSDA OrganicLeaping Bunny+2 moreThe gold standard of ethical cleaning. A highly concentrated, multi-surface liquid soap made from organic oils and fair trade ingredients in 100% PCR packaging.
- 13
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicB CorpLeaping Bunny+2 moreThe gold standard of ethical soaps, featuring regenerative organic palm oil and a legacy of fair-trade advocacy and radical transparency.
- 14
ExcellentFair TradeUSDA OrganicRegenerative OrganicLeaping Bunny+1 moreThe ultimate multi-tasker for minimalist hosts; one bottle can wash hands, body, hair, and even dishes.
- 15
ExcellentB CorpVeganCruelty-FreeLeaping Bunny+2 moreA fluoride-free, 70% organic toothpaste that leads the industry in fair trade sourcing and activist corporate governance.
- 16
ExcellentFair TradePETA ApprovedCruelty-FreeA hand-crafted, raw wellness balm produced by women’s cooperatives in Ghana, ideal for gluten-free skin nutrition and head-to-toe hydration.
- 17
ExcellentB CorpLeaping BunnyVeganUSDA Organic+1 moreA high-potency, carbon-extracted rosehip oil designed specifically for sensitive skin, backed by rigorous B Corp standards and organic agricultural sourcing.
- 18
ExcellentVeganPETA Approved1% for the PlanetA zero-waste oral care system consisting of fluoride-free tablets in a refillable glass jar, featuring ingredients sourced from ethical Eastern European partners.
- 19
ExcellentFair TradePETA ApprovedB CorpEWG VerifiedAn authentic, fair-trade liquid soap crafted by a women's cooperative in Togo, perfect for hosts seeking a socially impactful amenity.
- 20
ExcellentFair TradeNon-GMOEWG VerifiedPETA ApprovedA culturally authentic, multipurpose soap that funds community empowerment projects in Togo through a direct-trade model.
- 21
ExcellentFair TradeLeaping BunnyB CorpNon-GMOA moisturizing, sulfate-free bubble bath featuring handcrafted fair-trade shea butter and calming lavender oil.
- 22
ExcellentVeganCruelty-Free1% for the PlanetPETA ApprovedA socially conscious fragrance house that empowers female harvesters, offering a travel-sized discovery set perfect for gifting.
- 23
ExcellentFair TradeCruelty-FreeEWG VerifiedB CorpAn ultra-moisturizing, ethical body lotion crafted with fair-trade unrefined shea butter and neem extract to nourish and protect dry skin.
- 24
ExcellentB CorpUSDA OrganicNon-GMOFair TradeA gold-standard adaptogenic supplement produced through regenerative agriculture and fair trade partnerships with small family farmers in India.
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.