Green Shaving – Making Your Shave Organic

Problem

Plastics Production
Switching to an electric or straight razor will keep plastic disposable razors from being made and filling up the landfills when you are done with them.

Hidden Cancer-Causers
Triethanolamine (TEA) or diethanolamine (DEA) are both present in a lot of shaving products as emulsifiers, and are known carcinogens. Do you really want to be using these when there is a good chance that they can get into your bloodstream?

Energy Consumption
When using an electric razor, you could be drawing a lot of energy. Purchase an Energy Star rated razor to cut down on energy consumption, or use a straight razor.

Solution

Stop Using Disposables
Disposable razors fill up landfills and waste petroleum through the plastics production.

Go for Disposable Blades
If you can’t afford an electric razor and simply wish to avoid a straight razor, disposable blade razors are the next best thing.

Clean Up before you Trim
Wash your face before shaving – this will make a huge difference in how good your shave is. Good old soap and water or your girlfriend’s cleanser will do fine (just ask her first!).

Shaving Gel & Cream
Avoid all of the carcinogens and opt for a more natural shave. Aveda’s Rosemary Mint shaving gel will give you a close shave without making you smell like a girl, and it is all natural. Similar products are available from most health food stores, or from herbancowboy.com.

Aftershave
Avoid drying alcohol aftershaves as they not only dry and irritate the skin, but may contain harmful chemicals as well.

CFC-Free – Of Course it Is
Don’t be fooled by this particular greenwashing label. CFC’s have been banned by most of the world for 30 years. You will probably want to avoid products with this label – what else are they hiding?

Super Green Me Tips

Straighten Up
Purchase and use a straight razor and shaving soap. Your grandfather’s old method of shaving is also the best for the environment. If you need to get the technique down and nobody in your family can show you, take a trip to your local old-school barber to get a lesson. They’ll be happy to show you how to do it yourself for an extra little bit in the tip cup!

Or simply go with Mother Earth News’ helpful how-to article:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/1972-03-01/How-To-Use-A-Straight-Razor.aspx

Not only will you be saving the earth, you won’t ever need to prove your masculinity to your friends again.

Effectiveness / Result

The Facts

Braun claims that using their Energy Star shaver over other electric shavers will save 12 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

2 Billion disposable razors are purchased annually in the US alone. -Supergreenme