A Greener Shaving Solution: RetroRazor

October 27, 2009 by La Mama Naturale'  
Filed under eco-friendly

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Okay, so it’s been a month since I’ve discussed my experience about the Ditch the Disposables challenge. Just a reminder in case some of you are new… I challenged myself to do away with disposable razors. I’ve found the perfect solution too! My goal was to try and find an eco friendly wax of some sort…which I did come across at the Whole Foods Market.

It sounded like a great solution until I realized that it too was disposable in some way. After a few uses I’d have to buy a brand new box again. Plus, I’m still leaving trash behind (if not more)…wax paper- the tin the wax came in, the paper box etc. (all recyclable -but still!)  One method came with a plastic applicator just depending on how you wanted to apply it.

parissa

On top of the waste and cost- it was not a product made in the U.S.A.  I like to support products from the US before an oversees product or from somewhere else. It’s  how I roll! So, I settled with a Preserve razor instead which happened to be  less in price at $7.99 than the wax kit which was double.  The Preserve razors are recyclable including contents(cartridge) and packing.  I’d settled with the razor with the intentions of looking into an eco friendly version at my local health food store (Whole Foods is approx. 35 minutes away!).

I didn’t use the razor right away- not because I using something else  but honestly and truly it was lack of time. My situation did get hairy afterall! LOL!  A week and a half later, I finally took the razor out of it’s package and used it. I’m actually quite impressed at how well the razor works. I have to admit that when I first took it out of the package just based on looks and first impression I didn’t think I made the right choice. I was wrong. It’s lightweight, easy to use and shaves like any other disposable razor. The blades have stayed sharp and the gooey pads at the top haven’ t worn too badly. I’m nearing a switch out though (package came with one extra blade).

Yesterday, I was at the local health food store and did not find any greener shaving options. I was bummed. I thought for sure they’d have something. I know I can probably find an electric razor or even better a wind up one but I’m looking for the solution that reduces my carbon footprint significantly. My husband and I discussed this topic in length and brought up the simple fact of how things were done before disposables. What did our grandparents do? What did their grandparents do to get the job done?

Then one day while perusing Natural Papa’s site I learned that he also writes for Shaving Stuff.  Anyway, after reading through a few old posts I found out about RetroRazor.

“A Greener, Cheaper, Closer Way To Shave… And With Moxy!”

retrorazor

Take me back in time, I’m sold! I’m so going to try out one of their RetroRazors and I’m even considering a Merker as a X-Mas present for the hubby! I want to get rid of disposable razors for good and start saving money and the planet by investing in a RetroRazor. I can totally see myself getting my retro on! I’d be able to rest peacefully at night knowing I spared the landfills.

I’m super jazzed about this company and can’t wait to start saving and shaving! Not only am I super jazzed  but these razors reduce razor burn and are touted- ladies- to leave your legs feeling like they’ve been waxed.  It’s all about going back to the old skool shave, people! Let’s stop putting money the pockets of these big corporations and start supporting the little guys and our planet. I’m all about ridding the marketing malarky!

Read some of their Frequently Asked Questions… (and remember to read the rest by clicking here!)

How close of a shave and is it safe?

Safety Razors give an amazing shave. Better than disposables.  The risk of nicks and cuts are the same as with a disposable razor. It takes a bit of time to get used to shaving: angle and pressure are critical, and you make multiple passes. But amazing results!

How Eco Friendly are Safety Razors?

Safety Razor blades reduce waste by up to 97% vs. plastic and cartridge razors. There is minimal packaging for replacements, and the blade itself is only a single strip of metal.

Reduce Waste by 97% with the RetroRazor

According to the EPA, two billion disposable razors are landfilled annually. 2,000,000,000.

Double edge blades are incredibly resource efficient it is just a single strip of metal!

Safety Razor razor blades have minimal packaging and plastic waste. Double Edge blades are wrapped in a small piece of waxed paper, and in a small container the size of a matchbox. Even with the packaging, they have 97% less material than disposables.

Can blades be recycled?

No. Most recyclers hand sort, and blades are sharp. Collect used blades in a tin can, and after a decade dispose of them. Sleep well knowing you reduced your shaving footprint magnitudes!

Safety Razors are not just for men they are for women too! So, c’mon ladies let’s change the way we shave. I’ve given a few good reasons too- help save the planet, save cash, and no more razor burn! That’s a biggie for some women- especially in the err, em- bikini zone!

Okay, so you know about a way, way,  eco-cool option  to shave with versus the pesky, plastic(y), landfill litter yuck…

And now to find out whether I like shaving soap or creams- doesn’t that sound like fun?!?!

The journey begins…c’mon ladies & gent’s let’s get a greener, sexier, and vintage way to shave…

Do you have the moxy to try out one of these?

Have you tried out a Safety Razor? Tell us your experience!

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Comments

10 Comments on "A Greener Shaving Solution: RetroRazor"

  1. Tweets that mention Recycle Your Day » A Greener Shaving Solution: RetroRazor -- Topsy.com on Wed, 28th Oct 2009 5:28 am 

    [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by LaMamaNaturale, katonahgreen. katonahgreen said: RT @LaMamaNaturale Change the way you shave- go green & retro! http://bit.ly/11IXWi [...]

  2. » Recycle Your Day » A Greener Shaving Solution: RetroRazor on Wed, 28th Oct 2009 8:20 am 

    [...] Read more:  Recycle Your Day » A Greener Shaving Solution: RetroRazor [...]

  3. Dawn (Painter Mommy) on Thu, 29th Oct 2009 1:44 am 

    This razor looks great! I will have to give it a try. Thanks for the great review!

    DAWN

  4. Karin on Thu, 29th Oct 2009 4:54 am 

    First of all, thanks for all your great posts on your eco-friendly family! I have been trying to green my lifestyle and save money in the process and your tips are really helpful!

    I have gotten so tired of buying razor replacements at almost $2 a piece for 3 good shaves–I mean, you know someone’s turning a huge profit on these because they can’t cost that much to make. I hate the tremendous waste they make as well.

    My husband recently got into old school shaving after reading the blog “The Art of Manliness.” He bought a safety razor and supplies at The Art of Shaving. It’s pretty pricey there (I’m sure the Internet has cheaper options), but the razor will last forever and he ordered a box of 200 blades for $20 online. With shaving cream supplies, it’s less than $0.10 per shave and there’s almost no waste, as you mentioned.

    I decided to try his razor and it definitely requires tips your mother never taught you (but your father probably could have). Here’s the tips I gathered:

    1) You need a lot of good foam going to start and you should keep the skin wet and foamy the whole time.
    2) All the disposable razor ads tell you long swipes against the grain with multiple blades is best, but the opposite is true.
    3) Use short strokes at a 45 degree angle WITH the grain first to cut the hair down.
    4) Once you’ve done a few passes, THEN go against the grain for a closer shave.
    5) Go really SLOWLY, especially in hard areas like ankles, knees, armpits, and bikini line.
    6) You can practice without the blade in at first to test the contours of your body.
    7) These blades are REALLY sharp and you can cut yourself easily, so just be careful and work SLOWLY until you get the hang of it.
    8) You get about 3-5 good shaves with the blade and you can use both edges.

    The shave lasts about as long as a disposable shave, but it does seems to be a closer shave. The best part, though, is that its a lot cheaper and creates MUCH less waste, which will make you smile even if a Band-Aid is required on your first attempt. :o )

    Happy shaving!

  5. Lynnette on Thu, 29th Oct 2009 4:06 pm 

    Wow, I had no idea about the shaving options out there. I’m definately going to try this out. Karin, I looked at the art of shaving, and in googling it, learned that they were just bought by Proctor and Gamble/Gillette-yuck. Perhaps this is a sign that the future of shaving is green!

    LB

  6. La Mama Naturale' on Fri, 30th Oct 2009 3:01 am 

    Dawn
    Hey girlie,
    I’m excited to try this out! I’ll keep you posted ;)
    Hi Karin!
    Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your wonderful comment. This is going to be soooo helpful!! Appreciate it. Hope too hear from you in the future. :)
    Lynette,
    Hi there! Thank for stopping by and leaving this comment. I had no idea- but it’s not surprising!! I hope this is a sign! I’m not falling for the scheme any longer…time to save $$ and the planet + get an effective shave!!! :)

  7. mikhon on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 4:02 pm 

    Great ideas here regarding on reasons to recycle. Nice looking razor. Hope to give it a try. No matter what reasons we have when it comes to recycling is always been great and important. It contribute a lot. so thanks for your ideas here. This is really great.

  8. Andrew on Mon, 2nd Nov 2009 7:35 pm 

    I couldn’t find a shaving razor that I liked, too many razor blades, not a good shave and lots of unnecessary waste. So I designed my own safety razor based on the classic double edged razor. Using computer aided design with modern materials I’ve now created the perfect shave by a razor that will last a lifetime. To find out more visit my website http://www.goodfella.com or visit my blog Shaving & Razors by Goodfella now

  9. Karin on Wed, 4th Nov 2009 12:43 pm 

    Lynette, thanks for letting me know about the buy-out of Art of Shaving. Gross! Glad we bought before then. Guess we’ll have to buy additional supplies elsewhere!

    Thanks!

  10. Recycle Your Day » Review + {Giveaway Time!} on Wed, 18th Nov 2009 1:12 pm 

    [...] I told ya about the RetroRazor a few weeks back and NOW I’m ready to report! HOLY GREEN SHAVING… Honestly, I’m [...]

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