Anyone who buys disposable razors or blades has been warned (Image: Getty)
They’re one of those products everyone has in their bathroom cupboard – and whether man or woman, you’ve probably bought at least one pack of razors in your lifetime.
Whether the cheapy plastic razors popular for women’s legs or the branded blades known as ‘the best a man can get’ for beards, disposable razors and razor blades are extremely commonplace and they often carry big profit margins for manufacturers, as well as potentially harming the .
In fact, razor blade profit margins are so healthy that they inspired an entire business model named after them.
As Investopedia says: “If you’ve ever purchased razors and their matching replacement blades, you know this business method well. The razor handles are practically free, but the replacement blades are expensive.”
But Christine Liu, writing in her book Sustainable Home, has warned that an even bigger problem than overspending is the eyewatering two billion disposable razors which are thrown away every year.
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She is urging households to consider ditching disposable shaving items and switch to a safety razor instead, not only to save the environment, but also to save money.
She said: “It is estimated that two billion disposable razors are thrown away on an annual basis. Similar to plastic toothbrushes, plastic razors are made to be used for only a limited period of time, but last for thousands of years in landfill.
“Although plastic razors can be a cheap one-time purchase, the costs add up.
“It’s wiser, and sustainably, to opt for a longer lasting metal safety razor.”
This is backed up by beauty blog FFS Beauty, which warns that disposable razors can even end up contaminating water supplies due to microplastics.
They add: “The long-term impact of disposable razors is the plastic that over time contributes to the contamination of our planet with microplastics (MP).
“As these razors break down, the plastic can break down into smaller and smaller pieces, eventually becoming microplastics. Microplastics can then be released into the environment through chemical leaching or physical processes like erosion. These can then be consumed by animals and end up in our food and water supply. “
Christine Liu says that despite their intimidating Sweeney Todd appearance, metal safety razors have been popular for hundreds of years and are made entirely from metal.
She adds: “When shaving, make sure that your skin is moisturised and lathered with soap to ensure a closer and smoother shave. Shaving during or after a shower makes for an easier process.
“Use your hand to gently pull the razor, being careful not to apply force. The blades of a safety razor are designed in a way so that their placement makes for the safest shave for your skin.”