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All of the businesses recommended by us have the planet in mind. From plastic-free to long lasting, we've chosen partners that reflect our ideals.
Putting together a shaving kit that's sustainable is easy these days. You no longer have to pay a pretty penny for disposable razors and blades every week. Eco-friendly and reusable shaving products are readily available, so you'll never have a problem getting everyday essentials for your shaving kit.
A reusable DE safety razor
For those who are new to shaving with a double-edge razor, start with a safety razor that is closed combed with a grooved or scalloped edge to the safety bar. These razors are perfect for daily shaving and less aggressive than open comb razors. Closed comb razors are much safer.
Natural shaving soap
Opt for shaving soap that's free from chemicals and nasties, and full of natural ingredients. Your skin will thank you for it. Many natural shaving soap bars are free from plastic, too.
Sharp double-edge blades
Not all safety razor blades are made the same. A blade's aggressiveness and coating can differ. As a rule of thumb, those with finer hair or sensitive skin should go for a blade that's less aggressive. Those with coarser hair should go for a blade that is sharper and aggressive.
Razor storage
Your shaving kit will need to contain a box, stand or travel bag that will help protect your razor from moisture in the bathroom. Alternatively, keep your razor away from the bathroom after each use. This will prevent the blade from blunting too quickly and stop your razor from degrading.
|Other shaving products to consider. To prepare your skin before shaving, use a soft cotton flannel to open up your pores and soften the are of skin. Make sure to use a natural moisturiser or balm on your skin after shaving, especially for those with senstive skin. Many people prefer to use a shaving brush and bowl to apply soap or foam to their skin.
Are you still shaving with a disposable razor?
We compare reusable razors with disposable cartridge razors to see which is better for the planet, the pocket and the skin.
Whether you're leaving the country for business or leisure, travelling with grooming products can raise questions and cause confusion. Here are a few tips you need to know when travelling with a safety razor.
Blades in carry-on baggage
Double-edge safety razor blades are not permitted within hand luggage. If you want to take them on a plane, blades must be kept in your hold luggage. If you're taking your razor in your carry-on bag, make sure it has no blade inside.
Taking shaving accessories
Shaving soap bars are ideal for carry-on or hold luggage, as they don't have a capped liquid amount of 100ml and are compact to travel with. A soap tin is also recommended for soaps that are already in use. Shaving brushes, wash bags or travel bags will also be really handy.
Buying products on holiday
The good thing about shaving with a safety razor is that double-edge blades and shaving soap are available to buy in most major supermarkets. You could even find your nearest plastic-free or eco shop with a little research. Pack your safety razor and travel bag, and enjoy your holiday!
|Alway double check with the airline & airport. Even though we've provided a general rule of thumb for travelling with safety razors, it's best to make sure before you travel. UK airports, for example, currently only allow liquids to be a maximum of 100ml. But this may be changing in 2024. Visit your departure airport's website, as well as your airline, to stay up to date.
Getting the basics of a travel shaving set
It's as simple as owning a safety razor, having blades and something to carry it in. The rest can purchased on holiday.
Shaving with a single-blade safety razor is a lot more sensitive on your skin than razors with three to five blades.
The reason is purely logical. The less scraping and raking you do, the kinder it is to your skin.
Using a safety razor is all about crafting your technique and once you get it right, you'll get the closest and cleanest shave you've ever had.
Reusable safety razors were ultimately designed to last a lifetime.
The materials used to manufacture safety razors are robust and long lasting, so with a little bit of care and maintenance your razor could last you as long as you need it.
This is why traditional wet shaving has come full circle, because people are noticing the key benefits once again.
A common cause of damage to safety razors is exposure to moisture when it's not in use.
It's important to make sure you keep your safety razor dry when you have finished using it. A tried and tested technique is to unscrew the head of the razor and safely place the blade to the side.
Using a dry cloth, gently wipe the handle and each plate of the razor head until all excess water has been wiped away.
Make sure you don't wipe the blade with a cloth, as this may blunt the edges. Carefully pick up the blade making sure you don't hold the sharp edges and give it a little shake, ensuring excess water is removed.
Then carefully put your safety razor head back together with the blade and screw into the razor handle.
It may sound counter productive, but don't keep your safety razor in the bathroom unless it is in a place that is kept away from moisture.
Using a drawstring hessian travel bag is a great way of keeping your safety razor dry in the bathroom, as long as it kept in a cabinet or a box that has a tightly closed door or lid.
It's perfectly fine to take your safety razor with you on a flight, but you cannot take loose blades in your carry-on luggage. If you have checked luggage, it'd be ideal to store your safety razor and blades in there.
If you only have carry-on luggage, do not carry any razor blades with you because they will be confiscated by airport security when your baggage is being scanned. Even if you don't have any blades with you, it's likely security will still want to check your safety razor.
The great thing about safety razors is that double-edge replacement blades can be picked up in a lot places and cheaply. Once you have landed in your destination, look for the nearest pharmacy and purchase some blades there.
FAQs: sustainability & sustainable brands & shops
Being sustainable can be challenging, but it's not necessarily difficult once you develop the right habits.
The initial effort often involves making more conscious choices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and choosing eco-friendly products.
These changes might require some adjustment, like spending time researching sustainable brands or altering daily routines. However, as these practices become part of your lifestyle, they become easier to maintain.
Additionally, with growing awareness and resources available, being sustainable is becoming increasingly accessible, making the process less daunting over time.
Ultimately, the key is to start small and gradually build more sustainable habits.
To be more sustainable, you can start by making conscious choices in your daily life. Reduce waste by recycling, composting and opting for reusable products instead of single-use items.
Conserve energy by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights when not in use and considering renewable energy sources like solar power.
Prioritise sustainable transportation options, such as walking, cycling or using public transport. Additionally, support eco-friendly and ethical brands, and reduce consumption by buying less and choosing quality over quantity.
Lastly, educate yourself and others about sustainable practices to make a broader impact.
When curating a sustainable directory, we focus on brands that prioritise environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste and minimising their carbon footprint.
We evaluate their ethical practices, including labour conditions, fair trade certifications and support for local communities.
We give preference to brands with recognised certifications such as B Corp, Fair Trade or Organic. Additionally, we prioritise transparency by choosing brands that openly share their production processes, sourcing and overall impact.
When evaluating sustainable brands, look for certifications that demonstrate their commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Key certifications include Fair Trade, which ensures ethical labour practices, and B Corp, which recognises companies meeting high social and environmental standards.
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certifies organic fibres, while Cradle to Cradle assesses products for safety, circularity, and sustainability. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures responsible forestry practices, and Leaping Bunny or Certified Vegan indicate cruelty-free and vegan products.
These certifications help verify that a brand is genuinely committed to sustainability.
Clothing brands can enhance sustainability by focusing on several strategies. They should prioritise sustainable materials, like organic cotton, recycled fabrics,and innovative alternatives such as hemp or bamboo.
Reducing waste through practices like zero-waste design and upcycling excess materials is also important. Additionally, ensuring ethical labour practices by providing fair wages and safe working conditions is crucial.
Brands can further promote sustainability by implementing clothing take-back programs and encouraging a shift towards slow fashion to mitigate the environmental impact of mass production and consumption.
