the use of disposable plastic razors and refillable plastic cartridge razors has become increasingly popular in recent years due to their low cost and convenience. unfortunately, the environmental impact of these cheap, disposable razors is often overlooked. the production of plastics requires energy-intensive processes, as does their disposal. once a plastic razor or cartridge enters the environment it will remain for hundreds of years. not so fun fact - over 2 billion plastic razors end up in landfills in the US each year. luckily, there are easy changes we can make to combat this problem. so let’s take a look at how plastic razors impact the environment and some alternatives that will help reduce your carbon footprint.
the plastic problem
plastic razors are composed of petroleum-based plastics, which require a great deal of energy to produce. this energy is typically generated by burning fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. on top of that, plastic razors are not recyclable due to their mixed material composition. when you throw away your razor it goes straight into a landfill or other garbage disposal center, where it will remain for hundreds of years with no biodegradation. plastic razors are also major contributors to the growing issue of trash in our oceans and on our beaches.
the health problem
plastic razor pollution can also have a direct effect on human health. when plastic razors break down in nature, they release tiny particles of microplastics into the environment that will eventually enter our water supply and food chain. microplastics are known to contain toxins such as lead and mercury, which are harmful to humans if consumed or inhaled. solid plastic waste is often mistaken for food by animals and birds, resulting in injury or even death due to intestinal blockage or poisoning.
the solution
fortunately, there are alternatives to plastic razors. you can opt for reusable metal razors like hanni’s weighted razor, a product we’re obviously partial to. hanni uses stainless steel blades which means they are infinitely recyclable, and one weighted razor can be used for many years, unlike their disposable counterparts. another newcomer, bamboo razors, are becoming increasingly popular as they are biodegradable and more sustainable than other options. by making the easy switch from disposable plastic razors to more sustainable alternatives like hanni, we can all help reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment from further damage.
