Thanks for these very useful and informed points. I cover straight razors, which I also use and prefer, in part 2, which is available at http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/05/30/6-greener-alternatives-to-disposable-razors/

Thanks for these very useful and informed points. I cover straight razors, which I also use and prefer, in part 2, which is available at http://feelgoodstyle.com/2009/05/30/6-greener-alternatives-to-disposable-razors/

1. To remove the whiskers as close to the skin (preferably slightly below via mild dermabrasion) as possible
2. To protect your face from nicks, cuts and razor burn

Yeah, I know you greens are concerned about the packaging and the ingredients utilized in your favorite shaving products. However, one should be a bit selfish and take care of himself as best he can when dragging a razor blade across his skin. The author mentioned the all-important shaving brush made from badger’s fur. He forgot to mention that the American and European badgers are protected species and are no longer used to make shaving brushes. Today’s brushes are made from Chinese badgers, which are raised like cattle and remain in abundance. He also forgot to mention the importance of hot water to soften the beard. I remember he did a post months ago on the green benefits of taking cold showers, but ignore that bit of advice when preparing your face for a shave. While I agree that almost anything is better than a can-o-foam, most soaps leave a little to be desired in the area of water retention and slipperiness. A cream that can be used with a brush is usually a better choice. I started the wet shaving process in 2006, and the best shave cream that I have used to date is made by Cyril R. Salter. I do not know if it qualifies as a green product but it does the job quite well. Lastly, and I am sure that Gavin will get to this, is good quality razor. A straight razor for the brave or a double-edge razor for the rest of us will prove itself superior to any of the throwaway models or the models that use plastic disposable cartridges.

The green benefits of wet shaving as seen by a non-green are as follows:

1. Fewer pressurized steel containers to manufacture and to dispose of.
2. The superior slipperiness of good quality soaps and creams reduce water consumption by reducing the need to re-wet one’s face.
3. No disposable plastic razors or cartridges to send to the landfill. The thin piece of steel used for a DE blade will rust away in a few months.

Good post! I hope that I did not branch into Parts 2 and 3 too much. Looking forward to them.

1. To remove the whiskers as close to the skin (preferably slightly below via mild dermabrasion) as possible
2. To protect your face from nicks, cuts and razor burn

Yeah, I know you greens are concerned about the packaging and the ingredients utilized in your favorite shaving products. However, one should be a bit selfish and take care of himself as best he can when dragging a razor blade across his skin. The author mentioned the all-important shaving brush made from badger’s fur. He forgot to mention that the American and European badgers are protected species and are no longer used to make shaving brushes. Today’s brushes are made from Chinese badgers, which are raised like cattle and remain in abundance. He also forgot to mention the importance of hot water to soften the beard. I remember he did a post months ago on the green benefits of taking cold showers, but ignore that bit of advice when preparing your face for a shave. While I agree that almost anything is better than a can-o-foam, most soaps leave a little to be desired in the area of water retention and slipperiness. A cream that can be used with a brush is usually a better choice. I started the wet shaving process in 2006, and the best shave cream that I have used to date is made by Cyril R. Salter. I do not know if it qualifies as a green product but it does the job quite well. Lastly, and I am sure that Gavin will get to this, is good quality razor. A straight razor for the brave or a double-edge razor for the rest of us will prove itself superior to any of the throwaway models or the models that use plastic disposable cartridges.

The green benefits of wet shaving as seen by a non-green are as follows:

1. Fewer pressurized steel containers to manufacture and to dispose of.
2. The superior slipperiness of good quality soaps and creams reduce water consumption by reducing the need to re-wet one’s face.
3. No disposable plastic razors or cartridges to send to the landfill. The thin piece of steel used for a DE blade will rust away in a few months.

Good post! I hope that I did not branch into Parts 2 and 3 too much. Looking forward to them.