It’s funny to see how much my habits and my values have changed over the years! I’ve made the hugest efforts to go environmentally-friendly in so many areas of my home and my beauty products!

Yet for the longest time, I resisted taking the steps to give up my disposable razor head addiction. Y’all, I was a Schick Intuition devotee. But the little plastic razor heads, and all their unbelievably excessive plastic packaging, were just staring at me, filling me with guilt while I tried to enjoy my silky smooth legs.

It’s not a trivial issue to obsess over. A widely circulated figure by Environmental Protection Agency estimates that over two billion plastic razors and cartridges are discarded annually in the U.S. alone. GASP! Even more wince-worthy, they are not recyclable — municipal recycling programs in the U.S. will not accept them because they are sharp objects made of mixed materials. (This article explains the layered recycling issues with razors in more depth, though recycling is hardly a perfect solution, regardless.) So where do they end up? In landfills, or in the ocean, to live on this planet until the end of time.

It was time for me to make a change.

Part of my hesitation to change my habits was my fear of the alternatives — I’d read enough zero-waste blog posts about safety razors to know I was terrified of them. Enter Well Kept- located in Vancouver, this sustainable brand has an awesome safety razor! It may seem intimidating at first, but with its single sharp blade, the safety razor provides a close shave while reducing irritation. The brass handle is made to last, reduces plastic waste, and is more cost effective over time.

The weighted handle allows you to shave without applying any pressure, again, reducing irritation and occurrence of in-grown hairs is dramatically reduced! This razor is designed to last a lifetime! Plus it is very easy on the eyes! (comes in cream, dusty rose, or black) The razor and blades are plastic free plus the blades are recyclable and the packaging of both blades and razor are recyclable!

Replacement blades are a fraction of the cost (They sell them for $0.70 vs. multi-blade cartridges that cost between $3-7) Although initially more expensive, after only two years, you will save at least $25 (the more you shave, the more you save) After five years that number increases to over $145! So this is very cost effective!

A sustainable alternative.

Food for thought:

If everyone in Vancouver discarded one razor cartridge a week it would equate to approximately 2497 tonnes per year – that’s equivalent to 379 garbage trucks. You can imagine how quickly that number grows when you consider all of Canada, North America or even the world. A seemingly tiny object we use briefly and toss away has dire consequences when you consider the global scale.

Getting the razor heads in is simple too! There’s a little instructional sheet that arrives with your package, or you can reference this for even more guidance. How often you’ll have to change them really depends on how often you shave and how thick your hair is! My hair is super thick!

My Intuition with shaving cream built-in was so easy, it literally took seconds to shave. With Well Kept, I have slowed down a little, but now that I’m used to it, shaving feels like a breeze again. At first I thought I needed to press harder to get a great shave, but the opposite is true — I needed to loosen up. Remember to let the let the brass handle's weight do all the work for you, no need for any pressure! Full disclosure: I did cut myself twice while getting the hang of things. But it was worth it, seriously! And I really enjoy taking some time here again…..there can be a real art in shaving!

I love the Well kept Shaving Oil too! Their almond based shave oil pairs with well kept’s safety razor ! It provides a smooth shave and hydrates your skin simultaneously. Added argan oil, vitamin E and rosemary essential oil reduce skin irritation and help with moisture retention.

This combo makes shaving more of a beauty ritual then a chore!!!

I also love the Agave Exfoliating Cloth! Well Kept’s biodegradable agave exfoliating cloth is the perfect way to help soften skin before shaving with a safety razor.

Furthermore, the agave exfoliating cloth is part of a stewardship program that helps to provide in-school lunches to impoverished children in Mexico. Such a win-win!

The safety razor kit will make a gorgeous Holiday gift!

Well Kept’s safety razor kit comes in a beautiful wooden box and includes:
– brass safety razor (cream)
– 4 oz shave oil
– agave exfoliating cloth
– pack of 5 blades

Add some beautiful Soaking Salt’s too!

I love Well Kept’s Ivory Soaking Salts! They are all natural bath salts offer a soothing and relaxing aromatherapy ritual. Epsom salts help to relieve pain and soften skin while peppermint and marigold assist in decreasing inflammation, soothing muscles, and reducing stress.

Check out Well Kept and receive 10% off your first order by clicking here.

Happy relaxing! Happy shaving! Happy Earth!