Are Hairy Legs Green?

Actually yeah they are. If you don’t mind going leg commando, hairy legs have smooth legs beat, at least on the eco-front. Some research notes that as many as 2 billion razors get tossed into the landfill yearly. Since, by now we all know that plastic razors won’t biodegrade, that sort of sucks a lot. Secondly, plenty of those shaving creams and gels contain icky chemicals and come in plastic bottles which some of us need to be better about recycling.

Still, I know some of us like to shave (even me). I went through a eco-feminist deal where I didn’t shave for years, but when I moved to New Mexico it was so damn hot I had to shave – I mean, as in so hot you want to shave not only your legs but maybe your head too. At that point I looked for eco-shaving options like…

• Shaving less – you can shave, but the fewer times you shave the less resources you use.
• Shave with the water off. Soak your legs as you scrub then turn the water off and shave.
• Use an electric razor. Eco-destruction caused by plastic is far worse than the tiny amount of energy you’ll use with an electric razor
• For the very brave, use an old school razor – you know, the type with a longer lasting metal and replaceable blade.
• Buy recycled razors. Sadly there aren’t so many around. I LOVE the Preserve company. However, in my smack down, Eco vs. Conventional: the Preserve Razor faces the Gillette Razor, Gillette won for function. I’m still looking and considering giving Preserve another shot though.

Shaving cream:

There are so many good good natural, organic, non-toxic, and non aerosol shaving creams on the market today that it’s silly to use anything else. My favorite hands down is vedaDUDE Glide Organic Shave Gel. But you can also try checking Skin Deep for some excellent non-toxic shaving cream and gel choices. Your local natural foods store, co-op, or organic section of the grocery store will have lots more options as well.

Do you shave your legs? What products are your faves?