I strive to be at the least an above average environmentalist, constantly pondering and attempting to adopt ways I can reduce my environmental footprint. But there are certain conceptions ingrained in mainstream American culture that have the annoying habit of getting in my way. One such conception is the belief that smooth legs are a sign of feminine beauty. This notion consistently thwarts my efforts to stop the entirely unnecessary, norm-induced habit of shaving my legs. I want to liberate myself from both the stigma that hairy legs are “unfeminine” or gross (after all, nature gave us hair for a reason, right?) and the wastefulness of the practice, but every time I think I’ve finally kicked the habit, an aghast inner voice tells me, “Jenny, you’re disgusting, you need to shave!” And I cave.

The origin of the practice of shaving one’s legs is debatable. Wikipedia offers a couple of possible reasons why hairless legs became a social construct of feminine beauty in some cultures. One argument states that shaving became popular in the early twentieth century as a result of the need to create sexual dimorphism as skirt hemlines started getting shorter and legs more visible. Another argument is that women were sold the idea by razor companies, which were trying to reach a larger segment of consumers. Regardless, shaving is a relatively new fad in human history, and I maintain hope that it is only a fad – one that will slowly fade away as a Zeitgeist of our time and become something that our great grandchildren will laugh at us about, just as we scoff at corsets.

 

Aside from the frivolity of shaving, the practice generates a considerable amount of waste. Disposable razors and bottles of shaving cream riddle landfills, electric razors consume unnecessary wattage, and gallons of water flow in vain - all for the sake of a smooth set of legs or armpits. Razorless methods aren’t much better. Anyone with a functional sense of smell can deduce that there are some funky chemicals in wax and depilation creams, and the Cosmetics Database can show you the source of the pungency and what it might do to your body or the environment. There’s also the fact that once you’re done with the wax or cream, the packaging must be disposed of. Laser removal requires electricity and thus is not impact-free; not to mention you’re shooting your legs with lasers! And let’s not forget that almost all of these methods involve some sort of plastic – the environmentalist’s four letter word.

 

Granted, when compared to other environmental issues such as global warming or rainforest destruction, the environmental impact of shaving is a bit dwarfed. However, I hold fast to the belief that every little measure counts in the grand scheme of things.

 

Now, I realize that not every woman is willing to give up shaving and run the risk of being pigeon-holed as either “crunchy” or “radical,” neither of which are a bad thing, of course (in fact, I’d take either as a compliment, personally). So for those out there that choose smooth legs and a smaller environmental impact, what is the most environmentally-conscious option? Is there such a thing as the eco-shave?

 

Some claim that the winner is the straight razor, i.e. the old-school barber shop blade. [1] However, this is encouraged more for men, more specifically men with a lot of patience and a steady hand. I think most women would prefer not to risk the potential damage that could result from one wrong move on their legs.

 

Other contenders in the “environmentally-conscious” category include the following (all of which can be found at New Seasons Market):

 

Recycline’s Preserve Recyclable Razors – Not only are these razors made of recycled yogurt containers and other plastics, but the handle itself is recyclable. Plus, it uses refillable razors, so there’s less to get rid of when the razor has reached its end of days.

Parissa brand waxes – Whether in strip or self-applied form, this brand gets low scores from the Cosmetics Database. However, be warned that these low scores might be a result of a lack of data or a data deficiency for the toxicity and safety of certain ingredients.

Environmentally-conscious shaving creams – If you’re not into using just plain old soap for lather, several environmentally-conscious cosmetic companies, such as Alba, Avalon, Kiss my Face and Tom’s of Maine, make shaving creams that are paraben-free, vegetarian, not tested on animals, or all of the above. On the rare occasion I shave, I use Alba’s Mango Vanilla-flavored moisturizing cream, which smells so good I have to restrain myself from tasting it.

Refillable razors – If you must use non-recyclable disposable razors, at the very least use razors with refillable blades. Please don’t make more artifacts of shaving than necessary for future generations. I should think the amount currently sitting in any given landfill is more than enough to satiate archaeologists and museum exhibits of the future.

So, to those that can’t break the habit, choose your poison and (please) turn off the shower while you shave. To those that have embraced the only truly environmentally-friendly option of abandoning the practice all together, I raise my recyclable razor to you. I’ll join you…one of these days.

 

[1]“Hirsute Yourself: On Shaving, part two.” Ask Umbra. www.grist.org. June 22, 2005.