Epilators may be another option -- you're buying an electric device, but its years of use are probably better than all of those razors. Can't recommend one yet, as mine is still in the box. ;)

If you don't like to pull hairs, try some of the better razor blades. "Good" (more expensive) blades last a long time, if you clean them, and you only toss the blades, not the entire handle. They've lasted weeks longer than the disposable types.

There is also a brand called Preserve (link below), which uses post-consumer recycled materials in its products and is more recyclable than regular disposables. They allow consumers to mail in parts for processing.

I'd like to see what others do about this dilemma, but hope that helped some.

About a year ago, I used up my last Gillette cartridge and switched to an old (Gillette) safety razor which is close to as old as I am.

The razor is all-metal and works as well now as it did all those years ago -- a reminder of the way the U.S. used to make products. It uses blades which are just metal -- no plastic, no unrecyclable elements (except for the anti-corrosive wrapper around the blade). I use a brush with my shaving soap, but there are many "brushless creams" out there which don't all have masculine scents. No propellant, no pressurized can, and many soaps and creams come in reusable bowls or tubs.

I find it a very civilized way to shave. I get much closer shaves without irritation. Okay, shaving takes longer than it used to. But it's now a pleasure and my results are better. And, if one can restrain oneself from trying one of dozens of razors and blades and creams/soaps, it's economical, too.

Thanks for the reminder, I'm gonna look for one (razor).

I think I even have a couple of old single edge blade razors. They were used before double edged I suspect. I found my father's old shaving mug and brush in my mother's bathroom closet. You used a bar of soap with that, instead of buying aerosol cans of shave cream. Soap is just fine for me.

Perhaps surprisingly, they're not. A ten-pack of double-edged blades (enough for 8-10 weeks for most guys) at WallyWorld costs around $1.65. Even some of the fanciest (Feathers, from Japan) go for only around 50 cents each. Not bad compared to plastic cartridges at a couple of bucks apiece. :-)

I found my father's old shaving mug and brush in my mother's bathroom closet. You used a bar of soap with that, instead of buying aerosol cans of shave cream.

You will find true shaving soap (or shaving cream available in tubes and tubs) much more comfortable to shave with. Bar soap does not usually provide enough "cushion" to avoid razor irritation. But shaving soap doesn't have to be expensive, either.

On another note, I am so glad to have found a site with people just as "crunchy" as me. It is a joy to read.