I started using a round bar of shaving soap in a mug when I was a teenager just because I thought it was pretty neat. That was long before the popular green movement. Now everyone wants to know how to go green and I've still got the same brush and mug. Give it a try.

• If you try it and you don't get enough lather, use less water in your brush.
• If your beard is still too tough to comfortably shave off, buy a better brand of shaving soap. My supermarket has three brands, all cheap and acceptable. Believe it or not, you can buy some pretty snazzy stuff too. Check this out for choice.
  
• Want to go greener? Make your own soap. It's easy. Here's one way to do it.
• By the way, you don't even need a brush. Just get the bar fully lathered in your hands and smear it on. I prefer a brush, however.