The majority of cotton swabs these days are made using plastic for the stick. The packaging is also usually plastic. If you are looking for a greener alternative, I saw some organic cotton swabs with paper sticks and cardboard packaging at The Body Shop.
I did a bit of research on cotton swabs after noticing them washing up on the beach. I was not surprised to learn that the most common use for these things is to stick them in our ears. I was slightly surprised to read that medical professionals are telling us to stop that. If people listened to medical advice, this particular bit of plastic waste could be reduced by over 50%.
Don’t stick cotton swabs in your ears
Photo Credit : TheMuuj
As far as all the other uses for cotton swabs goes, consider alternatives like toilet paper, tissues, or cotton balls. I stopped buying cotton swabs for the family ages ago and my makeup wearing daughters have adjusted somehow.
February 7th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
When I was a kid, my pediatrician told me to NOT use swabs in my ears and she was right. I told my guy to stop doing that, but he doesn’t see the harm. I will forward him that article!
March 30th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
I recently started out building my own solar panels – I used some video guides I discovered and it’s working out fantastic!