San Francisco
Cotton Balls, Q-tips, & Swabs
Instructions
Toss used cotton balls, Q-tips, and swabs in the compost bin. If the Q-tips or swabs have a plastic stem, put in the landfill bin.
Alternatives
Use Q-tips and swabs without a plastic stem, look for organic cotton, or consider reusable make-up pads.
Facts
Growing cotton is energy and water intensive. It's also considered one of the dirtiest crops due to its reliance on insecticides and other chemicals that decrease biodiversity and contaminate local water sources.