Q-tips with PVC stick
In the US I discovered an amazing invention: the paper stick.
[amusing historical fact: originally made of wood in the twenties, the sticks became paper in 1958, churned out by british machines that had been producing them for candies]
It seems so beautiful and minimal: just structural enough to be used once, fully compostable, no artificial colors, some even unbleached. Just fulfilling the need it was created for, no more, no less.
Paper stick Q-tips - photograph by DragonWoman
Made me suddenly realize the material overkill ('unbreakable'?! - it's a Q-tip!!) and polluting consequences of the former.
A huge environmental gap between 2 almost-identical objects, isn't it?
I don't like the plastic ones either, they always looked cheap & silly!!
ReplyDeleteGo paper!
Skip the Q-tips and use an ear wax loop. It is a special tool made just for removing excess ear wax. A doctor gave me one 25 years ago and it is still going strong. Have never bought a Q-tip in all those years.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me remember that my family had a lovely ear wax spoon at home, which was a beautiful thin instrument sculpted out of wood or bamboo.
ReplyDelete