From www.reallynatural.com:

You can find just about anything grown organically now, and cotton swabs are no exception. Organic Essentials Organic Cotton Swabs are totally biodegradable and compostable, and the packaging is made from recycled cardboard. Personally, I have difficulty finding these organic swabs in our local coop or health food store, as they are inconsistently stocked there. Ordering Organic Essentials Organic Cotton Swabs online is the only way I can be sure to always have them on stock. Of course, remember cotton swabs should not be placed in the ear canal!

Buying products made from organic cotton is not only important because of the amount of pesticides used in cotton production, but often cotton seeds are genetically modified. 50% of all of the cotton grown in the United States is genetically modified! Genetically modified cotton is resistant to the bollworm and increases production by 80%, but at what health or environmental cost? The truth is, we just don't know the potential long-term effects of GMO crops. According to Action Bioscience,

There is little scientific study about their health risks
Safety test technology is inadequate to assess potential harm
They can carry unpredictable toxins
They may increase the risk of allergenic reactions


It is better to be safe than sorry, so purchasing organically grown good whenever possible is the best choice. Smaller items, such as Organic Essentials Organic Cotton Swabs are often more affordable, and thus easier to incorporate into anyone's budget. Organic cotton is king!