As a nation we’re getting more and more savvy when it comes to being eco-conscious and more sustainability-minded.

Whether a reusable coffee cup has become a staple in your handbag or you’re slowly learning what can and can’t be recycled from your beauty cupboard, it seems everyone is making small changes that will have a positive impact on the planet.

It’s not just consumers getting in on the action either: beauty brands are leading the way, too. Boots recently announced its new in-store recycling scheme (which will reward you with Advantage Card points, FYI), a year ago, Holland & Barrett announced a UK ban on all wet wipes in all 800 of its stores, and SPF is becoming more environmentally friendly too.

The government is also making waves, and today [Thursday 1 October] a ban on plastic-stemmed cotton buds has come into effect in England. 

The ban also includes the supply of both plastic straws and stirrers, but they will still be available to people with medical needs.

It’s estimated that 1.8 billion cotton buds are used every single year, with 10% of them being flushed down toilets, which means they can end up in waterways and oceans, causing blockages and harm to wildlife.

So we sought out eco-friendly alternatives that can replace the plastic cotton buds you used to have sitting in your bathroom.

Here’s our round-up of what’s available…

Main image: Getty