The Sound of Science on WNIJ, hosted by Jasmine and Chrissy from NIU STEAM, recently tackled the environmental impact of paper hand towels versus electric hand dryers in a recent episode. Cheryl from Wisconsin sent in a question about which option was better for the environment.
When considering the sustainability of products, it’s crucial to take into account various factors such as manufacturing process, transportation, product usage, and disposal. Paper towels are single-use products that generate significant waste in landfills and within facilities where they are used. The production of paper towels requires more energy, generates more waste, and releases more pollution compared to hand dryers. On the other hand, hand dryers are made of metal and plastic materials that impact the environment during production to installation but typically last between 7 and 10 years with less toll on the environment being electricity usage. However, older models are less efficient and use more power while newer models are more energy-efficient with faster dry times and less wasted motion.
Disposing of paper towels also involves throwing them away in a plastic bag adding to the environmental impact. In conclusion, both options have environmental consequences; however, hand dryers create less waste in terms of volume and do not need to be replaced as frequently as paper towels. The hosts emphasize the importance of considering everyday choices’ environmental impacts through this insightful discussion featured on The Sound of Science on WNIJ where new knowledge is shared every day.
