Jasmine and Chrissy from NIU STEAM discussed the environmental impacts of paper hand towels versus electric hand dryers on The Sound of Science on WNIJ. A question from Cheryl in Wisconsin about which option is better for the environment was addressed, and the duo explained that when considering the sustainability of products, factors such as manufacturing, transportation, usage, and disposal must be taken into account.
Regarding hand dryers, they mentioned the use of metal and plastic materials in their production, as well as transportation and electricity usage. Although they have a longer lifespan of 7 to 10 years, their biggest impact on the environment comes from the electricity required to run them. However, newer models are more efficient and use less power, reducing their carbon emissions.
On the other hand, paper towels are single-use items that generate a significant amount of waste both in landfills and within facilities. The production of paper towels requires more energy and generates more waste and pollution compared to hand dryers. Additionally, when disposed of in plastic bags, they add to the overall environmental impact even further.
In conclusion, while both paper hand towels and electric hand dryers have environmental impacts, electric hand dryers may be a better option in terms of sustainability due to their longer lifespan, lower energy usage, and less waste generated. Thank you for listening to The Sound of Science on WNIJ where you learn something new every day!
