Why Our School and Public Restrooms Overall Should Invest in Paper Towels
Image courtesy of nytimes.com.
The debate about which is better, paper towels or hand dryers, has been going on for a while now. However, studies suggest that paper towels are the better option when it comes to hand hygiene and environmental impact.
Firstly, paper towels are more effective at removing bacteria from hands compared to air dryers. According to a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, jet air dryers can increase the number of bacteria on hands by up to 42%. In contrast, paper towels were found to reduce bacteria on hands by up to 77%.
Secondly, paper towels are more convenient and faster than hand dryers. A study conducted by the University of Westminster found that paper towels dry hands in just 10 seconds, while air dryers take up to 45 seconds. This is especially important in public restrooms where people are often in a rush and do not have time to wait for their hands to dry.
Thirdly, paper towels are more environmentally friendly than hand dryers. While hand dryers may seem like the more sustainable option, they actually have a larger carbon footprint. The production, transportation, and disposal of paper towels account for only 20% of their carbon footprint, while the remaining 80% comes from the energy needed to power hand dryers.
Lastly, paper towels are more hygienic than hand dryers. A study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that jet air dryers can spread bacteria up to 3 meters away from the unit, contaminating other surfaces and people nearby. This can lead to the spread of illnesses and infections.
In conclusion, paper towels are the better option when it comes to hand hygiene and environmental impact. They are more effective, convenient, and hygienic than hand dryers. So, the next time you are in a public restroom or even our own school bathroom, think of what you would rather use, paper towels or hand dryers? How can this change in our school? Can this change our school’s method of drying hands in a more hygienic, convenient, and environmentally friendly way? I think that our school should do something about this topic, or at least think of ways they can change it.
