By now you should know that we have a VERY STRONG dislike for cardboard…The amount of trees and resources used are in deteriorating supply, while the polluting expenditures are inflicting major harm to the global environment. Meet cardboard’s cousin – the paper towel.
Many establishments have yet to adopt a hand-drying system that does not require paper towel – despite the paperless drying technology being very advanced. This is not to say that paperless hand drying machines are not without their detriments. Of the two choices, however, paper towel has propagated much more evidence of environmental hardship.
There are other establishments which provide both a paperless dryer as well as a paper towel dispensing option. However, much like NHL arenas over the next few months, these paperless hand dryers see very little action. Those who opt for paper towel seem to feel obligated to use half a role to rid the minute traces of moisture from their hands.
Think about the last time you washed your hands in a public washroom, how many pieces of paper towel did you use? Be honest…you are amongst friends here.
The unsettling truth is that the average person takes three or more sheets at a given time. This is done not because people hate trees (we hope), but simply because we rush around and think that the more they tear off the more that their hands will be dried. However, the exact same results can be achieved with just one square of paper towel.
Oregon’s Joe Smith – lawyer, politician and environmental cowboy – has pioneered the “SHAKE and FOLD” method. Rather than extending your freshly dowsed hands towards a fresh stack of paper towels, first shake the excess moisture off (twelve times Joe would say, although you may adopt your own method). Then take ONE sheet of paper towel. Now here’s where it gets crazy…wipe your hands on the surface then fold the sheet and wipe again. Continue to fold and wipe until dry. And yes, they will be dry!
This idea, both simple and dilettante in nature, has the capability to yield a drastic reduction in waste expenditure. Remember, some paper products can be recycled, but not paper towels. Each year there is over 13 billion pounds of paper towel used in the United States, but this number can easily be abated. Next time you’re standing over the sink remember those two key words: SHAKE and FOLD.