Jasmine and Chrissy, from NIU STEAM, host The Sound of Science on WNIJ. In a recent episode, they discussed the environmental impacts of paper hand towels versus electric hand dryers. They received a question from Cheryl in Wisconsin who asked which option was better for the environment.

When considering the environmental impacts and sustainability of products, there are several factors to take into account. These include the manufacturing process, transportation, product usage, and disposal. Hand dryers are made of metal and plastic materials, impacting the environment from production to installation. However, they typically last between 7 and 10 years, with the main toll on the environment being the electricity required to run them.

Older hand dryer models are less efficient and use more power, but newer models are more energy-efficient, with faster dry times and less wasted motion. On the other hand, paper towels are single-use products that generate a significant amount of waste in landfills and within the facility where they are used. The production of paper towels requires more energy, generates more waste, and releases more pollution compared to hand dryers.

Disposing of paper towels also involves throwing them away in a plastic bag, adding to the environmental impact. Overall, while both options have environmental consequences, hand dryers create less waste in terms of volume and do not need to be replaced as frequently as paper towels.

The hosts conclude by emphasizing the importance of considering the environmental impacts of everyday choices. This insightful discussion was featured on The Sound of Science on WNIJ, where new knowledge is shared every day.