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Publication Date
2007-12
Document Type
Capstone
Study Type
EVS 300
Department
Environmental Science and Policy
Advisors
David Smith
Abstract
Smith College currently uses recycled brown paper towels in its restrooms. We are examining whether hand dryers would be more economical and environmentally friendly. After finding the college’s current paper towel usage and interviewing several individuals on campus, we were able to calculate the energy and cost of one person drying their hands one time. Three products were examined; recycled paper towels, the Lexan a “normal” hand dryer, and the Xlerator a “green” hand dryer. We found that Xlerator Hand Dryers produced by the Excel Dryer company are the most energy efficient and economically efficient product. Recycled paper towels which Smith College is currently using were found to most energy intensive product and to approximately cost the same as a normal hand dryer per use. These findings will hopefully encourage change of recycled paper towels usage to the use of Xlerator hand dryers in the Smith College restrooms.
Rights
© 2007; Kim Wilson
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Kim, "Should Smith Throw in the Towel? Hand Dryers v Paper Towels" (2007). Capstone, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/other_projects/105
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