How to Make the Transition from Paper Towels to Hand Dryers Easier

Sustainability has become an important topic recently since many people now want to reduce their ecological footprint, one way to do that is to transition from paper towels to hand dryers. Sometimes, it can be difficult to transition since many people can be used to paper towels. But don’t worry, since we are here to provide you with tips you can consider to make the transition process smooth.

Understand and Educate Your Employees/Customers on the Benefits of Hand Dryers

Many people may not realize the benefits of using hand dryers over paper towels. By educating them on the environmental impact of paper towel use, the cost savings of using hand dryers, and the hygiene benefits, they may be more willing to make the switch. 
Hand dryers are generally considered a better option than paper towels for a few reasons:

• Sustainability: Hand dryers are more environmentally friendly than paper towels since they don’t produce any waste. Paper towels require a lot of resources to produce, transport, and dispose of, whereas hand dryers only require electricity.
• Cost savings: Over time, hand dryers can be a more cost-effective option than paper towels. While the initial cost of installing hand dryers may be higher than the cost of purchasing paper towels, hand dryers require less maintenance and do not require constant restocking. Additionally, some hand dryers have adjustable settings that allow for greater energy efficiency, which can result in lower electricity bills.
• Hygiene: Hand dryers are generally considered a more hygienic option than paper towels because they do not require people to touch anything other than their own hands. This reduces the risk of contamination from shared surfaces like paper towel dispensers. Additionally, some facilities are now offering eco-friendly and touch-free hand drying options that use HEPA filters to remove bacteria and viruses from the air, further reducing the risk of transmission.

Choose Eco-Friendly Hand Dryers

When choosing hand dryers, it's important to choose eco-friendly options. Look for hand dryers that are energy-efficient and use less power, and also consider the materials that they are made from. There are many eco-friendly hand dryers on the market, so it's important to do your research and choose the best option for your facility.

Highlight the Importance of Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of germs and diseases. Once you wash your hands, you also need to dry them, since moisture is the best place for germs to thrive. 

By highlighting the importance of hand hygiene, you can help people understand why it's important to use hand dryers instead of paper towels. Hand dryers are more hygienic as you don't have to touch them and they have automatic sensors that can turn on once you bring your hands near. 
Make the Transition Gradually

Making a sudden switch from paper towels to hand dryers can be overwhelming for some people. Instead, consider making the transition gradually. For example, you could start by installing hand dryers in one area of your facility and gradually expand to other areas. This allows people to get used to the hand dryers gradually and can make the transition easier.

 

Get Feedback From Your Employees/Customers

Feedback from those who use the hand dryers can be valuable in making adjustments to the transition plan. Consider creating a survey or simply asking for input from employees or customers about their experience with the new equipment. Are the hand dryers easy to use? Do they dry their hands effectively? Is there anything that could be improved? Use this feedback to make adjustments as needed, and to help people feel heard and valued in the transition process.

Once you experience how beneficial hand dryers are for the environment, you’ll be more inclined to use them. In addition to being more efficient, hand dryers use less energy than paper towels. This means they can help you save money on your utility bills in the long run. Hand dryers also reduce the risk of spreading bacteria around the bathroom and making people sick, which is a benefit for everyone. 

In conclusion, transitioning from paper towels to hand dryers can be challenging, but it's important for sustainability and waste reduction. By educating your employees or customers on the benefits of hand dryers, you can make the transition easier and more successful. 

Consider these tips and make the right choice.