Energy and environmental analysis of drying hands with a paper towel and an air machine

Abstract

[ES] Se comparará desde un punto de vista energético cómo se crean y transportan las toallas de papel, y se evaluarán los sopladores de aire caliente con diferentes. Además, la comparación medioambiental tendrá en cuenta los residuos que producen las toallas de papel y cómo afectan al medio ambiente, y las emisiones de efecto invernadero de ambos métodos.

[EN] This study addresses two primary objectives: comparing the environmental impact of paper towels and air hand drying machines throughout their lifecycle showing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and evaluating public awareness and willingness to embrace eco-friendly hand-drying methods. Scientific papers are used to represent the Life Cycle Assessment by collecting data from them. In order to evaluate the second objective, using the data gathered form the papers a survey is crated. Data analysis is done in Excel to create correlations and compare the answers. The scientific papers findings highlight that paper towels (PT), regardless of material, exert the most substantial environmental impact, while hand drying machines (HADM) offer greener alternatives. The survey reveals that demographic factors like education and generation have influence on knowledge about hand-drying methods, and a significant proportion of the population is open to modifying behaviors for enhanced energy and environmental outcomes. The study concludes that the paper towels are much more harmful and public's receptiveness reflects an increasing awareness of the European Union's 'Green Plan' objectives for 2050. Overall, this research yields valuable insights into the environmental ramifications of hand-drying methods and public inclinations toward adopting more sustainable practices.