Paper towels may seem harmless, but they make up 29% of UBC Okanagan’s waste, with over 28,900 pounds sent to landfills annually. Decomposing paper towels release methane, a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than CO₂. By using just 1 or 2 paper towels, you can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower emissions.
How You Can Make a Difference:
- Use Fewer Towels – Shake excess water off your hands before using just 1 or 2 folded towels for better absorbency.
- Watch and Learn – Check out Joe Smith’s TED Talk, “How to Use a Paper Towel,” for an easy technique to reduce use.
- Opt for Hand Dryers – Dyson Airblade dryers are available in most campus washrooms.
- Limit Napkin Use – Take only what you need—unused napkins often go to waste.
The Impact of Cutting Paper Towel Waste by 50%:
- 14,469 lbs of waste diverted from landfills—equivalent to the weight of 362 18-litre water jugs.
- 17,435 kWh of energy saved—enough to power a 100W bulb for 20 years.
- 1,327 lbs of CO₂ emissions reduced—comparable to a car running for 30 hours.
- 223 cubic metres of water conserved—equal to 542 days of household use.
- 61 trees saved from being cut down for paper production.
Since 2019, UBC Okanagan has been composting paper towels and napkins, further reducing landfill waste. A small change in your daily routine can have a huge environmental impact—start today!