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How to use one paper towel | Joe Smith | TEDxConcordiaUPortland

TEDx Talks · 3.9M views · 2012-04-18 · 4:28

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Overview

A short TEDx talk by Joe Smith teaching how to dry your hands with a single paper towel. It shows a simple technique for cutting waste.

On Hacker News

HN treats it as a tiny practical life hack some adopt for good, while others mock it as peak TED.

Recommended by 3 HN people across 3 months · HN mentions 2016–2025

Topics

Environment, agriculture & food systemsHome, DIY & practical skills
Search by tags
tedxlife hackhand dryingwaste reductionsustainability

What people said

snowwrestler · 2025-02 · Strong recommendation

Best TED talk I’ve seen: [VIDEO] I think about this every time I wash my hands in a public restroom with paper towels.

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Someone1234 · 2021-04 · Recommendation

People are very negative about these kinds of TED talks, but I actually improved my hand drying technique after the TEDx on it: [VIDEO] That and using the back of my hand/arm to push off the water from my body after a shower keep our towels much dryer and nicer.

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leto_ii · 2019-11 · Recommendation

Two quick things from back when TED talks were actually interesting/useful: 1. How to tie your shoes the right way (so the knot doesn't come undone): [LINK] 2. How to dry your hands with a single paper towel (so that you prevent unnecessary waste): [VIDEO]

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Sources

Video by TEDx Talks, played through YouTube.

Data and selection notes

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