3.9M views · Apr 18, 2012 · 4:28 · 3 HN recommenders · 5 mentions · discussed 2016–2025
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.
Why Hacker News points people here: HN treats it as a tiny practical life hack some adopt for good, while others mock it as peak TED.
“I actually improved my hand drying technique after the TEDx on it”HN comment, 2021
“I think about this every time I wash my hands in a public restroom with paper towels.”
Practical talk the commenter still applies in public restrooms.
Best TED talk I’ve seen: this video I think about this every time I wash my hands in a public restroom with paper towels.
“How to dry your hands with a single paper towel (so that you prevent unnecessary waste)”
Teaches drying hands with a single paper towel to cut waste.
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): this video
“I actually improved my hand drying technique after the TEDx on it”
Improved the commenter's hand-drying technique.
People are very negative about these kinds of TED talks, but I actually improved my hand drying technique after the TEDx on it: this 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.
“He should have been shaking his hands while waiting for it to dispense. Then he could use just one towel.”
Shaking hands while waiting means one towel suffices.
He should have been shaking his hands while waiting for it to dispense. Then he could use just one towel. this video
“Peak TED is actually this video on how to use one paper towel when washing your hands”
This banned TED talk is all you need to know about TED and where their motivations are: link Peak TED is actually this video on how to use one paper towel when washing your hands: this video . You mean if you shake your hands and fling water all over the bathroom then you don't need as much paper to absorb the remaining water? How revolutionary.
