How to use one paper towel | Joe Smith | TEDxConcordiaUPortland
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN treats it as a tiny practical life hack some adopt for good, while others mock it as peak TED.
What it is
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.
Recommended by 3 HN commenters across 3 different months, 2016 to 2025.
What Hacker News said
Strong rec snowwrestler · 2025-02 · on “Chris Anderson Is Giving Ted Away to Whoever Has the Best Idea for Its Future”
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.
Recommends leto_ii · 2019-11 · on “Ask HN: What's the most valuable thing you can learn in an hour?”
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]
Recommends Someone1234 · 2021-04 · on “The “Granny Knot””
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.
Cites nytesky · 2025-01 · on “We moved to the old Sun campus, I noticed the towel dispensers had a delay timer”
He should have been shaking his hands while waiting for it to dispense. Then he could use just one towel. [this video]
Critical minikites · 2016-02 · on “We Are Now at Peak TED”
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.